στιγμή

a point of time, an instant

Definition

The Greek word στιγμή (stigmē) refers to an extremely brief, indivisible unit of time—a moment, an instant, or a point in time. It denotes a flash or a 'twinkling' of an eye, emphasizing the suddenness and brevity of an event. In its single New Testament occurrence in Luke 4:5, it describes the instantaneous nature of the devil's action in showing Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. While not used elsewhere in the New Testament, the concept of an indivisible moment is consistent with its usage in other Greek literature.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 4:5, within the narrative of Jesus's temptation in the wilderness. The devil 'showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time (ἐν στιγμῇ χρόνου).' Here, στιγμή emphasizes the supernatural speed and fleeting nature of the visionary display, contrasting the vast scope of the kingdoms with the instantaneous manner of their presentation. This singular usage highlights a sudden, decisive point within a narrative sequence.

Etymology

Derived from the verb στίζω (stizō), meaning 'to prick' or 'to mark,' στιγμή originally referred to a 'point' or 'dot,' such as a mark made by a pointed instrument. From this concrete sense of a spatial point, its meaning extended metaphorically to denote a 'point' in time—an indivisible instant. This development mirrors the English concept of a 'point in time' originating from a spatial dot. It is related to the English word 'stigma,' which comes from the same root, originally meaning a mark or brand.

Semantic Range

While used only once, στιγμή contributes to the theological theme of divine sovereignty over time and the sudden inbreaking of spiritual reality. In Luke 4:5, the instantaneous vision underscores the supernatural and deceptive nature of the temptation, presenting a false offer of immediate glory contrary to God's ordained path of suffering and patience. The word reminds readers that pivotal spiritual encounters and divine revelations can occur in a flash, challenging human perceptions of time and process. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the contrast between the devil's offer of instant, worldly authority and Jesus's commitment to the Father's longer, redemptive timeline.

In ancient Greek thought, time was often conceptualized in two primary ways: χρόνος (chronos) as sequential, measurable duration, and καιρός (kairos) as a decisive or opportune moment. Στιγμή represents the smallest conceivable unit within χρόνος—an atom of time. This cultural understanding of an indivisible instant would resonate with readers familiar with philosophical discussions about the nature of time. The word's origin from 'a prick' or 'point' made it a vivid metaphor for something exceedingly brief and precise, much like the modern idiom 'in the blink of an eye.'

καιρός (kairos, G2540) — denotes a decisive, appointed, or opportune moment, often with a qualitative sense, whereas στιγμή is a purely quantitative, brief instant. χρόνος (chronos, G5550) — refers to sequential, linear time or duration, in contrast to στιγμή as a point within that duration. ἄτομος (atomos) — a contemporaneous Greek term meaning 'indivisible' or 'instant,' closely overlapping in meaning with στιγμή but not used in the New Testament.

Word Details

Scripture References