Lexical Summary exapina: Suddenly Original Word: ἐξαίφνης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance suddenly. From ek and a derivative of the same as aiphnidios; of a sudden, i.e. Unexpectedly -- suddenly. Compare exaiphnes. see GREEK ek see GREEK aiphnidios see GREEK exaiphnes NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ek and a derivation of the same as aiphnidios Definition suddenly NASB Translation all at once (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1819: ἐξάπιναἐξάπινα (a somewhat rare later Greek form for ἐξαπίνης, ἐξαίφνης, which see (Winers Grammar, § 2, 1 d.)), adverb, suddenly: Mark 9:8. (the Sept.; Jamblichus, Zonaras ( Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 1819 occurs only once in the New Testament, in Mark 9:8, conveying the idea of an event that breaks upon human awareness without warning. Though rare in the Greek text, the notion of a sudden, decisive divine action is a familiar thread running through both Testaments, underscoring the Lord’s sovereign freedom to act at His chosen moment. Usage in Scripture Mark 9:8: “Suddenly, when they looked around, they saw no one with them except Jesus.” Here, the adverb describes the swift disappearance of Moses and Elijah after the Transfiguration. The timing is not merely narrative flourish; it highlights a theological turn—from a dazzling, multifaceted revelation to an immediate focus on Christ alone. No other New Testament verse employs this exact word, yet the motif of God acting “suddenly” recurs elsewhere (e.g., Exodus 19:16; Isaiah 48:3; Acts 2:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:3), knitting Mark’s moment into the broader biblical pattern of abrupt divine interventions. Narrative Context of Mark 9 The Transfiguration answers the disciples’ confusion following Jesus’ prediction of His suffering (Mark 8:31). The sudden shift in verse 9:8 seals the experience: the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) withdraw, leaving the Messiah central. The speed of the change underscores that the era of preparatory revelation has yielded to its fulfillment in Jesus. The disciples’ subsequent silence (Mark 9:10) shows they grasp the gravity but not yet the full meaning of what has just “suddenly” occurred. Resonance with Old Testament Theophanies Sudden divine manifestations characterize Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16) and prophetic visions (Ezekiel 1:4). In each, God controls the timetable, underscoring human dependence on revelation rather than discovery. Mark’s single use of 1819 intentionally summons this background: the God who once descended on Sinai now stands revealed in the incarnate Son. Christological Implications The abrupt vanishing of Moses and Elijah testifies that Jesus alone embodies and surpasses previous revelation. The Father’s preceding command, “Listen to Him!” (Mark 9:7), coupled with the sudden visual reduction to Christ alone, cements the exclusive authority of the Son. The disciples will later preach a gospel that insists on the sufficiency of Christ without supplemental mediators (Acts 4:12; Colossians 2:17). Eschatological Foretaste Throughout Scripture, suddenness often marks end-time events: “For as lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man” (Matthew 24:27). Mark 9 anticipates this pattern; the brief unveiling and swift withdrawal foreshadow the sudden return of the glorified Lord, encouraging readiness (2 Peter 3:10). Historical and Cultural Considerations First-century readers were accustomed to omens and portents interpreted through gradual signs. By contrast, the gospel writers emphasize God’s unexpected in-breaking, challenging human attempts to predict or manage divine activity. Mark 9:8 models an early Christian conviction: revelation is God-initiated and therefore may arrive without human scheduling. Pastoral and Homiletical Application 1. Fixation on Christ alone: Just as the disciples’ eyes were refocused, believers today are called to strip away distractions—however good or venerable—and return to exclusive devotion to Jesus. Reflection for Contemporary Discipleship Strong’s 1819, though hidden in a single verse, crystallizes an essential discipleship lesson: God’s pivotal work often arrives unannounced, demanding readiness and single-hearted focus on Jesus. Believers who cultivate watchfulness and obedience will find that, whatever else fades from view, “they saw no one with them except Jesus.” Forms and Transliterations εξαπινα εξάπινα ἐξάπινα εξαπίνης exapina exápinaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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