In the context of the Bible, the term "moment" often signifies a brief, fleeting period of time. It is used to convey the suddenness or brevity of an event or experience. The concept of a moment is significant in Scripture, as it underscores the transient nature of life and the immediacy of divine intervention or judgment.

Biblical Usage:

1. Suddenness of Change or Transformation:
· In 1 Corinthians 15:52, the Apostle Paul describes the transformation of believers at the resurrection: "in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." Here, "moment" emphasizes the rapid and decisive nature of this future event.

2. Divine Judgment and Deliverance:
· Isaiah 26:20 speaks of a moment in the context of divine judgment: "Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves for a little while until the wrath has passed by." The "little while" suggests a momentary period of divine wrath, after which deliverance comes.

3. Human Life and Its Fleeting Nature:
· The brevity of human life is often likened to a moment. James 4:14 states, "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." This passage highlights the transient nature of human existence, urging believers to live with an eternal perspective.

4. Suffering and Glory:
· In 2 Corinthians 4:17, Paul contrasts momentary afflictions with eternal glory: "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison." The use of "momentary" underscores the temporary nature of earthly suffering in light of the eternal reward.

Theological Implications:

The concept of a moment in Scripture serves as a reminder of the urgency and immediacy of spiritual readiness. Believers are called to be vigilant and prepared for the return of Christ, which will occur suddenly, "like a thief in the night" (1 Thessalonians 5:2). The fleeting nature of a moment also encourages Christians to focus on eternal values rather than temporary, worldly concerns.

Furthermore, the idea of a moment highlights God's sovereignty and the swift execution of His will. Whether in judgment or blessing, God's actions can transform situations instantaneously, demonstrating His power and authority over time and creation.

In summary, the biblical use of "moment" conveys the transient nature of life, the suddenness of divine action, and the importance of living with an eternal perspective.

A Moment's Flashing Glance of Half-Amused Dismay at Angela...
... A moment's flashing glance of half-amused dismay at Angela? A moment's flashing
glance of half-amused dismay at Angela, and the Comtesse Sylvie had vanished. ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xii a moments flashing glance.htm

Once More, that I Might Close up this Point with an Infinite ...
... Once more, that I might close up this point with an infinite wonder: As among divines,
it is said, That every moment's preservation is a new creation: and ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/91 once more that i.htm

Letter xii. Improvement of Time. Present Obligation.
... A very common fault lies in not estimating the value of a moment. ... Nothing,
then, is duty except what can be done at the present moment. ...
/.../letter xii improvement of time.htm

The Great Question and the Plain Answer
... is going down, of turning away from unwholesome subjects just because we know them
to be so unwelcome and threatening, and of buying a moment's exemption from ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the great question and the.htm

David Appointing Solomon
... under Adonijah's feet by sending for the three who had remained true to him"Nathan,
Benaiah, and Zadok"and despatching them without a moment's delay to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david appointing solomon.htm

Imperial Caesar
... "Last night you wasted hours to spite me. To-day you begrudge me a moment's
talk with a lovely wayfarer. Or is it because she prefers me? ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter vii imperial caesar.htm

Memento Mori
... While I am thinking of the multitudes of miles over which the fiery wheels are rimming,
I may be in a minute, without a moment's warning, sent down to the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/memento mori.htm

The Open Grave at Bethany
... Most sweetly human are the tears that start afresh after the moment's repression,
as the little company begin to move towards the grave. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the open grave at bethany.htm

The Hallowing of Work and of Rest
... Then come the stir of the ordering of the ranks, and a moment's pause, during which
the leader lifts his voice"'Rise, Lord, and let Thine enemies be scattered ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the hallowing of work and.htm

Greek and Jew
... For a moment ambition struggled nobly in the breast of the man that overlooked
it. ... Without a moment's hesitation, the Ephesian approached. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter viii greek and jew.htm

Moment's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Moment's (1 Occurrence). Job 10:20 Aren't my days few?
Cease then. Leave me alone, that I may find a little comfort, (See NIV). ...
/m/moment's.htm - 6k

Evolution
... just excluded. A moment's reflection will make it clear that such a view
can never secure a place in the realm of pure science. The ...
/e/evolution.htm - 39k

Momentary (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Done in a moment; lasting a very short time; as,
a momentary pang. Multi-Version Concordance Momentary (3 Occurrences). ...
/m/momentary.htm - 7k

Monarchs (1 Occurrence)

/m/monarchs.htm - 6k

Absalom (93 Occurrences)
... The latter without a moment's hesitation, notwithstanding David's positive
orders, thrust three darts into the heart of Absalom. ...
/a/absalom.htm - 50k

Election (6 Occurrences)
... which on the other hand condemn and preclude, for the humble disciple, so gross
a misuse of the doctrine as would let it justify one moment's presumption upon ...
/e/election.htm - 26k

Proper (62 Occurrences)
... is great," Zerahiah "Yahweh hath risen in splendor," Jehozadak "Yahweh is righteous,"
and Joel, if a compound name, "Yah is God." A moment's reflection makes ...
/p/proper.htm - 57k

Names (133 Occurrences)
... is great," Zerahiah "Yahweh hath risen in splendor," Jehozadak "Yahweh is righteous,"
and Joel, if a compound name, "Yah is God." A moment's reflection makes ...
/n/names.htm - 101k

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