Topical Encyclopedia
The term "twinkling" is most notably referenced in the New Testament, specifically in the context of eschatological events. The Apostle Paul uses this term in his first letter to the Corinthians to describe the suddenness and rapidity of the transformation that will occur at the resurrection of the dead and the rapture of the living believers at the return of Christ.
Biblical Reference:1 Corinthians 15:52 : "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."
In this passage, "twinkling of an eye" is used to convey the immediacy and swiftness of the event. The Greek word translated as "twinkling" is "rhipe," which suggests a rapid movement or a flicker, akin to the blink of an eye. This metaphor emphasizes the sudden and unexpected nature of the transformation that believers will undergo, highlighting the power and sovereignty of God in orchestrating the end times.
Theological Significance:The use of "twinkling" in this context underscores the hope and assurance that Christians have in the promise of resurrection and eternal life. It reflects the belief in the imminent return of Christ, a core tenet of Christian eschatology. The transformation "in the twinkling of an eye" signifies the completion of God's redemptive plan, where mortality is swallowed up by immortality, and believers are fully conformed to the image of Christ.
Related Concepts:·
Resurrection: The doctrine of the resurrection is central to Christian faith, affirming that just as Christ was raised from the dead, so too will all believers be raised to eternal life. The "twinkling of an eye" moment is a pivotal aspect of this belief, marking the transition from the temporal to the eternal.
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Rapture: In some Christian traditions, the "twinkling of an eye" is associated with the rapture, where believers are caught up to meet the Lord in the air. This event is characterized by its suddenness and is often linked with the sounding of the "last trumpet."
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Eschatology: The study of end times, or eschatology, encompasses the events described in
1 Corinthians 15:52. The "twinkling of an eye" is a key element in understanding the sequence and nature of these future events as revealed in Scripture.
Practical Implications:For believers, the concept of the "twinkling of an eye" serves as a reminder to live in readiness and anticipation of Christ's return. It encourages a life of holiness and devotion, knowing that the fulfillment of God's promises could occur at any moment. This expectation fosters a sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel and living out one's faith in a world that is transient and fleeting.
In summary, the "twinkling of an eye" is a powerful biblical metaphor that captures the sudden and transformative nature of the resurrection and the return of Christ. It is a source of hope and encouragement for believers, affirming the certainty of God's promises and the ultimate victory over death.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Twinkle.
2. (n.) The act of one who, or of that which, twinkles; a quick movement of the eye; a wink; a twinkle.
3. (n.) A shining with intermitted light; a scintillation; a sparkling; as, the twinkling of the stars.
4. (n.) The time of a wink; a moment; an instant.
Greek
4493. rhipe -- any rapid movement, spec. atwinkling (of lights or...... a
twinkling (of lights or the eye). Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration:
rhipe Phonetic Spelling: (hree-pay') Short Definition: a glance, twinkle (of
...Library
The Man who Owed Many Talents.
... as also it is written in Ezekiel, to those who are appointed to attend to punishments,
"Begin ye with My saints;" [6105] and it is like "thetwinkling of an eye...
Every Corporeal Conception must be Rejected, in Order that it May...
... darkness of corporeal images and the clouds of phantasms will put themselves in
the way, and will disturb that calm which at the firsttwinkling shone forth to...
John is Rather to be Understood of Our Perfect Likeness with the...
... of God." [929] And the immortality of the flesh will be perfected in that moment
of the resurrection, of which the Apostle Paul says, "In thetwinkling of an...
The General Resurrection
... We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed; in a moment, in thetwinkling
of an eye, at the last trump,.... In a moment, in thetwinkling of an eye. IV....
The Death of Death
... In a moment, in thetwinkling of an eye, at the last trump, (for the trumpet shall
sound;) and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed...
To those who Say, "If the Resurrection is a Thing Excellent and...
... back to the opposite end where he says, "Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall
not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in thetwinkling of an...
1 Cor. xv. 47
... be transformed into incorruption.". Ver.52. "In a moment, in thetwinkling
of an eye, at the last trump.". After he had discoursed...
The Power of Christ Illustrated by the Resurrection
... be like him, for we shall see him as he is." Here we dwell in this body of our
humiliation, but it shall undergo a change, "in a moment, in thetwinkling of an...
The Apostles Referred to the Redeemer's Return in the Language of...
... Said he, "Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all
be changed in a moment, in thetwinkling of an eye" (1:Cor.15:51, 52)....
Faustus Quotes Passages to Show that the Apostle Paul Abandoned...
... I show you a mystery; we shall not all be changed, but we shall all rise." [386]
Then he shows who are to be changed: "In a moment, in thetwinkling of an eye...
Thesaurus
Twinkling (1 Occurrence)... 3. (n.) A shining with intermitted light; a scintillation; a sparkling; as, the
twinkling of the stars.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Twinkling (1 Occurrence).
...Moment (71 Occurrences)
... parautika, immediately," "forthwith"): "Moment" is not used in Scripture for a division
of time, but for an instant of time, as the wink ortwinkling of the...
Twins (9 Occurrences)
Twined (25 Occurrences)
Imperishable (11 Occurrences)
... is imperishable. (WEY NAS RSV NIV). 1 Corinthians 15:52 in a moment, in the
twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet...
Incapable (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 15:52 in a moment, in thetwinkling of an eye, at the sounding of
the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised...
Instant (19 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 15:52 in an instant, in thetwinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet;
for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible...
Incorruptible (8 Occurrences)
... incorruptible. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). 1 Corinthians 15:52 in a moment,
in thetwinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the...
Trumpet (74 Occurrences)
... for war? (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NIV). 1 Corinthians 15:52 in a moment,
in thetwinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the...
Trump (2 Occurrences)
... See MUSIC. Multi-Version Concordance Trump (2 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 15:52
in a moment, in thetwinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet....
Resources
What is the blessed hope? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is glorification? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming? | GotQuestions.orgTwinkling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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