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ῥιπή

rhipḗ

G4493 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A rapid motion, flick, or sudden movement; specifically, an instant or a very brief span of time, often metaphorically as 'the blink (of an eye)'. In context, especially in the New Testament, denotes a momentary interval, as rapid as an eye can move or flicker.

Semantic Range

flick, sudden movement, rapid motion, instant, brief moment, twinkling (of an eye), blink (of an eye), extremely short period

Root / Etymology

From the verb ῥίπτω (to throw, to hurl, to cast), with suffix -ή forming a feminine noun denoting the action or result of the verb. Related to the concept of quick movement or a sudden act.

Historical & Contextual Notes

ῥιπή is a rare noun in Greek literature, typically denoting a quick motion, such as a toss, flick, or rapid movement. In classical usage, the noun could indicate a physical blow or throw, but it is exceptionally rare. In the Hellenistic and Koine period, and notably in 1 Corinthians 15:52, it appears in the idiom 'in the twinkling (ῥιπὴ) of an eye', expressing a figurative sense of absolute rapidity — the barest possible moment. Standard English translations such as 'twinkling' or 'blink' of an eye attempt to capture this figure, but may obscure the root idea of a rapid movement, rather than light or sparkle. The term shifts away from literal rapid movement ('throwing, hurling') to idiomatic reference for a very short duration. No significant difference in sense between Septuagint and New Testament, as its occurrence is almost entirely restricted to later Hellenistic usage and metaphor.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ῥίπτω; a jerk (of the eye, i.e. (by analogy) an instant):--twinkling.

Root Family

ῥιπή (rhipē) — flick, sudden movement, rapid motion, instant

Root ῥιπ- to throw, to hurl, to cast

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4493-01 ῥιπῇ ripe N DAT F SG twinkling in a sudden flick a sudden flick 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4493-01 1 Corinthians 15:52 ῥιπῇ ripe N DAT F SG twinkling in a sudden flick a sudden flick
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