from a compound of Α (as a negative particle) and φαίνω (compare ἐξαίφνης) (meaning non-apparent); unexpected, i.e. (adverbially) suddenly:--sudden, unawares.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **aiphnídios**, represented by `{{G160}}`, is a term for that which is **unexpected** or **sudden**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from a compound meaning "non-apparent," it describes an event that happens without warning or prior sign. It is used adverbially to convey the concepts of "sudden" and "unawares."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G160}}` appears in eschatological warnings about a coming day of judgment. In [[1 Thessalonians 5:3]], it describes the **sudden** destruction that will come upon those who are claiming "Peace and safety," an arrival as unexpected as the **travail** upon a woman with child. Similarly, in [[Luke 21:34]], believers are warned to take heed, lest that day come upon them **unawares** because their hearts are preoccupied with the cares of this life.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which `{{G160}}` is used:
* `{{G2186}}` **ephístēmi** (to stand upon, i.e. be present... come (in, to, unto, upon)): This verb describes the action of the event arriving, as it "cometh upon" people suddenly [[1 Thessalonians 5:3]] or "come upon" them unawares [[Luke 21:34]].
* `{{G3639}}` **ólethros** (ruin, i.e. death, punishment:--destruction): This word defines what comes suddenly in [[1 Thessalonians 5:3]], linking the unexpected nature of the event to its calamitous outcome of **destruction**.
* `{{G5604}}` **ōdín** (a pang or throe, especially of childbirth:--pain, sorrow, travail): Used in [[1 Thessalonians 5:3]], this word provides a powerful simile for the sudden and inescapable nature of the destruction.
* `{{G803}}` **aspháleia** (security (literally or figuratively):--certainty, safety): This term highlights the false sense of **safety** that precedes the sudden event in [[1 Thessalonians 5:3]].
* `{{G925}}` **barýnō** (to burden (figuratively):--overcharge): This describes the spiritual state in [[Luke 21:34]] where hearts are **overcharged**, making them vulnerable to being caught unawares.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G160}}` is centered on the theme of divine judgment and the need for spiritual readiness.
* **The Nature of Judgment:** The use of `{{G160}}` emphasizes that the final judgment will be swift and unexpected. It is described as a **sudden** destruction from which people shall not escape [[1 Thessalonians 5:3]].
* **A Warning Against Complacency:** The word serves as a stark warning against a false sense of security. The destruction arrives precisely when people are proclaiming "Peace and **safety**," interrupting human complacency [[1 Thessalonians 5:3]].
* **A Call for Vigilance:** The warning in [[Luke 21:34]] is to "take heed" so that day does not "come upon you **unawares**." This directly connects a lack of spiritual watchfulness with the danger of being caught by the sudden arrival of that day.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G160}}` is more than a simple descriptor of time. It is a critical theological term used to convey the unexpected nature of God's judgment. Paired with words for destruction and false security, it warns against spiritual unpreparedness. It illustrates how a single adverb can underscore a profound biblical truth: the necessity of vigilance in light of a day that will arrive suddenly and without notice.
TRV