### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **exaíphnēs**, represented by `{{G1810}}`, means of a sudden or unexpectedly. Derived from ἐκ `{{G1537}}`, it emphasizes an event that erupts from an external source without warning. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses**, consistently highlighting moments of abrupt and unforeseen change.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G1810}}` marks pivotal moments of spiritual intervention. It describes the appearance of the heavenly host to the shepherds, where a multitude of angels was **suddenly** present with the first angel, praising God [[Luke 2:13]]. The word is used twice to describe the dramatic conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus, where **suddenly** a light from heaven shone around him ([[Acts 9:3]], [[Acts 22:6]]). It is also used to describe a spiritual attack, where a spirit takes a man and he **suddenly** cries out [[Luke 9:39]]. Finally, it serves as a warning of Christ's return, urging believers to remain watchful lest he come **suddenly** [[Mark 13:36]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the context of these sudden events:
* `{{G1537}}` **ek** (from, out of): As a root of `{{G1810}}`, this preposition denotes origin. It highlights that the sudden event comes "from" an external source, such as the great light that shone **from** heaven during Saul's conversion [[Acts 22:6]].
* `{{G5457}}` **phōs** (light): This word is frequently associated with the sudden divine interruptions described by `{{G1810}}`. In the accounts of Saul's conversion, a **light** from heaven is what **suddenly** appears, signifying a moment of divine revelation [[Acts 9:3]].
* `{{G2064}}` **érchomai** (to come or go): This word for "coming" is paired with `{{G1810}}` to create a sense of impending, unscheduled arrival. It is used in the warning to believers to be ready for the master's return, lest **coming** suddenly he find them unprepared [[Mark 13:36]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1810}}` underscores the unpredictable nature of the spiritual realm's interaction with the physical world.
* **Divine Revelation:** The word is used to signal moments of direct divine disclosure. The **suddenly** appearing angelic host at the nativity [[Luke 2:13]] and the light on the Damascus road [[Acts 9:3]] are unannounced, sovereign acts of God breaking into human history.
* **Spiritual Urgency:** Its use in parables and warnings emphasizes the need for constant spiritual readiness. Believers are called to live in a state of watchfulness precisely because the final accounting can come **suddenly**, without any prior signal [[Mark 13:36]].
* **Supernatural Encounters:** The term is not limited to holy events. It also describes the terrifying and abrupt nature of demonic affliction, as when a spirit seizes a man and he **suddenly** cries out, showing the violent and unexpected reality of spiritual conflict [[Luke 9:39]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1810}}` is a word that signifies more than mere speed; it conveys the complete lack of expectation preceding a momentous event. Whether announcing the arrival of a heavenly host, marking a life-altering divine encounter, or warning of a future return, **exaíphnēs** reminds the reader that the most significant spiritual realities can manifest in an instant, demanding a response of either awe or readiness.
TRV