feminine of στίγμα; a point of time, i.e. an instant:--moment.
Transliteration:stigmḗ
Pronunciation:stig-may'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term stigmḗ (`{{G4743}}`) is a feminine noun derived from stigma (`{{G4742}}`), which primarily denotes a "pricked mark" or "brand." This etymological root is crucial for understanding stigmḗ's temporal meaning. Just as a stigma is a singular point or mark, stigmḗ refers to a singular, indivisible *point* in time. Its semantic range is therefore quite narrow, exclusively conveying the idea of an "instant" or "moment." It emphasizes extreme brevity, a duration so short as to be almost immeasurable, akin to a "flash" or "twinkling."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term stigmḗ (`{{G4743}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 4:5]]**: "And the devil led him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time."
This solitary occurrence is found within the narrative of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. The devil, in his attempt to sway Jesus from His divine mission, presents a panoramic vision of "all the kingdoms of the world." The crucial detail here is the phrase "in a moment of time" (ἐν στιγμῇ χρόνου). This phrase underscores the supernatural and perhaps illusory nature of the devil's display. It suggests an instantaneous, almost impossible, revelation, highlighting the immediate and overwhelming nature of the temptation. The brevity implied by stigmḗ emphasizes the suddenness and comprehensive scope of the devil's offer, which seeks to bypass the arduous path of the Cross for immediate, worldly glory.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **stigma (`{{G4742}}`)**: As the direct root, stigma signifies a "mark" or "prick." The connection to stigmḗ is the shared idea of a singular, distinct "point," whether a physical mark or a temporal instant.
* **chronos (`{{G5550}}`)**: This is the general Greek term for time, denoting duration or a period. stigmḗ is a specific, infinitesimal *point* within the broader continuum of chronos. In [[Luke 4:5]], the phrase "in a moment of time" (ἐν στιγμῇ χρόνου) explicitly links the instant to the larger concept of time.
* **kairos (`{{G2540}}`)**: This term refers to an opportune, appointed, or decisive time. Unlike kairos, stigmḗ does not inherently carry the connotation of significance or opportunity; it merely denotes an instant's brevity.
* **rhípi (`{{G4493}}`)**: While stigmḗ is not directly used in the phrase "twinkling of an eye," the concept of an instantaneous event is paralleled in passages like [[1 Corinthians 15:52]], which uses rhípi (a "twinkle" or "flash") to describe the speed of the resurrection. Both terms convey extreme rapidity.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of stigmḗ in [[Luke 4:5]] carries profound theological weight, particularly in the context of temptation and divine sovereignty:
* **The Nature of Temptation**: The "moment" in which all earthly kingdoms are displayed highlights the sudden, overwhelming, and often deceptive nature of temptation. The devil's offers can appear immediate and all-encompassing, promising ultimate gratification without delay or cost. This instantaneous presentation underscores the urgency and intensity with which spiritual battles are often waged.
* **Contrast with Eternity**: The extreme brevity of a "moment" stands in stark contrast to the eternal duration of God's kingdom and promises. The devil's offer, though seemingly vast, is inherently fleeting and temporal, designed to distract from the enduring spiritual realities of God's will. This subtle distinction between the "moment" and eternity is a recurring theme in biblical theology.
* **Supernatural Agency**: The ability to display "all the kingdoms of the world in a moment" points to a supernatural, non-physical agency at work. While this power is wielded by the devil in this instance, it subtly mirrors the divine capacity for instantaneous knowledge and action, reminding the reader of the spiritual dimensions underlying human existence.
* **The Value of Time**: While stigmḗ emphasizes brevity, it implicitly underscores the preciousness and potential significance of every moment. Even an "instant" can be a crucible for profound spiritual encounter, decision, or temptation, shaping eternal destinies.
### Summary
The Greek word stigmḗ (`{{G4743}}`) precisely denotes an "instant" or "moment," emphasizing extreme brevity and an indivisible point in time. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 4:5]] vividly describes the devil's instantaneous display of the world's kingdoms to Jesus during His temptation. This usage highlights the sudden, overwhelming, and often illusory nature of temptation. Theologically, stigmḗ serves to contrast the fleeting allure of worldly power with the eternal nature of God's kingdom, underscoring the supernatural dimension of spiritual warfare and the critical significance that even an "instant" can hold in the divine economy.
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