### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **átomos**, represented by `{{G823}}`, is derived from a negative particle and a word for "cut," meaning **uncut** or **indivisible**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in scripture, where it is used to describe an "atom" of time, or a **moment**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G823}}` is found in [[1 Corinthians 15:52]], a pivotal passage describing the resurrection of believers. The event is said to occur "in a **moment**," which is immediately clarified as being "in the twinkling of an eye." This instantaneous event is tied to the sounding of "the **last** trump," at which point the dead will be raised incorruptible and the living will be changed. The word emphasizes the sudden, indivisible nature of this eschatological transformation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the context of this instantaneous event:
* `{{G4493}}` **rhipḗ** (twinkling): This word is used in direct parallel with `{{G823}}` to describe an immeasurably brief period of time, as seen in the phrase "in the twinkling of an eye" [[1 Corinthians 15:52]].
* `{{G2078}}` **éschatos** (last): This superlative term establishes the finality of the event. The "moment" occurs at the "**last** trump" [[1 Corinthians 15:52]], connecting it to the end times, or "**last** days" [[Acts 2:17]].
* `{{G236}}` **allássō** (change): This word describes the result of what happens in that indivisible moment. Believers "shall be **changed**" [[1 Corinthians 15:52]], signifying a fundamental transformation.
* `{{G1453}}` **egeírō** (to waken, rouse, raise): This word defines the primary action taking place during the `{{G823}}` moment, as "the dead shall be **raised** incorruptible" [[1 Corinthians 15:52]]. It is also used to describe God raising Jesus from the dead [[Romans 10:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G823}}` is concentrated entirely on its singular, powerful context.
* **Instantaneous Transformation:** The word establishes that the resurrection is not a gradual process but a sudden, supernatural event. The change happens in an indivisible "**moment**," too quick to be measured [[1 Corinthians 15:52]].
* **Eschatological Climax:** The use of `{{G823}}` at the "**last** trump" [[1 Corinthians 15:52]] marks it as the climactic point of God's redemptive plan for believers. It is the fulfillment of the hope that the dead `{{G3498}}` will be raised.
* **From Corruptible to Incorruptible:** This "**moment**" is the point where believers receive an incorruptible `{{G862}}` nature. The dead are raised `{{G1453}}` and the living are changed `{{G236}}`, moving from a mortal state to an immortal one [[1 Corinthians 15:52]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G823}}` `átomos` is a highly specific term whose profound meaning comes from its sole appearance in scripture. It defines the resurrection of believers as an instantaneous, indivisible event that cannot be broken down into smaller parts. Though appearing only once, it provides a critical detail about the culmination of Christian hope, describing a sudden, supernatural transformation at the sound of the final trumpet.
TRV