### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἄτομος (atomos, `{{G823}}`) is derived from the negative particle α- (a-), signifying "not" or "un-," combined with the root τομ- (tom-), which is related to the verb τέμνω (temnō), meaning "to cut" or "to divide." Thus, the literal and foundational meaning of ἄτομος is "uncuttable," "undividable," or "indivisible." In ancient Greek philosophy, particularly with Democritus, this term was used to describe the fundamental, indivisible particles of matter, from which we derive the modern scientific term "atom." In its biblical usage, however, ἄτομος is applied exclusively to time, denoting the smallest conceivable, indivisible unit of duration—a "moment" or "instant." It conveys the idea of an extremely brief, unmeasurable point in time, a duration so infinitesimal that it cannot be further subdivided.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἄτομος (atomos, `{{G823}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Paul's profound discourse on the resurrection in 1 Corinthians:
* [[1 Corinthians 15:52]]: "in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." (ἐν ἀτόμῳ, ἐν ῥιπῇ ὀφθαλμοῦ, ἐν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ σάλπιγγι· σαλπίσει γὰρ, καὶ οἱ νεκροὶ ἐγερθήσονται ἄφθαρτοι, καὶ ἡμεῖς ἀλλαγησόμεθα.)
In this pivotal verse, ἄτομος is paired with the phrase ἐν ῥιπῇ ὀφθαλμοῦ (en rhipē ophthalmon, "in the twinkling of an eye," `{{G4493}}`), an idiomatic expression that further emphasizes the absolute instantaneousness of the event. Paul uses this language to describe the sudden, miraculous transformation of believers' bodies at the eschatological resurrection. The context is a powerful declaration of hope and the ultimate victory over death, where mortal bodies will be changed into immortal, imperishable ones. The choice of ἄτομος underscores that this divine act will not be a gradual process but an immediate, unprotracted, and complete transformation, occurring with a speed that defies human measurement or comprehension. It highlights the sovereign power and efficiency of God's redemptive work.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate ἄτομος (atomos, `{{G823}}`), it is helpful to consider other Greek terms for time and related concepts:
* χρόνος (chronos, `{{G5550}}`): Refers to linear, sequential, or measurable time, often translated as "time" or "duration." ἄτομος represents the smallest, indivisible unit within χρόνος.
* καιρός (kairos, `{{G2540}}`): Denotes a specific, opportune, or appointed time; a season or a critical moment. While ἄτομος is about the brevity of an instant, καιρός is about the quality or significance of a particular time.
* ὥρα (hōra, `{{G5610}}`): Means "hour," "season," or a specific point in time.
* ῥιπή (rhipē, `{{G4493}}`): As seen in [[1 Corinthians 15:52]], ῥιπῇ ὀφθαλμοῦ (twinkling of an eye) is a direct parallel idiom, reinforcing the concept of instantaneousness.
* Concepts of instantaneousness and suddenness are crucial. The resurrection event is depicted as a sudden, decisive act of God, not a drawn-out process. This aligns with other New Testament descriptions of Christ's return and the final judgment, which are often portrayed as immediate and unexpected.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἄτομος (atomos, `{{G823}}`) in [[1 Corinthians 15:52]] is profound.
1. **Divine Power and Sovereignty:** The instantaneous nature of the resurrection transformation speaks volumes about God's omnipotence. It is an act that transcends human limitations and natural processes, demonstrating His absolute control over life, death, and time itself. The change from perishable to imperishable, from mortal to immortal, occurs in an "uncuttable" moment, signaling a supernatural intervention of unparalleled magnitude.
2. **Certainty of Resurrection Hope:** For believers, the promise of an "instant" transformation offers immense assurance. It means that the full redemption of the body, a key aspect of Christian hope, is not a distant, uncertain event, but one that will be accomplished completely and immediately at God's appointed time. This provides comfort and strengthens faith in the face of death.
3. **Nature of the Resurrection Body:** The sudden transformation implies a radical, qualitative change. It is not a mere resuscitation but a complete metamorphosis into a glorified, eternal state, perfectly suited for eternity. This instantaneous change highlights the discontinuity between the earthly, perishable body and the heavenly, imperishable body, while maintaining continuity of identity.
4. **Eschatological Urgency:** While ἄτομος emphasizes instantaneousness, its placement within the eschatological context of the "last trumpet" also reinforces the finality and decisiveness of God's ultimate plan for humanity and creation.
### Summary
ἄτομος (atomos, `{{G823}}`) is a rare but profoundly significant Greek term, meaning "uncuttable" or "indivisible." In its sole biblical occurrence in [[1 Corinthians 15:52]], it specifically refers to an "instant" or "moment" in time, emphasizing an event of extreme brevity and instantaneousness. Paul employs this word, paired with "in the twinkling of an eye," to describe the sudden and complete transformation of believers' bodies at the eschatological resurrection. Theologically, ἄτομος underscores the immense power and sovereignty of God, the certainty and instantaneous nature of the resurrection hope, and the radical, qualitative change into a glorified, imperishable body. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to accomplish His redemptive purposes with absolute precision and speed, transcending all human limitations of time and process.
TRV