The Hebrew word regaʻ, represented by H7281, signifies a wink (of the eyes), i.e. a very short space of time. It appears 22 times across 22 unique verses in the Bible. The term is consistently translated as an instant, moment, or space, and can also carry the adverbial sense of suddenly. It is used to describe events that occur with extreme quickness, whether they are acts of God or the experiences of humanity.
In the biblical narrative, H7281 is used in several key contexts, often highlighting the contrast between the temporary and the eternal. It describes the swiftness of divine judgment, where God can consume H3615 a rebellious congregation H5712 "in a moment" (Numbers 16:21, 16:45). It is also used to characterize the brevity of God's disciplinary anger, which endures but for a moment Psalms 30:5, or when He forsakes His people for a "small moment" Isaiah 54:7 before gathering them with great H1419 mercies H7356. The term also depicts the fleeting nature of human affairs, such as the joy of the hypocrite H2611 which is but for a moment Job 20:5, or the sudden spoiling of tents and curtains Jeremiah 4:20.
Several related words expand upon the concept of swiftness and sudden change:
- H3615 kâlâh (to consume, destroy, end): This word is frequently linked to divine action that occurs in a moment H7281. God threatens to consume the Israelites "in a moment" Exodus 33:5, and the wicked are said to spend their days in wealth before going down to the grave "in a moment" Job 21:13.
- H7110 qetseph (wrath): This term for divine anger is often qualified by its brevity. In Isaiah 54:8, God's face is hidden for a moment H7281 in a "little wrath," emphasizing the temporary nature of His displeasure.
- H7522 râtsôwn (favour, delight): This word provides a powerful contrast to momentary anger. In Psalms 30:5, God's anger is for a moment H7281, but His favour is for a life H2416, highlighting the enduring nature of His good will.
- H6597 pithʼôwm (suddenly): This adverb often appears in parallel with regaʻ, reinforcing the idea of an instantaneous event. Jeremiah describes how his tents are spoiled suddenly and his curtains "in a moment" Jeremiah 4:20.
The theological weight of H7281 is significant, illustrating God's sovereignty over time.
- The Swiftness of Divine Judgment: The word underscores that divine judgment can be executed instantly and without warning. The wicked are brought into desolation "as in a moment" Psalms 73:19, and Babylon's judgment of loss of children H7908 and widowhood H489 comes "in a moment" Isaiah 47:9.
- The Brevity of Divine Discipline: While God's judgment is swift, His corrective discipline is explicitly temporary. He forsakes His people for a "small moment" Isaiah 54:7 and hides His face in a "little wrath" for a moment Isaiah 54:8, always with a promise of restoration.
- The Transience of Wickedness: The security and pleasure of the wicked are shown to be fleeting. Their triumphing H7445 is short H7138 and their joy H8057 is "but for a moment" Job 20:5, after which they go down to the grave H7585 Job 21:13.
- God's Unceasing Watchfulness: In a positive sense, the term is used to describe God's constant attention. He promises to water H8248 His vineyard "every moment" Isaiah 27:3 and to try H974 man "every moment" Job 7:18, indicating His perpetual care and examination.
In summary, H7281 is more than a simple descriptor of time. It is a powerful theological concept that captures the immense contrast between the fleeting and the eternal. It is used to describe the terrifying speed of God's judgment, the comforting brevity of His discipline, and the fragile, transient nature of human prosperity. The use of regaʻ consistently reminds the reader that what happens in a "moment" stands in stark contrast to God's everlasting H5769 kindness H2617 Isaiah 54:8 and the life H2416 found in His favour H7522 Psalms 30:5.
TRV