### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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]].
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