1 Corinthians 15:52

Authorized King James Version

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐν
In
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#2
ἀτόμῳ
a moment
uncut, i.e., (by implication) indivisible (an "atom" of time)
#3
ἐν
In
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#4
ῥιπῇ
the twinkling
a jerk (of the eye, i.e., (by analogy) an instant)
#5
ὀφθαλμοῦ
of an eye
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
#6
ἐν
In
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#7
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἐσχάτῃ
the last
farthest, final (of place or time)
#9
σάλπιγγι·
trump
a trumpet
#10
σαλπίσει
the trumpet shall sound
to trumpet, i.e., sound a blast (literally or figuratively)
#11
γάρ
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#12
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
νεκροὶ
the dead
dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)
#15
ἐγερθήσονται
shall be raised
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
#16
ἄφθαρτοι
incorruptible
undecaying (in essence or continuance)
#17
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
ἡμεῖς
we
we (only used when emphatic)
#19
ἀλλαγησόμεθα
shall be changed
to make different

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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