"unforeseen, unexpected, sudden, Lk. 21:34; 1 Thess. 5:3*"
Definition and meaning
unforeseen, unexpected, sudden, Lk. 21:34; 1 Thess. 5:3*
In the original Greek the word is written: αἰφνίδιος
Historical context
Luke wrote as a historian addressing a Greek audience. He carefully interviewed eyewitnesses and arranged events in order. The social and economic realities he describes — Roman taxation, Jewish religious hierarchy, the marginalization of women and the poor — are consistent with first-century Judea under Roman administration.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of aiphnidios (G160) across the King James Bible.
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
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Common questions
Strong's G160 (aiphnidios) is a Greek word that means: unforeseen, unexpected, sudden, Lk. 21:34; 1 Thess. 5:3* It appears 2 times in the King James Bible.
The word aiphnidios (G160) appears 2 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G160 is aiphnidios, a Greek word defined as: unforeseen, unexpected, sudden, Lk. 21:34; 1 Thess. 5:3*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
aiphnidios is a Greek word found in the New Testament.