"suddenly, unexpectedly, Acts 2:2; 16:26; 28:6*"
Definition and meaning
suddenly, unexpectedly, Acts 2:2; 16:26; 28:6*
In the original Greek the word is written: ἄφνω
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
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 aphno (G869) across the King James Bible.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
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Common questions
Strong's G869 (aphno) is a Greek word that means: suddenly, unexpectedly, Acts 2:2; 16:26; 28:6* It appears 3 times in the King James Bible.
The word aphno (G869) appears 3 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G869 is aphno, a Greek word defined as: suddenly, unexpectedly, Acts 2:2; 16:26; 28:6*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
aphno is a Greek word found in the New Testament.