exaiphnes marks an event or action as breaking in abruptly, such as a light shining or someone being found asleep.

The adverb marks an abrupt occurrence or arrival: heavenly light shines around travelers in Acts 9:3 and Acts 22:6, an angelic multitude appears in Luke 2:13, a cry follows a spirit's seizure in Luke 9:39, and the coming master may find people asleep in Mark 13:36.

1. Abrupt onset or unexpected arrival · dominant

   The adverb marks events that break into an ongoing situation. In Acts 9:3 and Acts 22:6 the APB renders a light from heaven shining around a traveler; in Luke 2:13 it renders the presence of a heavenly multitude with the angel, in Luke 9:39 a cry amid a spirit's seizure, and in Mark 13:36 an arriving figure finding people asleep.

   Acts 22:6Acts 9:3Luke 2:13Luke 9:39Mark 13:36

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB uses “suddenly” in Acts 22:6, Acts 9:3, Luke 2:13, and Luke 9:39, while Mark 13:36 has “come suddenly.” These renderings confirm the clauses' abruptness rather than independently defining the adverb.