1 Corinthians 15:52

ἐν�. The literal meaning of the word here used is, that which is so small as to be actually indivisible.

ἐν ῥιπῇ ὀφθαλμοῦ. Some MSS. read ῥοπῇ for ῥιπῇ, i.e. the downward motion of the eyelid (literally, the inclination of the scale), for the rapid movement suggested by the word twinkling. The latter suits the context best. Cf. Soph. El. 106 παμφεγγεῖς ἄστρων ῥιπάς.

ἐν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ σάλπιγγι. Some have referred this to the last of the seven trumpets in Revelation 8-11. See especially Revelation 10:7. But this cannot be, since the visions recorded in that book had not yet been seen. It must therefore mean the trumpet which will sound on the last day. Cf. Matthew 24:31 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16.

σαλπίσει. This form is found also Matthew 6:2; Revelation 8:6-13, &c. The usual classical form is σαλπίγξει. For the impersonal verb see Winer, § 58.

καὶ ἡμεῖς�. ἡμεῖς is emphatic; we who are alive and remain, 1 Thessalonians 4:17. Therefore the Apostle here expresses once more his belief that he will be alive at the coming of Christ; for, ‘since the last times were already come, the saints expected that day from hour to hour.’ Calvin.