As a minister with 15 years of experience in Christian ministry, there are certain words that I love using during my teaching. The other day, my pastor pointed out that I love using the word suddenly in almost all my sentences. With this, I was curious to know if this word ever appears in the Bible, so I researched, “How many times is suddenly mentioned in the bible?”
The word suddenly has been mentioned in the Bible 71 times. It has been mentioned 44 times in the Old Testament, while in the New Testament, it has been mentioned seventeen times. Suddenly is first mentioned in Genesis 41 through Pharaoh’s dream. Suddenly is also mentioned in Numbers 14:4 when the Lord appeared to Aaron, Miriam, and Moses.
So, join me to the end as I discuss more about this topic. I will discuss the meaning of the word suddenly in the Bible, what the Bible says about this word, and who the God of suddenly is. I will also list several prayer points for sudden miracles and many more topics. Stay tuned!
What is the meaning of suddenly in the Bible?
According to the King James Version dictionary, the word suddenly comes from the word sudden, which may refer to something that has happened unexpectedly or without any warnings or previous notice. It may be used to mean something that happened in a rash, or hastily that was not in any way expected. A perfect example of this word in the Bible is in Deuteronomy 7:4, when God threatens to destroy the Israelites if they go against his commands concerning what they were to do in the land that he would give them. This scripture insinuates how God’s destruction will be sudden that no one would have expected it to happen.
What does the Bible say about suddenly?

The Bible suggests that God will save a person who walks in righteousness. In contrast, the one who is perverse or walks in ways that are unacceptable to God will suddenly fall, as recorded in Proverbs 28:18. As Christians, we are encouraged by the Bible to follow the commandments of Go and do what is right before him. However, if a person decides to go against what is required of them, they may face several consequences, including the sudden fall described in Proverbs.
The Bible also suggests that death cab befall any man suddenly through Ecclesiastes 9:12. In this scripture, the author encourages people to enjoy whatever they have been blessed with on earth and do the work their hands lay on with all their might, as there is no such thing when one is buried in a grave. He then likens the sudden death of man to a fish that the cruel fishnet can catch at any time and the birds that are caught in snares without any warning.
The Bible also suggests that a person who is often rebuked and seems not to change his ways will be suddenly destroyed without any second thoughts, as recorded in Proverbs 29:1. The word suddenly has been used in this scripture to describe how fast the destruction of the said person will be.
Where in the Bible does it talk about suddenly?
The Bible talks about suddenly in Psalms 6:10 when King David calls on God to shame and trouble his enemies so they can suddenly be ashamed.
The Bible also mentions the word suddenly in Malachi 3:1, when Malachi is giving a prophecy about the coming of Jesus Christ. In this scripture, Malachi prophesies that a messenger will be sent before the arrival of Jesus Christ to prepare the way for him. This is fulfilled in the New Testament when John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus and even baptizes him.
The Bible also talks about suddenly in Daniel 7:5, where Daniel describes his vision. In his vision, Daniel suddenly sees another second beast resembling a bear raised on one side. This beast had three ribs in its mouth, between its teeth.
Who is the God of suddenly in the Bible?
Various religious scholars have suggested that the God of suddenly in the Bible is the Holy Spirit. The word suddenly comes from the Greek word ‘aphno,’ which means unawares or unexpected. In the holy trinity, one ‘person’ that has appeared to his people, unexpected or aware, has been the holy spirit. This is seen in the Book of Acts, where the holy spirit was first introduced to the believers.
Acts 2:2 describes the coming of the holy spirit during the day of Pentecost. The holy spirit is described as having descended suddenly and filled the people who were in the church. They then started speaking in tongues.
Acts 16:26 also describes how the God of suddenly the Holy Spirit appeared unexpectedly. In this scripture, Paul and Silas had been arrested and jailed. At midnight, the two started praying and singing hymns to God when a great earthquake was suddenly heard. It caused the foundation of the prison to be shaken and doors unlocked. The guard who was on duty was even shaken as he did not know what to do. Neither Paul, Silah, nor even the guard was expecting the holy spirit, but it suddenly revealed itself.
Instances where suddenly appears in the Bible

2 Kings 2:11 describes the appearance of the chariot of fire that took Elijah up in heaven as suddenly. This suggests that the chariot appeared without any warning.
Matthew 8:24 also records the waves of the wind that appeared suddenly when Jesus was on a boat alongside his disciples. Jesus had fallen asleep, and fear had overtaken his disciples as they feared the waves could capsize their boat.
Acts 9:3 also recounts how a bright light suddenly shone on Saul’s way to Damascus.
Matthew 8:29 describes how the two demons that had possessed a man suddenly cried out to Jesus, asking him why he was tormenting them.
Ezekiel 9:2 also records how six men suddenly appeared from the direction of the upper gate during the prophecy about the slaying of the wicked.
2 Kings 13:21 also describes the people of Israel suddenly seeing a band of raiders planning an attack on their land while burying one of their won.
The Bible also records the word suddenly in Genesis 41:18 when Pharaoh is describing his dream to Joseph so that he may interpret it. Pharaoh suddenly saw seven fat and healthy cows approaching the river in his dream. He then saw seven other ugly, thin cows come to the same river, and they ate up the seven fat cows.
Jeremiah 4:20 records Jeremiah’s lamentation over Judah as a doomed nation, as he reveals how its tents have been suddenly plundered.
Mark 9:8 records the disciples of Jesus suddenly looking at Jesus during his transfiguration after they heard a voice from heaven saying that Jesus was their beloved son. They, however, did not see anyone else except Jesus.
Job 1:19 describes how a great wind suddenly appeared when Job’s children were eating and drinking wine in their brother’s house. The wind struck the house they were in, instantly killing them.
Prayer points for sudden miracles
A prayer for sudden healing
Dear Lord, I come to you this hour as I pray for your divine healing. My entire body is in pain, and I can no longer function as I used to. Your word says that by your stripes, I am healed, and I pray that you may heal me today. Amen. -prayer inspired by 1 Peter 2:24.
A prayer for new opportunities
Might father, I come before you as I humbly pray for miraculous opportunities in my life. Things have started to get more challenging on my end, and I can only do this if I have several financial opportunities that I can rely on. Your word reminds me in Isaiah 43:19 that you can make a road in the wilderness where there is none. Please give me an opportunity even where I think I can never be accepted. In Jesus’ name, I believe and pray, Amen. -Prayer inspired by Isaiah 43:19.

As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.