ταχινός (tachinos)
tachinos
quick
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective tachinos means swift or quick, describing something that happens with speed or urgency. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in the Second Epistle of Peter (2 Peter 1:14 and 2:1). The word conveys a sense of immediacy, often translated as "soon" or "quickly" to indicate that an event is approaching rapidly.
This term is a poetic and late variant of the more common Greek word tachys, which also means swift. Its usage in Peter emphasizes the suddenness of certain events, such as the impending departure of the apostle or the rapid arrival of false teachers. The sources note its presence in the Septuagint (LXX) in passages like Proverbs 1:16 and Habakkuk 1:6, where it translates Hebrew words for hastening, reinforcing its association with urgent action.
Translators typically render tachinos as "quick" or "soon," capturing the temporal urgency Peter intends. The word’s rarity in the New Testament highlights its deliberate use to underscore the immediacy of spiritual realities. By choosing this term, Peter draws attention to the pressing nature of his warnings and promises, inviting readers to recognize the shortness of time.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tachinos carries a sense of suddenness that reminds us how fleeting our time on earth can be. In his letters, Peter uses this term to describe events that arrive with unexpected speed, whether it is the end of his own life or the arrival of harmful influences within the community. This urgency is not meant to frighten us, but to help us focus on what truly matters in the present moment.
When we understand that our earthly lives are brief, it encourages us to live with greater intention and care. We are invited to hold onto faith and truth with a steady grip, knowing that spiritual realities do not wait for us to be ready. This perspective helps us prioritize love, wisdom, and vigilance in our daily interactions.
Even though the end may come quickly, there is comfort in knowing that we are guided by a faithful Lord who has made these things clear to us. We can face the future with peace, trusting that our lives have purpose and meaning in every season, whether long or short.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- imminent2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ταχινή1×
- ταχινὴν1×
Key Verses
-
II Peter 1:14
knowing that the putting off of my tent comes swiftly, even as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.
This verse uses the word to describe the imminent death of the apostle, grounding the abstract concept of speed in the personal reality of his own life ending.
-
II Peter 2:1
But false prophets also arose among the people, as false teachers will also be among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master who bought them, bringing on themselves swift destruction.
Here the term modifies destruction, emphasizing that the consequences of false teaching arrive rapidly and without warning for those who follow them.