ταχύ (tachu)
tachu
quickly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb tachy means quickly, speedily, or without delay. Derived from the neuter singular of tachys ("swift"), it functions as an intensifier for action that demands immediate attention. In the Gospels, this urgency appears in practical commands and urgent narratives: Jesus advises settling disputes swiftly before being dragged to court (Matthew 5:25), while Mary hastens to visit Elizabeth after the angel’s announcement (Luke 1:39). The word captures a sense of promptness that leaves no room for hesitation.
Its most frequent usage occurs in Revelation, where it underscores the imminent nature of divine judgment and promise. John uses tachy to describe events that are near at hand, such as the call to keep what one has so that no one takes the crown (Revelation 3:11) or the declaration that "the time is near" (Revelation 22:7, 12). Here, the word does not merely indicate physical speed but theological immediacy, reminding readers that the fulfillment of God’s purposes is always close.
Translators typically render tachy as "quickly," "soon," or "without delay," depending on context. While English often distinguishes between speed and timeliness, tachy blends both: an action is performed with haste because the moment for it has arrived. This dual sense of rapid execution and timely opportunity gives the word its distinctive weight in biblical narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tachy carries a sense of urgency that bridges the gap between human hesitation and divine timing. In practical moments, like Mary rushing to help Elizabeth or the women fleeing the empty tomb with great joy, it reminds us that God’s work often calls for immediate response. There is no time for delay when love and truth are at stake.
In Revelation, this urgency takes on a deeper theological weight. It signals that God’s promises are not distant abstractions but realities drawing near. This immediacy invites us to hold firmly to what we have, trusting that the fulfillment of His purposes is always close at hand. The call is to live with alert hope, ready for His return.
Whether in daily decisions or eternal hopes, this word encourages a life of prompt obedience and steady faith. It assures us that the moment for action is now, and the One who comes is faithful to complete what He has begun.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- quickly5×
- quickly;2×
- quickly.2×
- readily1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ταχὺ6×
- ταχύ·2×
- ταχύ.¶1×
- ταχύ.1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 28:7
Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.”
The angel’s command to go quickly underscores the immediate urgency of sharing the resurrection news with the disciples.
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Revelation of John 3:11
I am coming quickly! Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown.
Jesus’ declaration of coming quickly serves as a call to steadfastness, urging believers to hold firmly to their faith before His return.
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Revelation of John 22:7
“Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
This verse links the imminence of Christ’s return with the blessing for those who keep the prophetic words, highlighting both speed and obedience.