ταχύς (tachus)
tachus
quick
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective tachus conveys a sense of rapid movement or immediate action, meaning quick, swift, or speedy. It stands in direct contrast to bradys (slow), as seen in James 1:19 where believers are urged to be quick to listen and slow to speak. This lexical pairing highlights a specific ethical rhythm rather than mere physical velocity.
In the New Testament, this word appears five times, notably in Matthew 5:24 and Luke 18:8. In these contexts, it emphasizes promptness in moral or spiritual matters—such as reconciling with a brother before offering a gift, or God’s readiness to execute justice for his chosen ones. The term suggests an eagerness or lack of delay that is characteristic of faithful obedience.
Its etymology is of uncertain origin, but its usage in the Septuagint often translates the Hebrew verb mahar (to hasten), linking it to a tradition of urgent divine action. Translators typically render it as "quickly" or "soon," capturing the immediacy required in these biblical commands.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tachus invites us to consider the timing of our responses. In Matthew 5:25, Jesus advises settling disputes quickly while you are still on the way with someone. This is not about rushing in anger, but about removing barriers to peace before they harden into lasting resentment. Prompt reconciliation preserves relationships and keeps the heart open to grace.
James 1:19 pairs this speed with a different pace: being quick to listen and slow to speak. Here, rapid attentiveness replaces reactive speech. It suggests that true wisdom involves moving swiftly toward understanding another person’s perspective, rather than defending our own position immediately.
This balance shapes how we navigate daily interactions. We are called to act with urgency when it comes to love and truth, yet pause before reacting in anger. Such a rhythm reflects a heart aligned with God’s desire for harmony and justice, allowing us to respond to others with both clarity and compassion.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- swift1×
- quickly,1×
- quickly as possible1×
- quickly1×
- Quickly1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ταχὺ2×
- τάχιστα1×
- ταχύ,1×
- ταχὺς1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:25
Agree with your adversary quickly while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison.
This verse applies tachus to interpersonal conflict, urging immediate action to prevent escalation before legal or social consequences arise.
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James 1:19
So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;
Here the word modifies 'to hear,' contrasting rapid listening with slow speech and anger, establishing an ethical rhythm for community life.
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Revelation of John 22:12
“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work.
Used of Christ’s return, this occurrence shifts the focus from human action to divine promise, assuring believers that justice will be executed without delay.