τρέχω (trechō)
trechō
to run
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb trechō means to run with speed and purpose. In the New Testament it describes physical movement in haste, such as the disciples running to Jesus’ tomb on Easter morning (John 20:2) or the soldier rushing to offer vinegar on a sponge (Mark 15:36). It captures the energy of someone moving quickly toward a specific destination.
Beyond literal motion, the word carries a metaphorical weight drawn from athletic races. Paul uses it to describe spiritual effort and endurance, such as running the race set before us (Hebrews 12:1) or striving to finish the course of ministry (Philippians 2:16). It also appears in phrases about doctrine spreading rapidly, like a runner completing their lap (2 Thessalonians 3:1), highlighting both swiftness and determined effort.
Its root sense involves exerting strength to reach an end. Translators often render it simply as "run," but the context usually implies urgency or dedication. Whether describing feet on a road or hearts pursuing faith, trechō conveys active, forward-moving commitment rather than passive waiting.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word trechō captures more than just physical speed; it describes movement with clear purpose and urgency. In the New Testament, we see this energy in moments of profound significance. The disciples ran to the tomb with a mix of fear and joy, eager to share the news of the resurrection. The prodigal father ran to embrace his returning son, showing that divine love is not passive but actively seeks out the lost.
Paul also uses this image to describe the Christian life as a race requiring focus and endurance. He reminds us that spiritual progress is not about human effort alone but relies on God’s mercy. This word invites you to examine your own path. Are you moving with intention toward what matters most, or drifting without direction?
When faith feels like a struggle, remember that the goal is set before you. You do not have to run perfectly, only persistently. The same God who offered mercy to the weary traveler invites you to keep going, trusting that your efforts are seen and valued.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- running2×
- he ran2×
- having run2×
- they ran1×
- rushing1×
- run,1×
- run1×
- may spread quickly1×
- may run1×
- have run.1×
- do run1×
- You were running1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δραμὼν3×
- ἔδραμεν2×
- τρέχω2×
- ἔτρεχον1×
- ἔδραμον.1×
- ἔδραμον,1×
- ἔδραμον1×
- ἐτρέχετε1×
- τρέχῃ1×
- τρέχωμεν1×
- τρέχουσιν,1×
- τρέχοντος1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 15:20
“He arose and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and ran, fell on his neck, and kissed him.
This verse shows the word applied to the father’s compassionate response, highlighting that divine love is active and eager rather than distant.
-
John 20:4
They both ran together. The other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first.
The race to the tomb illustrates how urgency can drive believers toward truth, with the other disciple outrunning Peter in this moment of discovery.
-
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore let’s also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us,
Here the word connects physical exertion with spiritual perseverance, urging believers to run the race set before them without being hindered by sin.
-
Romans 9:16
So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who has mercy.
Paul uses this term to clarify that spiritual progress depends on God’s mercy rather than human willpower or speed.