דָּחַף (da.chaph)
da.chaph
to hasten
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb da.chaph means to drive forward or hurry into motion. It appears only four times in the Old Testament, with three occurrences in Esther and one in II Chronicles. In these texts, it describes the urgent movement of people or forces, capturing a sense of rapid, driven action rather than casual speed.
Its usage highlights intensity. In Esther 3:15, the king’s decree is executed with haste as the royal couriers are driven out, emphasizing the swift and unstoppable nature of the event. Similarly, in II Chronicles 35:24, the mourners hurry to carry King Josiah away from battle, showing the word’s application to urgent, often somber, physical movement.
This rare verb focuses on the external force or internal urgency that propels someone forward. It is not merely about being fast, but about being driven by circumstance or command. The sources note its late biblical usage, suggesting it was part of the evolving language of the Second Temple period to describe decisive, hurried action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word da.chaph describes a movement that is driven forward, often by external force or urgent circumstance. It appears only four times in the Old Testament, mostly in the book of Esther. In these contexts, it captures the intensity of action when people are compelled to move quickly, whether by royal decree or sudden crisis. This rare verb reminds us that some moments in life demand immediate response, not casual deliberation.
When we encounter situations that feel overwhelming or rushed, this word offers a perspective on divine sovereignty. Even in the hurried events of Esther, where fear and panic seem to rule, God’s plan unfolds through these urgent movements. The couriers driven out by the king’s command did not realize they were part of a larger rescue story. Similarly, our own hurried steps may be guided by a purpose we cannot yet see.
Trust that God is present in both calm and chaotic seasons. Whether you are facing sudden change or waiting for clarity, remember that your life is held in hands that work all things together for good. This word invites us to rest in the knowledge that no hurry escapes His notice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he hurried himself2×
- being hasty1×
- and/ hurried1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נִדְחַ֣ף2×
- וּ/דְחוּפִ֖ים1×
- דְחוּפִים֙1×
Key Verses
-
Esther 3:15
The couriers went out in haste by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given out in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Susa was perplexed.
The couriers went out in haste by the king’s commandment, showing how da.chaph emphasizes the unstoppable, urgent execution of a decree that would later become the instrument of deliverance.
-
Esther 8:14
So the couriers who rode on royal horses went out, hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment. The decree was given out in the citadel of Susa.
The couriers hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment, illustrating how the same word now describes the swift reversal of fate through royal authority.
-
II Chronicles 26:20
Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and behold, he was leprous in his forehead; and they thrust him out quickly from there. Indeed, he himself also hurried to go out, because Yahweh had struck him.
Azariah thrust him out quickly because Yahweh had struck him, demonstrating da.chaph in a context where divine judgment forces immediate physical removal.