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חִישׁ (chish)

chish

quickly

H2440 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:Adv

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:Adv

Word Overview

The Hebrew adverb chish means to happen or act with speed. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Psalm 90:10. In this context, it modifies the description of human life, emphasizing how brief and fleeting our years are on earth.

This single occurrence highlights a specific theological point about mortality. The psalmist uses chish to underscore the fragility of human existence compared to God’s eternal nature. By noting that life passes quickly, the text invites reflection on the brevity of time and the importance of wisdom in how one spends those short days.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew adverb chish appears only once in Scripture, in Psalm 90:10, where it describes how swiftly our years slip away. The phrase 'it passes quickly' captures more than speed; it names a reality every person faces. Our time is short, and the poet does not soften that truth.

Psalm 90 places this brevity against God’s eternal nature: 'Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.' That contrast breeds hope. Our fleeting days are held within a love without beginning or end. When life feels fragile, this truth anchors us beyond what we can measure.

So the ancient prayer invites us to number our days and gain a heart of wisdom. Practice gratitude. Love the people in front of you. Trust that the God whose years never fail is carrying you home. In Christ, the brevity of life becomes an invitation to live fully in the light of eternity.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • quickly1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • חִ֝֗ישׁ1×

Key Verses

  • Psalms 90:10
    The days of our years are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty years; yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for it passes quickly, and we fly away.

    Here chish emphasizes the swiftness with which life passes, underscoring the psalmist’s reflection on mortality and the need for wisdom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word 'chish' mean?

The word chish means 'quickly' or 'swiftly.' It appears only in Psalm 90:10, where it describes how fast our years pass, reminding us of human frailty.

How is 'chish' different from other Hebrew words for 'quickly'?

While Hebrew has other terms like mehērâ (Strong's H4120) that are common, chish (H2440) is rare, occurring just once. Its uniqueness draws special attention to the fleeting nature of life in that psalm.

Why does Psalm 90:10 use this word to speak about death?

The adverb underscores the speed with which life ends, not to create despair but to lead readers toward wisdom. The whole psalm contrasts God’s eternity with human mortality, prompting a prayer for God’s favor and a heart of wisdom.

What can Christians learn from the word 'chish'?

It reminds us that our days are limited and should be lived with purpose, gratitude, and trust in God. The brevity of life, seen in the light of Christ’s resurrection, can deepen hope rather than provoke fear.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Psalms 1 verse
Psalms 90:10

The days of our years are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty years; yet their pride is but labor and sorrow,…