מָהִיר (ma.hir)
ma.hir
quick
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective mahir describes someone who is quick, prompt, or ready in action. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, primarily in wisdom literature and prophetic texts. The word emphasizes immediate responsiveness rather than just speed for its own sake.
In Proverbs 13:4, it contrasts with the sluggard, describing a person whose efforts are swift and effective. Isaiah 18:2 uses it to depict messengers who travel rapidly across waters. Ezra 7:20 applies it to resources provided quickly for temple restoration. The term suggests both physical agility and mental readiness.
Its root conveys the idea of hastening or moving swiftly. Translators typically render it as "quick" or "swift," capturing the sense of prompt action without delay. This adjective highlights the value of timely response in biblical wisdom, whether in personal conduct or communal service.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mahir describes a promptness that goes beyond mere speed. It captures the readiness of heart and hand to act when opportunity arises. In ancient wisdom literature, this quality is prized because it reflects an alert spirit that does not delay in doing what is right.
When we look at Isaiah 16:5, we see a king who is swift to do righteousness. This suggests that true leadership involves immediate responsiveness to justice and truth. It is not about rushing through tasks, but about having the discipline to act without hesitation when the moment calls for it.
In our daily lives, this might mean being quick to forgive or ready to help a neighbor. It invites us to cultivate a spirit of eagerness rather than reluctance. By embracing this readiness, we align ourselves with the values of timely service and faithful action that Scripture honors.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- skilled2×
- and/ [one] prompt of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָהִיר֙1×
- מָ֘הִ֤יר1×
- וּ/מְהִ֥ר1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 16:5
A throne will be established in loving kindness. One will sit on it in truth, in the tent of David, judging, seeking justice, and swift to do righteousness.
This verse applies the term to a Davidic ruler who is swift to do righteousness, linking the word directly to moral urgency rather than just physical speed.
-
Ezra 7:6
this Ezra went up from Babylon. He was a skilled scribe in the law of Moses, which Yahweh, the God of Israel, had given; and the king granted him all his request, according to Yahweh his God’s hand on him.
Here the text describes Ezra as skilled or quick in understanding the law, showing that intellectual readiness and prompt obedience are closely connected.
-
Proverbs 22:29
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings. He won’t serve obscure men.
Although often translated as 'skilled,' this occurrence highlights how professional excellence requires a quickness of mind and hand that leads to greater responsibility.