מָהַר (ma.har)
ma.har
to hasten; to buy
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 57 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb mahar primarily means to move with speed or urgency. In its basic form, it describes physical haste, such as a person running quickly to reach a destination or deliver news. This sense of rapid movement appears frequently in the narratives of Genesis and Samuel, where characters often act with immediate intensity to respond to changing circumstances.
The word extends beyond simple speed to include mental states. When used in the passive voice, it can describe a person who is anxious, disturbed, or acting with impetuous judgment. This nuance suggests that haste is not always virtuous; rushing into action without reflection can lead to precipitate decisions that complicate rather than resolve a situation.
A distinct and interesting usage occurs in the Piel stem, where mahar shifts from movement to transaction. Here it means to acquire something by paying a purchase price immediately. This specialized sense highlights the connection between speed and commerce, implying that a quick settlement secures ownership or fulfillment of a contract without delay.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word mahar captures the energy of urgency, appearing in stories where characters move quickly to respond to God or circumstance. Abraham rushes to prepare food for visitors; a young woman hurries to offer water to a stranger; David runs toward Goliath. These moments show that speed is not always reckless—it can be a faithful response to an immediate need.
Yet the text also warns against impulsive haste. When people act without reflection, decisions can become complicated rather than resolved. The Bible invites us to discern when quick action honors God and when patience allows wisdom to guide our steps. In seasons of pressure, we can ask for the grace to move with purpose, not panic.
Whether in commerce or crisis, this word reminds us that timing matters. We are called to respond faithfully, trusting that God’s plans unfold in His perfect season. May you find peace in knowing that your efforts, whether hurried or measured, are held in His hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 57 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- hurry7×
- and/ he hurried6×
- and/ they hurried5×
- and/ she made haste5×
- bring quickly3×
- and/ she hurried3×
- it will hasten2×
- you will do quickly1×
- you had made haste1×
- to/ hurry1×
- to/ [people] hasty of1×
- they made haste1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יְמַהֵ֣ר4×
- וַ/תְּמַהֵ֗ר3×
- מִֽהֲר֖וּ2×
- וַ/יְמַהֵ֖ר2×
- תְּמַהֵ֖ר1×
- תְּמַהֲר֣וּ1×
- נִמְהָרִ֖ים1×
- נִמְהָֽרָה\׃1×
- מָ֫הָ֥רוּ1×
- מַהֵר֙1×
- מַהֵ֣ר\׀1×
- מַהֵ֖ר1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 18:6
Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quickly prepare three seahs of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.”
Abraham's immediate response to hospitality demonstrates how haste can reflect a heart eager to honor God and others.
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Genesis 45:9
Hurry, and go up to my father, and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says, “God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me. Don’t wait.
Joseph urges his brothers to hurry, showing that urgency can carry the weight of reconciliation and divine purpose.
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I Samuel 17:48
When the Philistine arose, and walked and came near to meet David, David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.
David's quick movement toward Goliath highlights decisive courage in the face of overwhelming odds.
-
Exodus 34:8
Moses hurried and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped.
Moses hurries to worship, illustrating how reverence can inspire swift and humble action before God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does mahar mean in the Bible?
Is haste always bad in Scripture?
Where does mahar appear most often?
How is mahar different from other words for hurry?
Every Occurrence (57 verses across 17 books)
Genesis 12 verses
Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quickly prepare three seahs of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.”
Genesis 18:7Abraham ran to the herd, and fetched a tender and good calf, and gave it to the servant. He hurried to dress it.
Genesis 19:22Hurry, escape there, for I can’t do anything until you get there.” Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.
Genesis 24:18She said, “Drink, my lord.” She hurried, and let down her pitcher on her hand, and gave him a drink.
Genesis 24:20She hurried, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again to the well to draw, and drew for all his camels.
Genesis 24:46She hurried and let down her pitcher from her shoulder, and said, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink.’ So…
Genesis 27:20Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?” He said, “Because Yahweh your God gave me…
Genesis 41:32The dream was doubled to Pharaoh, because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
Genesis 43:30Joseph hurried, for his heart yearned over his brother; and he sought a place to weep. He entered into his room, and…
Genesis 44:11Then they hurried, and each man took his sack down to the ground, and each man opened his sack.
Genesis 45:9Hurry, and go up to my father, and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says, “God has made me lord of all Egypt.…
Genesis 45:13You shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen. You shall hurry and bring my father…