רוּץ (ruts)
ruts
to run: run
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 85 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ruts means to run, often with a sense of urgency or speed. It appears eighty-five times in the Old Testament, frequently describing people moving quickly toward a goal or away from danger. In Genesis 24:20, Rebekah runs to her home to tell her family about Abraham’s servant, while in 1 Kings 18:46, Elijah girds his loins and runs ahead of Ahab’s chariot to Jezreel.
Its range extends beyond simple physical movement. The word can describe rushing into battle, as when enemies attack with hostility, or fleeing for safety by seeking refuge in a strong tower (Proverbs 18:10). It also applies metaphorically to spiritual diligence; Psalm 119:32 speaks of running in the way of God’s commandments with enthusiasm and freedom.
A notable usage involves the noun form, referring to royal messengers or runners. These were not just any servants but official couriers who carried urgent messages for kings, such as those described in Esther 3:13 and 8:14. This highlights the word’s connection to authority and swift communication within the ancient Near Eastern world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ruts captures more than just physical speed; it describes a heart moved to urgent action. In Scripture, this running often signals a response to God’s presence or a commitment to His will. When Abraham ran to meet strangers, he showed hospitality without hesitation. When David ran toward Goliath, he acted with faith rather than fear. This verb reminds us that following God sometimes requires immediate, decisive movement.
We see this same energy in the Psalms, where the writer speaks of running in God’s commandments with a willing heart. It is not about frantic anxiety but about eager obedience. Whether delivering news, seeking refuge, or standing for justice, ruts illustrates a life actively engaged with its purpose. It invites us to consider what causes us to move quickly and why.
For your daily walk, this word encourages a spirit of readiness. It suggests that our response to God’s call should be swift and wholehearted. We are invited to run toward opportunities for service and away from distractions that hinder our faith. This kind of running is not exhausting when it is directed by love and purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 85 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ runners16×
- and/ he ran16×
- and/ she ran4×
- they run/ !3×
- run3×
- he runs3×
- and/ they ran3×
- a runner3×
- I run3×
- to/ run2×
- to the/ runners2×
- they will run2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יָּ֤רָץ4×
- וַ/יָּ֣רָץ4×
- רָ֣ץ3×
- וַ/יָּ֥רָץ3×
- הָ/רָצִ֜ים3×
- רָצִ֥ים2×
- רָץ֙2×
- יָר֖וּץ2×
- יָר֑וּצוּ2×
- יְרֻצ֔וּ/ן2×
- וַ/תָּ֖רָץ2×
- וַ/יָּ֨רָץ2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 18:2
He lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw that three men stood near him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth,
Abraham's immediate run to greet visitors demonstrates how this word can express eager hospitality and reverence toward strangers.
-
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 runs toward the giant not in panic but with courageous intent, showing that urgency can be an act of faith against overwhelming odds.
-
Genesis 24:20
She hurried, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again to the well to draw, and drew for all his camels.
Rebekah’s repeated running to draw water highlights diligent service and the swift action taken to welcome a God-ordained guest.
-
I Samuel 3:5
He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” He said, “I didn’t call. Lie down again.” He went and lay down.
Young Samuel runs to Eli upon hearing a call, illustrating responsive obedience and attentiveness to spiritual authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word ruts mean?
How is ruts different from other words for walking?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Does this word have a spiritual meaning?
Every Occurrence (85 verses across 21 books)
Genesis 10 verses
He lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw that three men stood near him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the…
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 24:17The servant ran to meet her, and said, “Please give me a drink, a little water from your pitcher.”
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 24:28The young lady ran, and told her mother’s house about these words.
Genesis 24:29Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban. Laban ran out to the man, to the spring.
Genesis 29:12Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s relative, and that he was Rebekah’s son. She ran and told her father.
Genesis 29:13When Laban heard the news of Jacob, his sister’s son, he ran to meet Jacob, and embraced him, and kissed him, and…
Genesis 33:4Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, fell on his neck, kissed him, and they wept.
Genesis 41:14Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon. He shaved himself, changed his…