חִישׁ

to hurry

Definition

The Hebrew verb חִישׁ (chîysh) means 'to hurry' or 'to make haste.' It is a relatively rare word, appearing only a few times in the Old Testament, and is essentially a by-form of the more common verb חוּשׁ (chûsh, H2363). Its core meaning is to act with urgency or speed, often in response to a command or a pressing situation. For example, in Psalm 22:19, the psalmist pleads, 'But you, O LORD, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly (חִישָׁה) to my aid!' The sense is one of immediate, earnest action.

Biblical Usage

This word is used in poetic and prophetic contexts to convey urgency. It appears in the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 22:19, 38:22, 40:13, 70:1, 71:12) as a plea for God's swift intervention. In Isaiah 5:19, it is used sarcastically by those mocking the prophets, demanding that God 'hurry' His work so they may see it. The usage is consistently tied to a desire for prompt action, whether in prayerful petition or in defiant challenge.

Etymology

חִישׁ (chîysh, H2439) is a variant or by-form of the root חוּשׁ (chûsh, H2363), which also means 'to hurry' or 'to make haste.' This relationship is noted in standard lexicons, indicating they share the same semantic field. The root conveys the basic idea of quick movement or action. Cognates in other Semitic languages support this meaning of speed and urgency.

Semantic Range

While not a theologically dense term, חִישׁ enriches our understanding of biblical prayer and human interaction with God's timing. Its use in the Psalms models raw, urgent petition, showing that believers can honestly cry out for God's swift help in distress. In contrast, its ironic use in Isaiah 5:19 highlights the sin of impatience with God's sovereign plan, challenging the human desire to dictate the pace of divine action. Understanding this Hebrew word underscores the tension between heartfelt cries for deliverance and the need for patient trust in God's perfect timing.

In an ancient Near Eastern context where travel and communication were slow, a call to 'hurry' carried significant weight, implying a situation of genuine crisis or importance. The urgency expressed was not merely about efficiency but often about survival or the critical timing of a divine response.

חוּשׁ (chûsh, H2363) — The more common primary root with identical meaning of 'to hurry.' בָּהַל (bāhal, H926) — to hurry, but often with a connotation of panic, dismay, or terrified haste. מָהַר (māhar, H4116) — to hasten, be quick; frequently used for prompt action in obedience or movement.

Word Details