חִישׁ
properly, a hurry; hence (adverb) quickly
Definition
The Hebrew adverb חִישׁ (chîysh) means 'quickly,' 'speedily,' or 'soon.' It conveys a sense of urgency or haste, describing an action that occurs without delay. In its single biblical occurrence in Psalm 90:10, it modifies the length of human life, suggesting it passes swiftly. The word's core meaning is consistently tied to rapidity and the brief, hurried nature of time or action.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Psalm 90:10. In this poetic and reflective context, it is part of a lament on the brevity and hardship of human life: 'The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.' Here, 'soon' (חִישׁ) poetically emphasizes how quickly life passes and is brought to an end.
Etymology
The word חִישׁ (chîysh) is derived from the root חוּשׁ (chûsh, H2363), which means 'to hurry' or 'to make haste.' It functions as an adverbial form directly expressing the manner of an action. This root is seen in other words conveying urgency, such as the verb 'to hasten.'
Semantic Range
Though used only once, חִישׁ contributes to the profound theological theme of human mortality and divine eternality in Psalm 90. It sharpens the contrast between the fleeting, 'hurried' nature of human life ('soon cut off') and the everlasting nature of God ('from everlasting to everlasting, you are God' in Psalm 90:2). Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reader's sense of life's fragility and dependence on God, who is our 'dwelling place' (Psalm 90:1).
In the ancient Near Eastern context, a lifespan of 70 or 80 years was considered a full life, yet often filled with 'labour and sorrow.' The concept of life passing 'quickly' (חִישׁ) resonated in a world with high infant mortality, disease, and conflict, making the psalmist's reflection on life's brevity a deeply relatable and poignant cultural sentiment.
מְהֵרָה (meherah, H4118) — also means 'quickly' or 'speedily,' but is more common and can imply promptness in a positive sense (e.g., God's help). מַהֵר (maher, H4116) — an adjective/adverb meaning 'quick,' 'swift,' or 'soon,' often used of speedy action or judgment.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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