τάχος

quickness, speed

Definition

The Greek word τάχος primarily means 'quickness' or 'speed,' denoting swiftness in action or time. In the New Testament, it often carries the adverbial sense of 'quickly' or 'without delay,' as seen in commands like 'come quickly' (Revelation 22:20 implied) or divine actions happening 'speedily' (Luke 18:8). In some contexts, it emphasizes immediacy rather than literal velocity, such as when an angel instructs Peter to get up 'quickly' in Acts 12:7, highlighting urgency. Overall, τάχος conveys promptness, whether in human response or God's intervention.

Biblical Usage

Τάχος appears eight times in the New Testament, used in narratives, epistles, and apocalyptic literature. In Acts, it describes urgent actions (Acts 12:7, 22:18, 25:4), while in Luke 18:8, Jesus uses it to question if the Son of Man will find faith 'quickly' upon his return. Paul employs it in Romans 16:20 to assure that God will crush Satan 'soon.' In Revelation, it underscores the imminent nature of divine revelation and judgment (Revelation 1:1, 2:5, 22:6), often tied to eschatological timing.

Etymology

Τάχος derives from the Greek root ταχύς (tachys, G5036), meaning 'swift' or 'quick.' It is a noun form related to speed, with cognates like ταχέως (tacheōs, G5030, 'quickly') and ταχύνω (tachynō, G5032, 'to hasten'). The word family emphasizes rapid motion or short duration, reflecting its use in classical and Koine Greek to denote haste or promptness.

Semantic Range

Τάχος is theologically significant in eschatology and divine action. It highlights God's timely intervention, as in Romans 16:20 and Revelation, where 'quickly' reassures believers of God's imminent justice and fulfillment of promises. Understanding τάχος enriches Bible reading by emphasizing urgency in faith responses and the certainty of God's swift, though not always immediate, purposes in salvation history.

In ancient Greek culture, τάχος was valued in contexts like military, travel, and communication, where speed could mean survival or advantage. Biblically, its use for divine actions contrasts with human impatience, reminding readers that God's 'quickly' operates within His sovereign timing, not merely human haste.

ταχέως (tacheōs, G5030) — an adverb meaning 'quickly,' often used interchangeably but more common in adverbial phrases; ταχύνω (tachynō, G5032) — a verb meaning 'to hasten' or 'accelerate,' focusing on the action of speeding up; σπεύδω (speudō, G4692) — a verb meaning 'to hurry' or 'be eager,' with a stronger sense of earnestness or zeal.

Word Details

Scripture References