Bible Word Study
τάχιον
tachion · more swiftly
τάχιον
more swiftly
Definition
Τάχιον is the comparative form of the adverb ταχύ, meaning 'swiftly' or 'quickly.' It therefore means 'more swiftly' or 'more quickly,' often implying a sense of urgency or a shorter timeframe than an alternative. In the New Testament, it consistently carries this comparative sense of increased speed or immediacy. For example, in John 20:4, it describes John outrunning Peter to the tomb, while in Hebrews 13:19 and 23, it expresses the writer's desire for a quicker reunion or resolution.
Biblical Usage
Τάχιον appears five times, primarily in the Gospel of John and the Epistles. It is used in narrative to describe physical speed (John 20:4), in commands implying urgent action (John 13:27 to Judas), and in personal appeals expressing a desire for expedited outcomes (1 Timothy 3:14, Hebrews 13:19, 23). Its usage patterns show it applying to both concrete actions and abstract hopes for quicker developments.
Etymology
Derived from the adjective ταχύς (tachys, G5036), meaning 'swift' or 'quick.' Τάχιον is the neuter singular comparative form of the related adverb ταχύ. It shares a root with words like τάχος (tachos, G5034, 'speed') and ταχύνω (tachynō, G5035, 'to hasten'), all relating to the concept of swiftness.
Semantic Range
While primarily a term of temporal urgency, τάχιον can underscore the importance of timely obedience and the earnest expectation of God's work. In John 13:27, Jesus's command to Judas to act 'more quickly' highlights the divinely ordained momentum of the Passion events. In the epistolary appeals (e.g., Hebrews 13:19), it reflects the deep pastoral longing for fellowship and the resolution of ministry concerns, modeling earnest prayer and relational care within the Christian community. In a culture without instant communication or rapid travel, the desire for things to happen 'more quickly' (τάχιον) carried significant weight, reflecting practical challenges and heartfelt longing. The emphasis on swiftness in messages and travel (Heb. 13:23) highlights the value placed on personal connection and reliable information in the ancient world. ταχύ (tachy, G5035) — the base adverb meaning 'quickly,' without the comparative force. ταχέως (tacheōs, G5030) — another adverb for 'quickly' or 'speedily,' often used interchangeably but with a slightly more formal tone. τάχος (tachos, G5034) — a noun meaning 'speed' or 'swiftness,' focusing on the quality itself.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). Concordance and morphology data are derived from the interlinear Bible.
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]