Greek word · G5036

ταχύς

tachys

quick

The adjective ταχύς means quick or swift. Its neuter form ταχύ, used as an adverb, can mean (1) quickly, at speed, or (2) soon, in a short time, without delay (BDAG gives both). With verbs of coming or happening, especially in warnings and promises, the time sense usually dominates.

Appears 5 times in 5 verses of the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

ταχύς, -εῖα, -ύ

[in LXX chiefly for מָהַר pi. ;]

quick, swift, speedy: opposite to βραδύς, Ja 119.†

(AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of Revelation 22:12

Range of meaning

The adjective ταχύς means quick or swift. Its neuter form ταχύ, used as an adverb, can mean (1) quickly, at speed, or (2) soon, in a short time, without delay (BDAG gives both). With verbs of coming or happening, especially in warnings and promises, the time sense usually dominates.

Against the English

KJV and NASB say 'quickly.' BSB, WEB, NIV, ESV and NLT say 'soon.' To modern ears 'quickly' describes speed of motion ('he came quickly when called'). 'Soon' describes how close something is in time.

How it drifted

In 1611, 'quickly' could still freely mean 'soon, before long.' Today it mostly describes speed. So the KJV wording now invites the reading 'when he comes it will be sudden,' which the Greek usage in Revelation does not favour.

Used elsewhere in the period

Revelation uses ταχύ for nearness in time: 2:16 ('repent, or else I am coming to you soon'), 3:11, and 11:14 ('the third woe is coming soon'). The book is framed by the same idea: 'what must happen soon' (ἐν τάχει, 1:1; 22:6) and 'the time is near' (1:3; 22:10). Compare the LXX of Isaiah 5:26 and 58:8 for ταχύ / ταχέως meaning prompt arrival.

Where it appears

Matthew · 1

  1. Matthew 5:25 ταχὺ quickly

    Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.

    Here: Used as an adverb: without delay. The chance to settle runs out once you reach the court.

Luke · 1

  1. Luke 15:22 ταχὺ Quickly

    But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

    Here: An adjective used as an adverb: 'quick!'. It stresses urgency. The restoration is not put off or made to wait on a trial period. It is missing from the later Byzantine text (see variants).

Acts · 1

  1. Acts 17:15 τάχιστα quickly as possible

    Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then returned with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.

James · 1

  1. James 1:19 ταχὺς swift

    My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,

    Here: Ready and eager. The picture is someone who moves quickly to take in what is being said.

Revelation · 1

  1. Revelation 22:12 ταχύ, quickly,

    “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done.

    Here: An adverb meaning 'soon, without delay.' In Revelation it marks how near something is in time (2:16; 3:11; 11:14), not how fast it moves.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.