רוּץ

From the study of Isaiah 55:5

Range of meaning

To run or hurry. It is used of runners, of royal couriers (the 'runners' who guarded and served a king, 1 Samuel 22:17), of soldiers charging, and of eager movement toward something or someone.

Against the English

'Run' (KJV, WEB, BSB) is accurate. NIV's 'come running' brings out the eagerness. NLT's 'come running to obey' adds obedience, which the Hebrew does not state.

Used elsewhere in the period

Isaiah 40:31 ('they shall run and not grow weary'). Isaiah 59:7 uses it for feet running to evil. In Isaiah 2:2 the nations 'stream' (nāhar) to Zion, a related picture of people moving toward Jerusalem.

From the study of Proverbs 1:16

Range of meaning

To run. It is used for messengers, runners who go ahead of chariots, and an eager rush toward something. When used figuratively it shows eagerness and commitment.

Against the English

English 'run' matches it well. The point is that the running is willing and fast.

Used elsewhere in the period

Prov 6:18 lists 'feet that are swift (maharot) to run (laruts) to evil' among the things the LORD hates. Ps 119:32 has the opposite picture: 'I run the way of your commandments.'

From the study of Genesis 18:2

Range of meaning

Ruts means 'to run, to hurry.' Liqrat means 'toward, to meet,' from a root meaning 'to encounter.' Together they make a set expression for running out to greet someone.

Against the English

All versions render it 'ran to meet them.' The English is accurate, but a modern reader may miss how striking it was in that culture for an old head of a household to run.

Used elsewhere in the period

Gen 24:17 (the servant runs to meet Rebekah), 24:29 (Laban runs out), 29:13 (Laban runs to meet Jacob), 33:4 (Esau runs to meet Jacob). In the honor customs of the ancient Near East, a senior man normally kept a dignified pace. Running meant he put the guest above his own dignity.