probably strengthened from πούς; to "speed" ("study"), i.e. urge on (diligently or earnestly); by implication, to await eagerly:--(make, with) haste unto.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **speúdō**, represented by `{{G4692}}`, means to "make haste" or to "speed." It appears **6 times** in **6 unique verses** in the Bible. The term conveys a sense of urgency, diligence, and earnestness, describing an action to move quickly toward a goal or to eagerly await an event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4692}}` is used to illustrate prompt and purposeful action. When the shepherds heard of the Messiah's birth, they "came with haste" to find him [[Luke 2:16]]. Similarly, when Jesus called to Zacchaeus, He commanded him to "make haste, and come down," and Zacchaeus responded immediately, as he "made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully" [[Luke 19:5-6]]. The Apostle Paul also "hasted" in his travels, driven by a desire to be in Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost [[Acts 20:16]]. The word also describes an urgent directive, as when Paul was told in a vision to "Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem" [[Acts 22:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of making haste:
* `{{G2064}}` **érchomai** (to come or go): This word for movement is paired with haste, as when the shepherds "came with haste" after receiving the angelic news [[Luke 2:16]].
* `{{G2597}}` **katabaínō** (to descend): This word is directly linked to the command for haste in the story of Zacchaeus, who was told to "make haste, and come down" from the tree [[Luke 19:5]].
* `{{G4328}}` **prosdokáō** (to anticipate; to await): This term describes the internal attitude that accompanies haste. Believers are described as "looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God" [[2 Peter 3:12]], connecting eager expectation with urgent living.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4692}}` centers on the proper response to divine revelation and purpose.
* **Eager Obedience:** The word demonstrates a joyful and immediate response to God's call. Zacchaeus's quick descent from the tree shows a heart ready to receive Jesus without delay [[Luke 19:6]].
* **Purposeful Urgency:** Haste is not depicted as panicked or chaotic, but as a focused speed driven by a clear mission. Paul's journey to Jerusalem [[Acts 20:16]] and the shepherds' search for Jesus [[Luke 2:16]] are acts of deliberate and purposeful urgency.
* **Eschatological Readiness:** The term is used to describe a believer's posture toward the end times. In "hasting unto the coming of the day of God" [[2 Peter 3:12]], the Christian life is characterized by an active and eager anticipation of God's final fulfillment.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4692}}` is more than just a word for speed. It encompasses a spectrum of meanings, from the physical act of moving quickly in response to a command to the spiritual attitude of eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of God's promises. It consistently portrays haste as a positive quality, signifying joyful obedience, missional focus, and a faith that is actively and urgently oriented toward God's divine appointments.
TRV