### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective G5031 (ταχινός, *tachinós*) is derived from the root τάχος (`{{G5034}}`), which signifies "swiftness" or "speed." While it carries the primary meaning of "swift," "quick," or "speedy," its semantic range extends to convey a more profound sense of "impending" or "imminent." It describes something that is not merely fast in its execution but is also about to happen very soon, often with an implication of certainty and inevitability. The nuance of "curt" in some definitions should be understood in terms of temporal brevity—an event that will be short in duration or will arrive without delay. Thus, *tachinós* speaks to both the rapidity of an event and its near-at-hand arrival.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G5031 appears twice in the New Testament, both instances found within the Second Epistle of Peter, where it carries significant theological weight:
1. **[[2 Peter 1:14]]**: "knowing that the putting off of my tabernacle is swift (ταχινὴν), as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me."
Here, Peter uses *tachinós* to describe his own impending death. The word conveys not merely that his death will be quick in its execution, but more importantly, that it is imminent and certain, a divinely revealed truth. It underscores Peter's profound awareness of his mortality and the brevity of his earthly sojourn, urging a life lived in readiness and purpose. The "swiftness" refers to the certainty and nearness of the event, rather than a prolonged process.
2. **[[2 Peter 2:1]]**: "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift (ταχινὴν) destruction."
In this context, *tachinós* characterizes the destruction awaiting false teachers. The "swift destruction" signifies that divine judgment upon these deceivers will be sudden, inevitable, and without protracted delay. It serves as a stern warning against apostasy and a powerful assurance of God's righteous and decisive intervention against those who corrupt the truth. The term emphasizes the certainty and immediacy of God's justice.
In both instances, *tachinós* moves beyond mere velocity to denote the assured and proximate nature of an event, whether it be personal mortality or divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
*Tachinós* belongs to a family of Greek words derived from the root τάχος (`{{G5034}}`), all conveying notions of speed and immediacy:
* **τάχος (`{{G5034}}`)**: The noun meaning "speed," "quickness," or "haste." Often used adverbially with a preposition, e.g., "in haste."
* **ταχέως (`{{G5035}}`)**: The adverbial form, meaning "quickly," "soon," or "hastily."
* **ταχύς (`{{G5036}}`)**: The adjective meaning "quick," "swift," or "speedy."
While these related terms generally denote rapidity, *tachinós* specifically highlights the *imminence* or *impending nature* of an event. The concepts associated with *tachinós* include eschatological urgency, the certainty of divine judgment, the brevity of human life, and the assured fulfillment of prophetic warnings. It stands in contrast to any notion of divine delay or human complacency.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G5031 (ταχινός) is profound and multifaceted. In [[2 Peter 1:14]], Peter's declaration of his "swift" departure underscores the reality of human mortality and the brevity of earthly life. This awareness serves as a powerful impetus for believers to live with intentionality, fulfilling their God-given purpose before their time is complete. It speaks to a life lived in constant readiness, acknowledging the Lord's sovereign timing.
In [[2 Peter 2:1]], the "swift destruction" of false teachers powerfully conveys God's unwavering commitment to justice and truth. It assures believers that God is not indifferent to sin or heresy; rather, His judgment is certain, decisive, and will come without undue delay. This serves both as a warning to those who would corrupt the faith and as an encouragement to those who uphold it, affirming that divine retribution is not slow but will be executed with precision and immediacy. The use of *tachinós* counters any skeptical questioning of God's intervention, emphasizing that His timing is perfect, even if it differs from human expectations. It calls for vigilance and faithfulness in anticipation of His decisive action.
### Summary
G5031 (ταχινός, *tachinós*) is a Greek adjective signifying something "swift" or "quick," but more pivotally, "impending" or "imminent." Its two occurrences in the New Testament, both in 2 Peter, are contextually rich: it describes Peter's own "swift" and imminent death ([[2 Peter 1:14]]) and the "swift" and certain destruction awaiting false teachers ([[2 Peter 2:1]]). This word transcends mere speed to convey the certainty and near-at-hand arrival of divinely appointed events. Theologically, *tachinós* highlights the brevity of human life and the inevitability of divine judgment, urging believers to live with a sense of urgency, vigilance, and faithfulness in anticipation of God's decisive and timely actions. It is intimately related to other terms from the root τάχος (`{{G5034}}`), all emphasizing aspects of immediacy and rapidity.
TRV