neuter singular of the comparative of ταχύς (as adverb); more swiftly, i.e. (in manner) more rapidly, or (in time) more speedily:--out (run), quickly, shortly, sooner.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word τάχιον (táchion) `{{G5032}}` is the neuter singular form of the comparative adjective ταχύς (takhys) `{{G5036}}`, used adverbially. Its core meaning denotes a greater degree of speed or immediacy than the positive form. It signifies "more swiftly," "more rapidly," or "more speedily." Depending on the context, it can convey:
* **Physical speed:** A quicker pace or faster movement.
* **Temporal immediacy:** Happening sooner, shortly, or without delay.
* **Urgency:** A requirement for prompt action.
The comparative nature suggests an increased quickness relative to a baseline or expectation, even if often translated simply as "quickly" or "soon" in English.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
τάχιον `{{G5032}}` appears approximately 20 times in the New Testament, with significant occurrences illustrating its semantic range:
* **Physical Speed:** In [[John 20:4]], describing the disciples' race to the empty tomb, it is used to denote physical swiftness: "The other disciple ran on ahead and reached the tomb **sooner** [τάχιον] than Peter."
* **Practical Urgency:** Jesus' command to Judas in [[John 13:27]], "What you are going to do, do **quickly** [τάχιον]," conveys a pressing need for immediate action, even if the action itself is dark. Similarly, Paul's desire to send Timothy or come himself "soon" in [[Philippians 2:19]] and [[Philippians 2:24]], and his hope to come "shortly" in [[1 Timothy 3:14]], reflect a practical urgency and longing for reunion. In [[Hebrews 13:19]] and [[Hebrews 13:23]], it expresses a desire for an early restoration to the community.
* **Eschatological Imminence:** This is perhaps the most theologically weighty usage, particularly in the book of Revelation.
* [[Revelation 1:1]]: "things which must **shortly** [τάχιον] come to pass," setting the stage for the book's prophetic content.
* [[Revelation 2:16]]: "Repent; or else I will come unto thee **quickly** [τάχιον], and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth," indicating swift judgment.
* [[Revelation 3:11]]: "I am coming **quickly** [τάχιον]," a warning and promise to the church in Philadelphia.
* Repeatedly in the final chapter of Revelation ([[Revelation 22:6]], [[Revelation 22:7]], [[Revelation 22:12]], [[Revelation 22:20]]), Christ declares, "I am coming **quickly** [τάχιον]." This consistent reiteration emphasizes the certainty and imminence of His return, not necessarily in a human chronological sense of a few days, but in the divine sense of a decisive and unhindered arrival.
### Related Words & Concepts
τάχιον `{{G5032}}` is part of a family of words related to speed and swiftness:
* **ταχύς (takhys) `{{G5036}}`:** The root adjective, meaning "swift" or "quick."
* **ταχέως (tacheōs) `{{G5035}}`:** The adverbial form of ταχύς, meaning "quickly" or "swiftly." τάχιον is the comparative of this.
* **τάχος (tachos) `{{G5034}}`:** The noun form, meaning "speed" or "swiftness."
* **ἔρχομαι (erchomai) `{{G2064}}`:** "To come" or "to go." This verb is frequently paired with τάχιον, especially in the eschatological declarations of Christ's coming in Revelation, emphasizing the swiftness and certainty of His arrival.
* **Concepts:** Imminence, urgency, divine timing, readiness, vigilance, eschatology, and the swiftness of divine action (both judgment and salvation).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of τάχιον `{{G5032}}` is multi-layered:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Imminence:** The repeated declaration "I am coming quickly" in Revelation is not a prediction of an immediate arrival within a human lifespan, but rather an affirmation of God's sovereign control over time and the certainty of Christ's return. It signifies that when He comes, it will be decisive, swift, and without delay from His divine perspective. This calls believers to a posture of constant readiness and vigilance, living in light of His impending return, irrespective of chronological proximity.
* **Urgency in Discipleship and Mission:** The use of τάχιον in contexts like Jesus' command to Judas or Paul's pastoral desires highlights the importance of timely obedience and action. For believers, this translates into an urgency to live out their faith, fulfill the Great Commission, and address sin, knowing that opportunities are finite and the Lord's return is certain.
* **Assurance of Divine Intervention:** In [[Romans 16:20]], the promise that "The God of peace will **soon** [τάχιον] crush Satan under your feet" offers a profound assurance of God's decisive and swift victory over evil. It reinforces the truth that God's redemptive plan is not delayed indefinitely but will culminate in His perfect timing, bringing ultimate peace and justice.
* **Pastoral Care and Fellowship:** Paul's use of τάχιον expresses a deep pastoral concern and longing for fellowship with his beloved churches, underscoring the value of personal presence and direct ministry in the early Christian community.
### Summary
τάχιον (táchion) `{{G5032}}` is a Greek adverb meaning "more swiftly," "more rapidly," or "more speedily," derived from the comparative form of ταχύς (takhys) `{{G5036}}`. While often translated as "quickly" or "soon," it carries the nuance of heightened speed or immediacy. Its usage in the New Testament spans various contexts: from describing physical swiftness, as seen in John's "outrunning" Peter to the tomb in [[John 20:4]], to conveying practical urgency in commands like Jesus' instruction to Judas in [[John 13:27]]. The word attains its most profound theological significance in the book of Revelation, where Christ repeatedly declares, "I am coming **quickly** [τάχιον]" ([[Revelation 22:7]], [[Revelation 22:12]], [[Revelation 22:20]]). This eschatological emphasis underscores the divine sovereignty over time, the certainty of Christ's return, and the call for continuous vigilance and readiness among believers. Furthermore, τάχιον highlights the urgency of obedience in discipleship and mission, the assurance of God's swift intervention against evil, and the pastoral desire for timely fellowship within the Christian community.
TRV