neuter singular of ταχύς (as adverb); shortly, i.e. without delay, soon, or (by surprise) suddenly, or (by implication, of ease) readily:--lightly, quickly.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
ταχύ (G5035) is the neuter singular form of the adjective ταχύς (G5036), used adverbially. Its core meaning revolves around the concept of speed or immediacy. The semantic range of ταχύ encompasses several nuances:
* **Shortly/Soon:** Indicating a brief temporal interval before an event, suggesting imminence rather than instantaneousness.
* **Without delay/Promptly:** Emphasizing the absence of procrastination or hesitation in an action.
* **Suddenly/By surprise:** Denoting an unexpected or abrupt occurrence.
* **Readily/Easily/Lightly:** Implying facility, lack of difficulty, or a quick, unburdened manner of action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ταχύ appears in various New Testament contexts, often highlighting urgency, swiftness, or readiness.
* In the Gospels, it frequently describes a prompt human response:
* [[Matthew 28:7]]: The angel instructs the women to "go quickly" and tell the disciples about the resurrection, emphasizing the urgency of the good news.
* [[Mark 9:39]]: Jesus states that no one who does a miracle in His name will be able to "quickly" (or "readily") speak evil of Him, suggesting the immediate impact of such deeds.
* [[Luke 15:22]]: The father commands his servants to "bring quickly the best robe" for the returning prodigal son, illustrating eager and immediate action born of love.
* [[John 11:29]]: Mary rose "quickly" when called by Jesus, demonstrating her immediate responsiveness.
* In the Epistles, ταχύ can relate to the speed of judgment or the necessity of careful action:
* [[Romans 16:20]]: "The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly." This speaks to the certainty and soon-coming nature of God's victory.
* [[1 Timothy 5:22]]: Paul advises Timothy, "Do not lay hands on anyone *hastily*," warning against rash or unconsidered action in ordination.
* [[Titus 3:3]]: Paul reminds Titus that believers were once "quick to obey" their sinful desires, highlighting the swiftness of human inclination towards sin.
* In Revelation, ταχύ is prominently used in an eschatological context, referring to the swiftness of Christ's return or divine judgment:
* [[Revelation 2:16]]: "Repent therefore; or else I am coming to you quickly and will make war against them with the sword of My mouth."
* [[Revelation 3:11]]: "I am coming quickly."
* [[Revelation 22:7]], [[Revelation 22:12]], [[Revelation 22:20]]: These verses repeatedly affirm the imminence and certainty of Christ's return, serving as both a promise and a warning.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ταχύς (tachys) `{{G5036}}`**: The adjective meaning "swift, quick," from which ταχύ is derived.
* **ταχέως (tacheōs) `{{G5034}}`**: Another adverbial form, often synonymous with ταχύ, also meaning "quickly, swiftly." While ταχύ can emphasize suddenness or imminence, ταχέως often focuses on the speed of the action itself.
* **ἐν τάχει (en tachei) `{{G5034}}`**: A phrase meaning "with speed, quickly," frequently used in eschatological declarations (e.g., [[Revelation 1:1]], "things which must soon take place").
* **εὐθέως (eutheōs) `{{G2112}}`**: "Immediately, at once." This word emphasizes instantaneous action and is particularly prevalent in Mark's Gospel. While related to speed, εὐθέως denotes "at that very moment," whereas ταχύ can also mean "soon" or "without delay" in a broader sense.
* **παραχρῆμα (parachrēma) `{{G3916}}`**: "Instantly, immediately." Often used to describe miraculous healings where the effect is instantaneous.
* **Key Concepts:** Immediacy, urgency, promptness, suddenness, readiness, divine timing, eschatological expectation, responsiveness, and divine judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ταχύ is multifaceted, touching upon divine attributes, human responsibility, and eschatological hope.
* **Divine Promptness and Certainty:** When applied to God's actions, particularly His judgment or the return of Christ, ταχύ underscores His sovereign control over time and the unwavering certainty of His promises. It conveys that God's plans unfold not merely "soon" in human terms, but "swiftly" from a divine perspective, indicating an unhindered and inevitable progression of His will. The repeated declarations of "I am coming quickly" in Revelation serve as both a solemn warning to the unrepentant and a comforting assurance to the faithful, urging a posture of readiness and perseverance.
* **Human Responsiveness and Obedience:** In contexts describing human action, ταχύ highlights the importance of prompt obedience, swift repentance, or immediate action in light of God's truth. The imperative to "go quickly" with the resurrection news ([[Matthew 28:7]]) exemplifies the urgency of evangelism. Conversely, the warning against acting "hastily" ([[1 Timothy 5:22]]) in matters of spiritual leadership emphasizes the need for careful, prayerful, and considered action, guarding against rashness.
* **The Dynamic Nature of God's Kingdom:** The "suddenness" or "swiftness" with which the Kingdom of God can manifest or demand a response implies its dynamic and transformative power, often breaking into human expectations and calling for immediate alignment with divine will.
### Summary
ταχύ (G5035) is a significant Greek adverb in the New Testament, conveying the concepts of speed, immediacy, and promptness. Its semantic range includes "shortly," "soon," "without delay," "suddenly," and "readily." Biblically, it describes the swiftness of human response to divine callings (e.g., disciples' obedience, Mary's readiness), the urgency inherent in proclaiming the Gospel (e.g., sharing the resurrection news), and most profoundly, the certainty and imminence of divine action, particularly Christ's return and judgment, as emphasized in the book of Revelation. The word underscores both the divine imperative for swift and discerning action from believers and the profound eschatological reality of God's unhindered plan unfolding in time. It calls the faithful to a posture of readiness, obedience, and careful discernment, while simultaneously affirming the swift and certain triumph of God's righteous will.
TRV