τρέχω

tréchō /drem'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootapparently a primary verb (properly, ; compare θρίξ)
Meaningwhich uses (the base of δρόμος) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figuratively)
KJV usagehave course, run.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word tréchō, represented by G5143, means to run or walk hastily. It appears 21 times across 17 unique verses in the Bible. The word is used both literally to describe physical running, often with a sense of urgency, and figuratively to represent the Christian life and ministry as a race.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G5143 is used in several key contexts. Literally, it describes moments of great emotion and urgency, such as the women who departed the tomb "with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word" Matthew 28:8. It also captures the father's compassion for his returning son, who "ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him" Luke 15:20. Figuratively, the Apostle Paul frequently uses the term to describe the Christian life as a race that must be run with purpose, urging believers to "run, that ye may obtain" a prize 1 Corinthians 9:24. He also applies it to his own ministry, expressing his desire not to have run in vain Galatians 2:2.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words expand upon the concept of running and the Christian's spiritual journey:

  • G4712 stádion (race-course): This term for a stadium or race-course provides the setting for the spiritual metaphor of running, as seen in the admonition to those who run in a race 1 Corinthians 9:24.
  • G1017 brabeîon (prize): This is the award or prize that is the goal of the race. While many run, only one receives the prize, compelling believers to run with purpose 1 Corinthians 9:24.
  • G4390 protréchō (to run forward, outstrip): This word describes running ahead or outrunning someone, as when the "other disciple did outrun Peter" on the way to the sepulchre John 20:4.
  • G1465 enkóptō (impede, detain): This term is used to describe what can hinder a believer's progress in their spiritual run, as Paul asked the Galatians, "who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?" Galatians 5:7.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G5143 is primarily seen in its use as a metaphor for the Christian faith.

  • The Christian Life as a Race: Believers are exhorted to "run with patience the race that is set before us" Hebrews 12:1. This imagery emphasizes endurance, discipline, and the need to lay aside every sin that can impede progress Hebrews 12:1.
  • Purpose in Ministry: Paul frames his apostolic work as a race, stating he runs with certainty and not in vain (1 Corinthians 9:26, Philippians 2:16). This highlights that spiritual labor should be directed toward the clear goal of glorifying Christ.
  • The Spread of the Gospel: The word is used to describe the desired, unhindered movement of God's Word. Paul asks for prayer so "that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified" 2 Thessalonians 3:1.
  • Divine Mercy Over Human Striving: While running signifies effort, salvation is ultimately not a result of human work. Scripture clarifies that victory "is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy" Romans 9:16.

Summary

In summary, G5143 moves beyond its simple definition of physical motion to become a powerful illustration of the Christian experience. It captures both the literal urgency of key biblical moments and the figurative journey of faith. From the determined pace of a believer running their spiritual race Hebrews 12:1 to the rapid, unhindered spread of the gospel 2 Thessalonians 3:1, tréchō defines a life of purpose, endurance, and forward momentum directed toward a divine goal.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 20 occurrences, inflected in 16 grammatical forms.

  • 2nd Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 3×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 1st Singular 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 1st Singular 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Participle Genitive Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Participle Genitive Singular Masculine 1×

+ 4 rarer forms

Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 17 verses across 11 books. Most frequent in Matthew (2 verses).

2
Matthew
2
Mark
2
Luke
2
John
1
Romans
2
1 Corinthians
2
Galatians
1
Philippians
1
2 Thessalonians
1
Hebrews
1
Revelation

Verse Explorer

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