a primitive root; to hurry; figuratively, to be eager with excitement or enjoyment; (make) haste(-n), ready.
Transliteration:chûwsh
Pronunciation:koosh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root חוּשׁ (chûwsh, `{{H2363}}`) is a primitive verb primarily conveying the sense of "to hurry" or "to hasten." Its core meaning denotes swift movement or action, emphasizing speed and promptness. Beyond this literal sense of physical acceleration, the word extends figuratively to describe an internal state of being "eager with excitement or enjoyment." This semantic range allows חוּשׁ to express both a neutral or necessary urgency (e.g., making haste) and a more profound psychological state of enthusiastic readiness or fervent desire. The concept of "readiness" captures the preparedness to act quickly or with zeal. Thus, חוּשׁ encompasses not only the act of speeding up but also the underlying motivation or disposition that drives such quickness, whether born of necessity, impatience, or fervent desire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of חוּשׁ in the Hebrew Bible illustrate its diverse applications, ranging from urgent human action to divine swiftness.
In [[Psalm 38:22]], the psalmist cries out, "Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!" Here, חוּשׁ expresses a desperate plea for immediate divine intervention, highlighting God's capacity for swift and timely deliverance. This usage underscores a theological understanding of God as one who can act with decisive speed in response to human need.
Conversely, חוּשׁ can describe human impatience or rashness. [[Proverbs 19:2]] states, "Also, that the soul be without knowledge is not good; And he who hastens with his feet sins." In this context, "hastens" (חוּשׁ) carries a negative connotation, implying rash, ill-considered action driven by a lack of wisdom or patience. It warns against impulsive behavior that can lead to sin or detrimental outcomes. Similarly, [[Isaiah 28:16]] declares, "He who believes will not make haste," which implies that true faith fosters patience and trust, preventing a believer from acting in panic or undue urgency.
The word also appears in contexts describing the swift approach of divine judgment. [[Zephaniah 1:14]] proclaims, "The great day of the Lord is near; It is near and hastens greatly." Here, חוּשׁ depicts the inexorable and rapid advance of God's appointed time of reckoning, emphasizing its certainty and imminence. This usage imbues the word with a sense of divine purpose and unstoppable momentum.
Furthermore, חוּשׁ can reflect human challenge or scorn towards divine timing. In [[Isaiah 5:19]], the prophet denounces those who mock God by saying, "Let Him make speed, let Him hasten His work, That we may see it; And let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come, That we may know it!" This demonstrates a cynical demand for God to "hurry up" and prove Himself, revealing a heart of unbelief and defiance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of חוּשׁ (chûwsh, `{{H2363}}`) intersects with several other Hebrew terms related to speed, urgency, and action. A prominent related word is מָהַר (mahar, `{{H4116}}`), which also means "to hurry" or "to hasten." While both convey speed, חוּשׁ can sometimes carry a stronger sense of urgency or even eagerness, whereas מָהַר is a more general term for quick action. Another related concept is that of diligence or promptness, often contrasted with sloth or delay. The idea of "readiness" inherent in חוּשׁ connects it to concepts of preparedness and attentiveness. The word's negative connotations of rashness or impatience link it to terms describing folly or lack of wisdom, contrasting with patience and trust in divine timing. The opposite of חוּשׁ would be words denoting slowness, delay, or procrastination.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חוּשׁ (chûwsh, `{{H2363}}`) is multifaceted. It reveals aspects of both divine and human character. For God, חוּשׁ highlights His capacity for swift and decisive action, whether in salvation, judgment, or response to prayer. God is not static or indifferent but can "hasten" His purposes according to His sovereign will and perfect timing. This provides comfort to those who pray for deliverance ([[Psalm 38:22]]) and solemn warning to those who face judgment ([[Zephaniah 1:14]]).
For humanity, חוּשׁ serves as a moral and spiritual indicator. While diligence and promptness in righteous endeavors are commendable, the negative uses of חוּשׁ caution against rashness, impatience, and actions taken without wisdom or faith. True belief, as [[Isaiah 28:16]] suggests, leads to patience and trust in God's timing, rather than frantic or impulsive haste. The cynical use of חוּשׁ in [[Isaiah 5:19]] underscores the danger of challenging God's sovereignty and wisdom by demanding immediate fulfillment of His promises on human terms. Thus, חוּשׁ underscores the importance of discerning the right kind of "haste"—one born of faith and obedience, not of folly or unbelief.
### Summary
חוּשׁ (chûwsh, `{{H2363}}`) is a versatile Hebrew root meaning "to hurry," "to hasten," or "to be eager with excitement or enjoyment." Its semantic range encompasses both physical speed and an internal state of readiness or fervent desire. Biblically, it describes God's swift intervention in salvation and judgment ([[Psalm 38:22]], [[Zephaniah 1:14]]), as well as human impatience, rashness, or a lack of trust ([[Proverbs 19:2]], [[Isaiah 28:16]]). Theologically, חוּשׁ illuminates God's dynamic nature and underscores the human responsibility to act with wisdom and patience, distinguishing between righteous diligence and impulsive folly. It serves as a reminder of the critical importance of timing, both divine and human, in the unfolding of God's purposes and our response to them.
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