### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חִישׁ (chîysh, `{{H2439}}`) serves as an intensive or alternative form of the more common root חוּשׁ (chûwsh, `{{H2363}}`). Its fundamental meaning revolves around the concept of speed and urgency, specifically "to hurry" or "to make haste." This implies a rapid movement or prompt action. While `{{H2363}}` can sometimes carry a broader semantic range including "to feel" or "to perceive" (especially in later Hebrew), the specific form `{{H2439}}` is consistently employed in its sense of accelerated motion. The nuance of this haste can range from a necessary, frantic flight to a foolish, ill-considered rush, or even a sarcastic challenge to divine timing, depending on the surrounding context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word חִישׁ (chîysh, `{{H2439}}`) appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, occurring only three times. Each instance offers a distinct contextual flavor to its core meaning of "haste."
1. **[[2 Samuel 4:4]]**: "And Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth." Here, חִישׁ describes the nurse's frantic and urgent flight ("made haste to flee"). The context is one of panic and survival, where the need for speed inadvertently leads to a tragic accident, highlighting the potential negative consequences of haste driven by fear.
2. **[[Proverbs 19:2]]**: "Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that makes haste with his feet sins." In this sapiential context, חִישׁ ("makes haste") is presented as a negative attribute. It describes an impulsive, unthinking rush into action or decision-making without proper understanding or wisdom ("without knowledge"). Such haste is explicitly linked to sin or error, emphasizing the dangers of acting without deliberation.
3. **[[Isaiah 5:19]]**: "That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it!" This occurrence is found in the context of the prophet Isaiah denouncing the spiritual blindness and arrogance of Judah. The people, in their skepticism and impatience, sarcastically challenge God to "make speed" and "hasten His work." This use of חִישׁ underscores human impatience and a desire to dictate terms to the Almighty, revealing a profound lack of faith in God's perfect timing and sovereign plan.
Across these three occurrences, חִישׁ consistently denotes rapidity, but its implications vary significantly: a physical rush due to fear, a moral failing due to impulsiveness, and a defiant, faithless demand for divine action.
### Related Words & Concepts
As noted, חִישׁ (chîysh, `{{H2439}}`) is a form of חוּשׁ (chûwsh, `{{H2363}}`), which also means "to hurry" or "to make haste." This root forms the primary semantic connection. Other Hebrew words conveying similar ideas of speed, urgency, or promptness include:
* **מָהַר (mahar, `{{H4116}}`)**: This is perhaps the most common Hebrew verb for "to hurry," "to hasten," or "to be quick." It often carries a positive or neutral connotation, indicating promptness in response to a command or a necessary action.
* **בָּהַל (bahal, `{{H926}}`)**: While also meaning "to hasten," this word often implies a hurriedness born of terror, confusion, or agitation, leading to a panicked or flustered rush.
* **צָפַד (tsaphad, `{{H6847}}`)**: Less common, but can imply a swift or sudden movement, often in a negative sense of shrinking or shriveling quickly.
The concept of "haste" itself is a significant theme in biblical thought, often contrasting human impatience with divine steadfastness, or human impulsiveness with divine wisdom.
### Theological Significance
The infrequent but impactful occurrences of חִישׁ (chîysh, `{{H2439}}`) offer valuable theological insights, primarily concerning human nature and the character of God.
1. **Human Frailty and Folly**: The uses in [[2 Samuel 4:4]] and [[Proverbs 19:2]] highlight the potential negative consequences of human haste. Whether driven by fear or a lack of knowledge, impulsive action often leads to undesirable outcomes, injury, or sin. This serves as a cautionary reminder that human plans and actions, when executed without careful consideration or reliance on divine wisdom, can be flawed and detrimental. It underscores the biblical emphasis on patience, wisdom, and discernment over rashness.
2. **Divine Sovereignty and Timing**: The challenge posed to God in [[Isaiah 5:19]] is particularly instructive. The scoffing demand for God to "make speed" reveals a human desire to control or accelerate divine providence. Theologically, this passage reinforces the truth that God operates according to His own perfect timing and sovereign counsel, not according to human demands or impatience. He is not subject to human prodding, nor does He need to prove Himself by rushing. His "work" unfolds according to His eternal purpose, which is always good and just, even if it does not align with human expectations of speed. This contrasts sharply with human impulsiveness, affirming God's unhurried, deliberate, and perfect execution of His will.
In essence, חִישׁ serves as a subtle yet potent word, illuminating the contrast between fallible human haste and the infallible, sovereign timing of God.
### Summary
חִישׁ (chîysh, `{{H2439}}`) is a rare Hebrew verb, an intensive form of חוּשׁ (chûwsh, `{{H2363}}`), meaning "to hurry" or "to make haste." Its three biblical occurrences provide distinct insights into the nature and implications of speed. In [[2 Samuel 4:4]], it describes a frantic, fear-driven flight; in [[Proverbs 19:2]], it warns against foolish, knowledge-lacking impulsiveness leading to sin; and in [[Isaiah 5:19]], it portrays the sarcastic, faithless demand of humans for God to hasten His work. Theologically, חִישׁ serves as a powerful reminder of human frailty and the dangers of unthinking haste, while simultaneously underscoring the absolute sovereignty and perfect timing of God, who is not swayed by human impatience or demands.
TRV