### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mᵉhêrâh**, represented by `{{H4120}}`, is an adverbial term signifying a **hurry** or promptness. It appears 20 times across 20 unique verses in the Bible. Its use consistently conveys a sense of urgency, translating as hastily, quickly, shortly, soon, or swiftly, and is often used to command or describe rapid action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H4120}}` is deployed in contexts demanding immediate action or response. It is used in urgent military requests, such as the men of Gibeon pleading with Joshua to "come up to us **quickly**" [[Joshua 10:6]]. It also features in desperate personal situations, as when David is warned to "pass **quickly** over the water" to escape his enemies [[2 Samuel 17:21]]. The term further describes the swiftness of divine judgment or consequence, warning that those who transgress God's covenant will "perish **quickly**" from the land [[Joshua 23:16]] and that the wicked "shall **soon** be cut down like the grass" [[Psalms 37:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words build on the concept of speed and urgency:
* `{{H2363}}` **chûwsh** (to hurry; ...make haste): This root emphasizes eagerness and is used alongside `{{H4120}}` in Jonathan's command to his lad, "**Make speed**, **haste**, stay not" [[1 Samuel 20:38]].
* `{{H4116}}` **mâhar** (to hurry... promptly; rash, swift): As the primitive root of **mᵉhêrâh**, this verb describes the action of hurrying. In the account of taking Ai, the ambush arose **quickly** `{{H4120}}`, ran, and **hasted** `{{H4116}}` to set the city on fire [[Joshua 8:19]].
* `{{H5674}}` **ʻâbar** (to cross over; ...speedily): This word for transition is used with `{{H4120}}` to intensify the call for urgent movement, as when David was told to "pass **quickly** over the water" [[2 Samuel 17:21]].
* `{{H7031}}` **qal** (light; rapid; swift(-ly)): This term for swiftness is often paired directly with `{{H4120}}` for emphasis. God's recompense is promised to return "**swiftly** `{{H7031}}` and **speedily** `{{H4120}}`" [[Joel 3:4]], and an invading army is prophesied to come "with **speed** `{{H4120}}` **swiftly** `{{H7031}}`" [[Isaiah 5:26]].
### Theological Significance
The thematic weight of `{{H4120}}` lies in its ability to convey immediacy in divine and human affairs.
* **Urgency in Command and Response:** The word underscores situations where there is no time for delay. This is seen in military commands [[Joshua 10:6]], royal decrees [[2 Kings 1:11]], and in carrying out God's instructions, such as when Aaron is told to go **quickly** to the congregation to make atonement [[Numbers 16:46]].
* **Swiftness of Divine Justice:** `{{H4120}}` highlights the speed of both judgment and salvation. A psalmist prays for God to deliver him **speedily** [[Psalms 31:2]], while God promises that for the obedient, health "shall spring forth **speedily**" [[Isaiah 58:8]]. Conversely, a delay in judgment can embolden sinners, because sentence is "not executed **speedily**" [[Ecclesiastes 8:11]].
* **Transience and Immediacy:** The word is used to describe the fleeting nature of things. A threefold cord is "not **quickly** broken," implying weaker things are [[Ecclesiastes 4:12]], and the wicked are promised they will **soon** be cut down [[Psalms 37:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4120}}` is more than a simple indicator of time. It is a powerful adverb that injects a sense of urgency and immediacy into the biblical text. Whether in a plea for salvation, a command for battle, or a warning of judgment, **mᵉhêrâh** emphasizes that the action is happening now, without delay. It marks the critical moments where swiftness determines the outcome, shaping our understanding of divine timing, human responsibility, and the fleeting nature of earthly matters.
TRV