feminine of מַהֵר; properly, a hurry; hence (adverbially) promptly; hastily, quickly, shortly, soon, make (with) speed(-ily), swiftly.
Transliteration:mᵉhêrâh
Pronunciation:meh-hay-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word מְהֵרָה (mᵉhêrâh), Strong's `{{H4120}}`, is a feminine noun derived from the verbal root מַהֵר (maher), `{{H4116}}`, meaning "to hasten" or "to hurry." While grammatically a noun, it functions predominantly as an adverb in biblical Hebrew, conveying the sense of speed, promptness, or urgency. Its semantic range encompasses "quickly," "hastily," "soon," "shortly," "speedily," and "swiftly." The core meaning revolves around the concept of rapid movement or a short temporal interval, often implying a lack of delay or an immediate response. Depending on the context, it can carry either a positive connotation (e.g., efficient action, timely help) or a negative one (e.g., rashness, imprudence).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מְהֵרָה (mᵉhêrâh) appears numerous times throughout the Old Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Divine Action and Immediacy:** Often describes God's swiftness in action. In [[Deuteronomy 9:3]], Moses assures Israel that the Lord their God will go before them "quickly" (מְהֵרָה) to consume the nations, highlighting divine power and efficiency in fulfilling His promises. Conversely, in [[Deuteronomy 7:4]], it warns that if Israel turns to other gods, the Lord's anger will burn against them "quickly" (מְהֵרָה), signifying the inevitability and immediacy of divine judgment. Similarly, [[Isaiah 5:26]] prophesies that God will whistle for a distant nation, and they will come "swiftly, speedily" (מְהֵרָה), emphasizing the unstoppable nature of God's judgment. In a plea for deliverance, the psalmist cries out in [[Psalm 69:17]], "Answer me quickly (מְהֵרָה), for I am in distress," underscoring the urgent need for divine intervention.
* **Human Haste and Urgency:** The word also describes human actions, sometimes with positive urgency, other times with negative rashness. In [[2 Samuel 15:14]], David commands his servants to flee "quickly" (מְהֵרָה) from Absalom, illustrating a necessary and life-saving urgency in a crisis. However, the term frequently carries a cautionary tone. [[Proverbs 29:20]] warns, "Do you see a man hasty (מְהֵרָה) in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him," condemning rash speech as a sign of folly. Likewise, [[Ecclesiastes 5:2]] advises, "Do not be hasty (מְהֵרָה) in your mouth nor let your heart be quick to utter a word before God," emphasizing the importance of thoughtful deliberation and reverence in approaching the divine.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root from which מְהֵרָה (mᵉhêrâh) derives: מַהֵר (maher), `{{H4116}}`, meaning "to hasten, hurry, or be quick." This root forms the conceptual foundation for the noun/adverb. Other Hebrew terms conveying aspects of speed or urgency include:
* חָפַז (ḥāp̄az), `{{H2648}}`: "to be in a hurry, flee in haste," often implying a sense of panic or urgent escape, as seen in [[1 Samuel 23:26]].
* בָּהַל (bāhal), `{{H926}}`: "to be dismayed, troubled, or hurried," which frequently carries an element of fear, confusion, or agitation, as in Pharaoh's reaction in [[Genesis 45:3]].
While all these terms relate to speed, מְהֵרָה (mᵉhêrâh) most consistently focuses on the *rapidity* or *immediacy* of an action or event, rather than the emotional state accompanying it (like panic or dismay). Its antonyms would include concepts like slowness, delay, patience, and deliberation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מְהֵרָה (mᵉhêrâh) is multifaceted. When applied to God, it highlights His attributes of omnipotence and active involvement in history. God's actions, whether in judgment or salvation, are not sluggish or delayed; they are swift and decisive, demonstrating His sovereignty and the certainty of His will. This divine promptness can be a source of comfort for those seeking His help and a warning for those who defy Him. The frequent prayers for God to act "quickly" reflect a deep trust in His power and a yearning for His timely intervention.
When applied to humanity, מְהֵרָה (mᵉhêrâh) serves as a moral and ethical instruction. While there are moments when swift action is commendable (e.g., fleeing danger), the Bible frequently uses it to caution against human rashness, particularly in speech and decision-making. This underscores the biblical emphasis on wisdom, prudence, and careful consideration before acting or speaking, especially in matters of faith or justice. Haste born of human impatience or lack of foresight is often presented as a path to folly, sin, or regret. Thus, the word balances the necessity of timely action with the virtue of thoughtful deliberation.
### Summary
מְהֵרָה (mᵉhêrâh), `{{H4120}}`, is a Hebrew word primarily functioning as an adverb meaning "quickly," "hastily," or "soon." It conveys the concept of speed, urgency, or promptness. In theological contexts, it powerfully describes God's swift and decisive actions, whether in judgment or deliverance, affirming His active sovereignty and the certainty of His purposes. In human contexts, while occasionally denoting necessary urgency, it more often serves as a cautionary term against rashness, particularly in speech, emphasizing the biblical call for wisdom, prudence, and thoughtful consideration in all endeavors. The word consistently points to the temporal immediacy of events, highlighting both divine efficiency and the potential pitfalls of human impatience.
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