σπεύδω
speúdō
G4692 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
to move swiftly or with haste; to act with urgency, diligence, or earnest intent (whether in physical movement or metaphorically in commitment to a task or goal); in some contexts, to eagerly strive or be zealous for something.
Semantic Range
to move quickly, to make haste, to act with urgency, to exert oneself earnestly, to show eagerness or zeal, to press on with purpose
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root σπευδ-, possibly connected to the sense of rapid movement or eagerness; ancient sources do not support a direct derivation from πούς ('foot'). Cognate with classical Greek uses where the primary sense is acting with haste or speed. Origin is native to Greek, with no clear derivation from a non-Greek root.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, σπεύδω commonly refers to physical haste (to hurry, to hasten) but also to pressing on with intention or enthusiasm (to be eager, to pursue diligently). The verb frequently appears in historical, literary, and epistolary contexts where both literal and figurative urgency are present. In the Septuagint and New Testament Koine, σπεύδω shifts towards describing eagerness or diligent striving, sometimes with an ethical nuance (to make every effort) beyond simple rapid movement. English translations as 'to make haste,' 'to be eager,' or 'to strive diligently' capture only part of its range; in several contexts, neither physical speed nor simple diligence is sufficient, as the term can imply urgent moral or existential resolve. The frequency in the LXX and NT is moderate, often describing the actions of individuals responding decisively to divine instruction, opportunity, or personal obligation. Related terms include σπουδάζω (to be zealous, to take pains), which often overlaps in later Greek. The translation 'study' in older English (cf. KJV) reflects a now-archaic sense of eagerness or striving, less familiar to contemporary readers. The word does not inherently signify visible outward hustle but rather the earnestness or anxious application accompanying a swift or decisive action.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably strengthened from πούς; to "speed" ("study"), i.e. urge on (diligently or earnestly); by implication, to await eagerly:--(make, with) haste unto.
Root Family
σπεύδω (speudō) — to hurry, to hasten, to be eager, to strive
Word Forms
5 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4692-04 |
σπεύσας | speusas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
he hurried | having hastened | 2 |
G4692-05 |
σπεῦσον | speuson | V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG |
make haste | Hasten! | 1 |
G4692-02 |
σπεύδοντας | speudontas | V PRS ACT PTCP ACC M PL |
hastening | hurrying ones | 1 |
G4692-01 |
ἔσπευδεν | espeuden | V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG |
he was hastening | he was hurrying | 1 |
G4692-03 |
σπεύσαντες | speusantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
with haste | having hastened | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4692-03 |
Luke 2:16 | σπεύσαντες | speusantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
with haste | having hastened |
G4692-04 |
Luke 19:5 | σπεύσας | speusas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
make haste | having hastened |
G4692-04 |
Luke 19:6 | σπεύσας | speusas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
he hurried | having hastened |
G4692-01 |
Acts 20:16 | ἔσπευδεν | espeuden | V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG |
he was hastening | he was hurrying |
G4692-05 |
Acts 22:18 | σπεῦσον | speuson | V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG |
make haste | Hasten! |
G4692-02 |
2 Peter 3:12 | σπεύδοντας | speudontas | V PRS ACT PTCP ACC M PL |
hastening | hurrying ones |