τάχος
táchos
G5034 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
τάχος primarily denotes swiftness or speed, particularly in relation to time. In its most frequent usage in Koine literature, the word refers to the rapid pace or quickness by which something is done or occurs. The sense may range from general rapidity to a specific brief period, especially when used with prepositions (such as ἐν τάχει, 'soon,' 'quickly'). The term can refer to both literal speed of motion and metaphorical or temporal quickness.
Semantic Range
swiftness, speed, rapid movement (literal); quickness (general); rapid occurrence, quick succession (temporal); short space of time, soon, imminence, with little delay
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root ταχ-, related to ταχύς ('swift,' 'quick'). The formation is based on a nominal suffix (-ος) indicating an abstract concept, thus forming a noun from the idea of swiftness or rapidity. Cognate with ταχύτης ('swiftness').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, τάχος refers to physical speed or rapid movement, often in contexts of running, pursuit, or military maneuvers (Homer, Herodotus). In the Hellenistic and Koine periods, especially in the Septuagint and New Testament, τάχος is commonly used in temporal expressions (e.g., ἐν τάχει) to indicate something happening soon or without delay. The New Testament often uses the formula ἐν τάχει to denote imminence, especially concerning eschatological events (e.g., Revelation 1:1, 'what must soon take place'), but the term always retains a connotation of swiftness, not merely chronological brevity. English translations such as "quickly," "soon," or "speedily" sometimes narrow the word’s sense to time, missing its qualitative nuance of rapidity. In the Septuagint, τάχος may serve as a translation for Hebrew expressions denoting haste or urgency.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as ταχύς; a brief space (of time), i.e. (with ἐν prefixed) in haste:--+ quickly, + shortly, + speedily.
Root Family
τάχος (tachos) — speed, swiftness, rapidity
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5034-01 |
τάχει | tachei | N DAT N SG |
soon | with swiftness | 8 |
Occurrences in Scripture
8 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5034-01 |
Luke 18:8 | τάχει | tachei | N DAT N SG |
speedily | with swiftness |
G5034-01 |
Acts 12:7 | τάχει | tachei | N DAT N SG |
quickness | with swiftness |
G5034-01 |
Acts 22:18 | τάχει | tachei | N DAT N SG |
quickly | with swiftness |
G5034-01 |
Acts 25:4 | τάχει | tachei | N DAT N SG |
shortly | with swiftness |
G5034-01 |
Romans 16:20 | τάχει | tachei | N DAT N SG |
soon | with swiftness |
G5034-01 |
1 Timothy 3:14 | τάχει | tachei | N DAT N SG |
soon | with swiftness |
G5034-01 |
Revelation 1:1 | τάχει | tachei | N DAT N SG |
with swiftness | |
G5034-01 |
Revelation 22:6 | τάχει | tachei | N DAT N SG |
soon | with swiftness |