חִישׁ
𐤇𐤉𐤔
chîysh
H2440 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
A state or quality of haste or speed; used primarily as an adverbial term indicating quickness or swiftness in action or movement. The term conveys a sense of urgency or promptness, especially in responses to commands or in descriptions of rapid events.
Semantic Range
speed, haste, promptness, quickly (adverb), soon (adverb), hastefully, with urgency
Root / Etymology
Root: חיש (ח-י-ש). The root conveys the notion of being quick or acting swiftly. The word חִישׁ is a derivative formed in the sense of describing the action or state resulting from the root's meaning. In biblical usage, it commonly appears as an adverb or in expressions calling for immediate response or prompt action.
Historical & Contextual Notes
חִישׁ appears primarily in poetic contexts (e.g., Psalms 71:12, 141:1; Isaiah 5:19) and rarely in prose. Its function is often adverbial, modifying verbs to emphasize the swiftness of an action, commonly in appeals for divine intervention ('come quickly') or in descriptions of events happening rapidly. The sense of urgency it conveys often carries emotional weight in prayers or laments, underscoring the speaker's need for immediate help or a sudden change of circumstance. In English translations, the term is usually rendered as 'quickly,' 'hasten,' or 'soon,' though these can miss the underlying emotional intensity or poetic resonance present in the Hebrew usage. The term does not carry theological implications itself but often appears in liturgical or supplicatory content. Usage remains stable from the monarchic through exilic periods, with little evidence of semantic change across time. It is distinct from חָפַז (H2648), which also means 'to hurry' or 'be in haste' but may carry a stronger sense of agitation or disruption, whereas חִישׁ more neutrally denotes speed or promptness.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from חִישׁ; properly, a hurry; hence (adverb) quickly; soon.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חיש (ḥ-y-sh) — to hurry, to be speedy, to be quick
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2440-01 |
חִ֝֗ישׁ | chish | HD |
quickly | in haste | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2440-01 |
Psalms 90:10 | חִ֝֗ישׁ | chish | HD |
quickly | in haste |