Spiritual Character: ταχύς (Strong’s G5036: tachus) Shapes Godly Response

Strong’s G5036: An adjective meaning “swift” or “quick,” used metaphorically in ethical contexts to describe both positive and cautionary character traits. In biblical usage, particularly in James, it emphasizes the importance of measured spiritual responses: quick to listen but slow to anger.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ταχύς takes on profound ethical significance in New Testament teaching, particularly in James’s practical wisdom about Christian character. While the word literally means “swift” or “quick,” it carries important spiritual implications about the proper timing of human responses. In James 1:19, it appears in a memorable contrast, teaching believers to be quick to listen but slow to anger. Early church fathers frequently referenced this usage when discussing spiritual maturity and self-control. Today, this word continues to guide believers in developing godly responses to life’s challenges, emphasizing the importance of swift attention to God’s Word while exercising restraint in potentially sinful reactions.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ταχύς, tachus, /ta-KHOOS/
• Detailed Pronunciation: ta (as in “father”) – KHOOS (as in “loose”)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• From Proto-Indo-European *dhegh- (to run)
• Root word forming basis for many speed-related terms
• Related to Sanskrit “takti” (to rush)

D – Defining Meanings

• Swift
• Quick
• Prompt
• Ready

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a simple adjective

Translation Options:

• Quick – Most common translation emphasizing readiness
• Swift – Captures sense of immediate response
• Ready – Emphasizes preparedness aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὀξύς (oxys) /ok-SOOS/ – Sharp, swift in mental sense
  See G3691
• σπουδαῖος (spoudaios) /spoo-DAI-os/ – Earnest, diligent
  See G4705
• ἕτοιμος (hetoimos) /HET-oy-mos/ – Ready, prepared
  See G2092

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective, ταχύς exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Masculine: ταχύς (quick)
• Feminine: ταχεῖα (quick)
• Neuter: ταχύ (quick)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources provide rich understanding of ταχύς’s usage. BDAG emphasizes its metaphorical application to character traits and spiritual responses. Thayer’s notes its development from physical speed to ethical readiness. LSJ documents its classical usage in both literal and figurative contexts. Vine’s highlights its importance in James’s ethical teaching. Strong’s connects it to concepts of readiness and preparedness. Moulton and Milligan demonstrate its common usage in describing character qualities in papyri. LEH discusses its appearance in Septuagint passages dealing with both physical speed and spiritual readiness.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
James 1:19: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

Additional References:
2 Peter 2:1, Revelation 2:5, Revelation 3:11

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ταχύς beautifully illustrates the balanced character development that the Spirit produces in believers. Its use in James’s epistle particularly reveals how the good news of King Jesus transforms our natural responses, teaching us to be quick in godly responses like listening and learning, while being slow in potentially sinful reactions like anger. This word reminds us that spiritual maturity involves both promptness and restraint, guided by divine wisdom.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient Greek athletic training manuals for proper response timing
2. Appears in early Christian baptismal instructions about spiritual growth
3. Often paired with its opposite (βραδύς, “slow”) in moral teachings

Strong’s G5036: An adjective meaning “swift” or “quick,” used metaphorically in ethical contexts to describe both positive and cautionary character traits. In biblical usage, particularly in James, it emphasizes the importance of measured spiritual responses: quick to listen but slow to anger.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: character, wisdom, listening, speech, anger, self-control, spiritual-growth, james, ethics, response, maturity​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​