Urgent Reconciliation: ταχύ (Strong’s G5035: tachu) Demands Immediate Response

Strong’s G5035: A neuter adverbial form meaning “quickly” or “speedily,” used in contexts requiring immediate action or response. In biblical usage, it emphasizes urgency in spiritual matters, particularly regarding reconciliation, repentance, and responding to divine direction.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ταχύ carries significant weight in New Testament teaching, particularly in contexts where immediate action affects spiritual outcomes. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses it to stress the urgency of reconciliation, while in Revelation it emphasizes the imminence of His return. The word conveys not just physical speed but spiritual alertness and readiness to respond to divine imperatives. Early church fathers employed this term to emphasize the urgency of spiritual preparation and reconciliation. Today, it reminds believers that certain spiritual matters require immediate attention and cannot be safely delayed.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ταχύ, tachu, /ta-KHOO/
• Detailed Pronunciation: ta (as in “father”) – KHOO (as in “choose”)
• Part of Speech: Adverb

Etymology:

• Neuter form of ταχύς (tachys) meaning “swift”
• Used adverbially in neuter accusative form
• Related to Proto-Indo-European *dhegh- (to run)

D – Defining Meanings

• Quickly
• Speedily
• Swiftly
• Without delay

For compound words: Not applicable as this is an adverbial form

Translation Options:

• Quickly – Most direct translation
• Right away – Emphasizes immediacy
• At once – Stresses urgency of action

E – Exploring Similar Words

• εὐθέως (eutheōs) /yoo-THEH-ohs/ – Immediately, straightway
  See G2112
• ταχέως (tacheōs) /ta-KHEH-ohs/ – Quickly, hastily
  See G5030
• σπουδαίως (spoudaiōs) /spoo-DAI-ohs/ – Diligently, hastily
  See G4709

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adverb formed from the neuter adjective:

• Remains unchanged in form
• Functions as modifier of verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs
• Derived from neuter accusative singular of ταχύς

Related forms:

• Base adjective: ταχύς (swift)
• Comparative: θᾶσσον (quicker)
• Superlative: τάχιστα (quickest)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources provide comprehensive understanding of ταχύ’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts requiring immediate spiritual response. Thayer’s notes its development from physical speed to moral urgency. LSJ documents its classical usage in contexts demanding prompt action. Vine’s highlights its importance in both ethical instruction and eschatological contexts. Strong’s connects it to concepts of spiritual readiness. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its use in urgent personal communications. LEH discusses its appearance in Septuagint passages calling for immediate response to divine commands.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 5:25: “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way.”

Additional References:
Matthew 28:7, Matthew 28:8, Revelation 2:16, Revelation 3:11, Revelation 11:14, Revelation 22:7

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Xenophon: Memorabilia	“Learning quickly what was taught”
Plato: Republic	“The youth must act swiftly when justice demands”
Sophocles: Antigone	“Go quickly and carry out these orders”

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ταχύ powerfully communicates the urgency of spiritual matters in both daily life and eschatological context. Its use in Jesus’ teachings emphasizes that certain spiritual actions, particularly reconciliation and repentance, cannot be delayed. The good news of King Jesus shines through as we see that prompt response to divine direction leads to blessing, while delay can lead to hardship. This word reminds us that in God’s kingdom, timing matters – His call demands immediate attention.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used twelve times in the New Testament, with seven occurrences in Revelation
2. Often appears in contexts of both warning and promise
3. Frequently used in early Christian baptismal instructions

Strong’s G5035: A neuter adverbial form meaning “quickly” or “speedily,” used in contexts requiring immediate action or response. In biblical usage, it emphasizes urgency in spiritual matters, particularly regarding reconciliation, repentance, and responding to divine direction.

Part of speech: Adverb

Tags: urgency, speed, immediacy, response, reconciliation, repentance, eschatology, warning, promise, obedience, readiness​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​