Hebrew · Strong's H4116
מָהַר
(mah-HAR)
verb
To act with speed or urgency, often implying promptness, rashness, or a quick departure.
The Hebrew verb מָהַר (mahar) broadly conveys the concept of speed or haste. Its semantic range includes both positive and negative connotations, depending on the context. In a positive sense, it can describe acting promptly and efficiently, such as when Abraham's servant makes haste to find a wife for Isaac, or when Joshua's soldiers quickly execute a command. This promptness often indicates eagerness or obedience.
Conversely, מָהַר can also denote rashness, impetuousness, or an ill-considered action. Proverbs often uses mahar to warn against being too quick to speak or act without proper thought, linking such haste to folly or trouble. For example, it warns of feet that are swift in running to mischief. The nuance of the word is frequently determined by the surrounding verbs or the overall narrative.
The verb can also be used adverbially to emphasize the swiftness of another action, appearing as "quickly," "speedily," or "soon." This usage highlights the immediacy of an event. While not a heavily theological term in itself, its use in describing divine actions or human responses to God's commands can carry theological weight. For instance, a speedy response to God's word can be seen as obedience, while hastening to evil demonstrates a lack of reverence.
Common English renderings
- make haste
- hasten
- be quick
- speedily
- rash
Key verses
"And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand, and entered into the city, and took it; and they hasted and set the city on fire."
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"A heart that deviseth wicked purposes, Feet that are swift in running to mischief,"
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"And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw, and drew for all his camels."
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"For the priests that bare the ark stood in the midst of the Jordan, until everything was finished that Jehovah commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over."
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"Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; desolation and destruction are in their paths."
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"And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that followed her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife."
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