Original Word: τάχιον
Part of Speech: Adverb, Comparative
Transliteration: tachion
Pronunciation: TAH-khee-on
Phonetic Spelling: (takh'-ee-on)
KJV: out (run), quickly, shortly, sooner
Word Origin: [neuter singular of the comparative of G5036 (ταχύς - soon) (as adverb)]

1. more swiftly
2. (in manner) more rapidly
3. (in time) more speedily

more swiftly

Neuter singular of the comparative of tachus (as adverb); more swiftly, i.e. (in manner) more rapidly, or (in time) more speedily -- out (run), quickly, shortly, sooner.

see GREEK tachus

Cognate: 5032 táxion (an adverb) – swiftly, without unnecessary delay. See 5035 (taxy).

Word Origin
cptv. adverb from tachus, q.v.

STRONGS NT 5032: τάχειον

[τάχειον, WH for τάχιον (which see; and cf. under the word εἰ, ἰ.) ταχέως (ταχύς), adverb (from Homer down), quickly, shortly: Luke 14:21; Luke 16:6; John 11:31; 1 Corinthians 4:19; Galatians 1:6; Philippians 2:19, 24; 2 Timothy 4:9; with the added suggestion of inconsiderateness (hastily): 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Timothy 5:22.

STRONGS NT 5032: τάχιοντάχιον (WH τάχειον; see their Appendix, p. 154 and cf. εἰ, ἰ) (neuter of the comparitive ταχίων), adverb, for which the more ancient writers used θᾶσσον or θᾶττον, see Lob. ad Phryn., p. 76f; Winers Grammar, § 11, 2a.; (Buttmann, 27 (24)); more swiftly, more quickly: in comparison, John 20:4 (cf. Winers Grammar, 604 (562)); with the suppression of the second member of the comparison (Winer's Grammar, 243 (228)): Hebrews 13:19 (sooner, namely, than would be the case without your prayers for me),23 (namely, than I depart); John 13:27 (namely, than you seem to have resolved to); 1 Timothy 3:14 R G T (namely, than I anticipated).

Overview

Strong’s Greek 5032 (τάχιον) conveys the notion of doing something “more quickly,” “sooner,” or “with greater speed.” Though it appears only four times, each context highlights a distinct facet of godly urgency—whether in Christ’s command, apostolic testimony, or pastoral longing.

Occurrences and Contexts

1. John 13:27 – Following the morsel, Jesus tells Judas, “What you are about to do, do quickly.”
2. John 20:4 – The beloved disciple reaches the empty tomb “faster” than Peter.
3. Hebrews 13:19 – The writer seeks the believers’ prayers “that I may be restored to you soon.”
4. Hebrews 13:23 – He hopes to visit them with Timothy “if he arrives soon.”

Themes of Urgency and Prompt Action

• Obedience and Sovereignty: In John 13:27, Christ’s directive controls the timetable of betrayal, underscoring that even human treachery unfolds under divine appointment.
• Earnest Pursuit of Christ: John 20:4 portrays eagerness to confirm the resurrection. The hastening disciple models heartfelt pursuit of risen truth.
• Pastoral Concern: Hebrews 13 twice expresses desire for expedited reunion, revealing the shepherd’s heart that values face-to-face edification.
• Corporate Prayer: The request for “sooner” restoration (Hebrews 13:19) links congregational intercession to God’s timing, inviting believers to participate actively in spiritual outcomes.

Christological Implications in John’s Gospel

In both Johannine appearances, τάχιον circles the climax of redemption. Jesus controls the speed of His own betrayal (John 13:27), while the disciples’ race to the sepulcher (John 20:4) announces the dawn of new life. The word therefore brackets cross and resurrection, affirming that God’s saving plan moves with deliberate, decisive pace.

Pastoral Dimensions in Hebrews

The epistle’s double use transforms urgency into pastoral tenderness. Speedy reunion is not mere logistics; it embodies the importance Scripture places on gathered fellowship and mutual strengthening (Hebrews 10:24–25). Timothy’s anticipated arrival further ties apostolic cooperation to the health of the flock.

Biblical Theology of Promptness

Throughout Scripture, prompt obedience often parallels blessing (Genesis 22:3; Matthew 4:20; Acts 9:20). Strong’s 5032 supplements this pattern by showing that believers may rightly pray for and expect God-honoring acceleration—whether in mission, visitation, or restoration—while still submitting to divine wisdom (James 4:15).

Historical and Cultural Background

First-century Mediterranean travel depended on weather, road conditions, and political stability. A plea to arrive “sooner” acknowledged these variables yet anchored confidence in God’s providence. Early Christian letters regularly voiced such hopes (Romans 15:23–24; 2 Timothy 4:9), revealing a church that prized timely personal ministry despite external uncertainties.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Encourage Immediate Obedience: Teach disciples to respond to Christ’s commands without delay, trusting His perfect timing.
• Cultivate Prayer for Swift Open Doors: Congregations can pray specifically for expedited visas, permits, or health recoveries that further gospel work.
• Value Physical Presence: Digital communication is useful, yet τάχιον reminds leaders to prioritize in-person encouragement whenever possible.
• Model Urgency without Impatience: Pursue goals energetically while maintaining humble submission to God’s overarching purposes.

Synthesis for Discipleship

Strong’s 5032 challenges believers to balance urgency with trust. Whether confronting betrayal, proclaiming resurrection, or longing for fellowship, Scripture presents godly speed as a servant of divine mission, never its master. Christians today may therefore seek “sooner” answers, movements, and meetings—confident that the Lord who governs time will advance His kingdom at the pace that most magnifies His glory.

Further Study Suggestions

Compare τάχιον with related terms such as ταχύ (quickly, Revelation 22:7) and σπουδάζω (be diligent, 2 Timothy 2:15) to trace a full biblical portrait of urgency.

ταχειον τάχειον τάχιον tachion táchionInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts