Original Word: רוּץ
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: ruwts
Pronunciation: roots
Phonetic Spelling: (roots)
KJV: break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post
NASB: run, ran, guards, couriers, guard, running, runs
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily

A primitive root; to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush) -- break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to run
NASB Translation
carried them speedily (1), courier runs (1), courier runs to another (1), couriers (6), dash to and fro (1), guard (6), guards (7), guards' (2), hurriedly brought (1), outran* (1), quickly stretch (1), ran (25), run (34), runner (1), runners (1), running (6), runs (4), rushed (1), rushes (1), smashed (1).

רוּץ verb run (Late Hebrew id. (rare); Ethiopic , Zinjirli Perfect1singular רצת; = Aramaic רְהַט; (W^{SG 47}); compare Assyrian râƒu, be helpful (i.e. run to help?)); —

Qal Perfect3masculine singular רָץ Genesis 18:7; 2masculine singular רַצְתָּה Jeremiah 12:5, etc.; Imperfect יָרוּץ Habakkuk 2:2 +, יָרֻץ Job 16:14, וַיָּ֫רָץ Genesis 18:2 +, וַיָּר֑ץ 2 Samuel 18:21.; 1singular suffix ארוצם Jeremiah 50:44 Kt (but < Qr. Hiph`il, see below), etc. [see also רצץ]; Imperative masculine singular רוּץ 2 Samuel 18:23; 2 Kings 4:26, רֻץ 1 Samuel 20:36; Zechariah 2:8; Infinitive construct לָרוּץ 1 Samuel 20:6 +; Participle רָץ 2 Samuel 18:22 +, plural רָצִים 1 Samuel 22:17 +, רָצִין 2 Kings 11:13 (Ges^{§ 87e}); —

1 run, with אֶל location Genesis 18:7; Genesis 24:20 (both J), Numbers 17:12 (P), אֶל person Genesis 24:29 (J; + ה locative), 1 Samuel 3:5; Isaiah 55:5 (figurative), with hostility, against, Job 15:26 (figurative), so goat against ram Daniel 8:6, עַל person, against Job 16:14; ה locative also Joshua 7:22, לְבֵיתוֺ Haggai 1:9, לָרַע Isaiah 59:7; Proverbs 1:16; accusative of location 1 Samuel 20:6; 1 Samuel 17:22,48 (+ לִקְרַאת); ב location on (ב II.

2), of horses Amos 6:12, locusts Joel 2:9; into Proverbs 18:10 (figurative); מִן local 1 Samuel 4:12, so ᵑ0 2 Kings 23:12 (= he went quickly thence, but text perhaps corrupt, see Kit Benz, and compare

Hiph`il below); אַחֲרֵי person 2 Samuel 18:22; 1 Kings 19:20; 2 Kings 5:20,21; Songs 1:4, עַד person 2 Kings 4:22; לִפְנֵי person 2 Samuel 15:1; 1 Kings 1:5 (both of royal escort, out-runners), 1 Kings 18:46 (+ עַד location), לִפְנֵי of thing 1 Samuel 8:11; אֵת person accompare Jeremiah 12:5; with accusative of way, אֹרַֹח Psalm 19:6, דֶּרֶךְ 2 Samuel 18:23; Psalm 119:132 (figurative); as preliminary, + infinitive לִקְרַאת run to meet Genesis 18:2; Genesis 24:17; Genesis 29:13; Genesis 33:4 (all J), 2 Kings 4:26; Jeremiah 51:31, + finite verb Genesis 24:28; Genesis 29:12 (both J), Numbers 11:27; Joshua 8:19 (both J E), Judges 7:21; Judges 13:10; 1 Samuel 10:23; 1 Samuel 17:51; 2 Samuel 18:19; Psalm 59:5; as imperative + imperative 1 Samuel 20:36; Zechariah 2:8; absolute 1 Samuel 20:36; Isaiah 40:31; 2Chronicles 23:12 (see 2a), Proverbs 4:12; Proverbs 6:18 (of feet), of locusts Joel 2:4,7; specifically, run as messenger 2 Samuel 18:21,22,23 (twice in verse); 2 Samuel 18:24,26 (twice in verse), figurative of prophet's activity Jeremiah 23:21, of ׳יs word Psalm 147:15; figurative of reading smoothly, יָרוּץ קוֺרֵא בוֺ Habakkuk 2:2. — Psalm 18:30 = 2 Samuel 22:30 read אָרֹץ (for אָרֻץ, אָרוּץ), √רצץ Ew Ol Che Bae and others

2 Participle as substantive:

a. plural הָרָצִים the runners properly out-runners, as royal escort, compare verb 2 Samuel 15:1; 1 Kings 1:5; then) of royal body-guard 1 Samuel 22:17; 1 Kings 14:27,28 (twice in verse) = 2Chron 12:10; 12:11; 12:28, 2 Kings 10:25 (twice in verse); 2 Kings 11:4,6,11,19 (twice in verse). — הָרָצִין (הָעָםׅ 2 Kings 11:13 is gloss (Kit Benz; whence [easier] הָעָם הָרָצִים2Chronicles 23:12 see 1). — Proverbs 29:6 for יָרֻן Pinsk Toy favour יָרוּץ.

b. runner = (royal messenger, post, late), רָץ Jeremiah 51:31 (twice in verse) ("" מַגִּיד), compare Job 9:25 (as swift); הָרָצִים2Chronicles 30:6,10; Esther 3:13,15, riders בַּסּוּסִים ׳הָר Esther 8:10, רֹבֵי הָרֶכֶשׁ ׳הָר Esther 8:14.

Po`lel Imperfect3masculine plural יְרוֺצֵ֑צוּ Nahum 2:5 they run swiftly, dart (like lightning; of chariots).

Hiph`il cause to run:

1 bring, or move, quickly, Imperfect3masculine plural suffix וַיְרִיצֻהוּ, מִן local Genesis 41:14 (E), read perhaps also 3 masculine singular וַיָּרֶץ 2 Kings 23:12 (accusative omitted; for ᵑ0 וַיָּרָץ see

Qal); ל person, accusative of thing omitted וַיָּרִיצוּ2Chronicles 35:13; Imperative masculine singular הָרֵץ 1 Samuel 17:17 (+ accusative of location, ל person); Imperfect3feminine singular תָּרִיץ יָדָיו Psalm 68:32 quickly stretch out hands, לֵאלֹהִים (namely, with offerings).

2 with מֵעַל = drive away from, 1 singular, suffix 3 masculine singular, אֲרִיצֶנּוּ Jeremiah 49:19, so read probably also in "" Jeremiah 50:44 (Qr אֲרִיצֵם, > Kt ארוצם).

Overview of Usage

The verb occurs a little more than one hundred times across the Hebrew canon and consistently denotes rapid forward motion, whether of persons, animals, vehicles, natural forces, prophetic words, or moral impulses. The contexts can be arranged into several thematic spheres that together reveal a theology of urgency, obedience, judgment, and hope.

Hospitality, Worship, and Immediate Obedience

• Genesis 18:2 and 18:7 portray Abraham running to welcome and to serve the three visitors. The haste underscores reverence for the divine presence and establishes a model of eager hospitality.

• Genesis 24:17 – 20 shows Rebekah’s prompt generosity: “Then she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran back to the well to draw more water”. Her readiness anticipates Israel’s covenant ideal of quick-hearted service.

• Numbers 16:47 records Aaron’s sprint into the assembly with incense to intercede, a vivid picture of priestly urgency when atonement is required.

These texts ground the act of running in voluntary, God-honoring response rather than mere physical speed.

Messengers and Couriers

Running marks royal or covenant communication:

• 2 Samuel 18:19-27—Ahimaaz and the Cushite race to bring news to David, illustrating both zeal and differing motives in ministry.

• 1 Kings 13:14; 2 Kings 4:22-26; 5:21; Zechariah 2:4—prophets, servants, and angelic figures are told, “Run…,” investing the movement with authoritative commissioning.

• Jeremiah 23:21 condemns false prophets who “have run with their message” without divine sending, reminding the Church that pace never substitutes for calling.

Military and Crisis Settings

• David declares, “For by You I can run through a troop” (2 Samuel 22:30; Psalm 18:29), pairing motion with faith-empowered victory.

• In battle narratives (Joshua 8:19, 24; 1 Samuel 17:22, 48; Joel 2:7-9) running expresses tactical boldness or terror. The same verb covers both covenant triumph and covenant chastening, depending on the combatant’s allegiance.

• Nahum 2:4 describes Assyrian chariots that “dash madly through the streets,” a prophetic picture of impending judgment by means of relentless force.

Natural Creation and Cosmic Order

• Psalm 19:5 likens the sun to “a bridegroom coming forth from his chamber… it runs its course with joy.”

• Psalm 147:15 “His word runs swiftly,” joining meteorological imagery with divine revelation. Speed testifies to sovereign command over both creation and history.

Wisdom and Moral Polarities

• Psalm 119:32 provides the positive ideal: “I run in the path of Your commandments.”

• Proverbs 6:18 and Isaiah 59:7 warn of “feet that run swiftly to evil,” showing the same verb employed for sin’s headlong plunge.

The juxtaposition teaches that spiritual direction, not mere dynamism, determines moral worth.

Prophetic and Eschatological Dimensions

• Habakkuk 2:2 charges the prophet to inscribe a vision “so that a herald may run with it,” binding the act of running to faithful proclamation.

• Daniel 12:4 foresees an age when “many will roam to and fro,” a picture of global movement accompanying the unsealing of knowledge.

• Isaiah 40:31 promises covenant renewal: “They will run and not grow weary,” linking endurance with Spirit-wrought strength.

These passages frame running as both present duty and future hope, culminating in messianic fulfillment.

Christological Echoes and New Testament Continuity

Although the Hebrew verb itself does not enter the Greek New Testament, its theological motif reappears:

• Early disciples “ran to the tomb” (John 20:4) in urgent pursuit of the risen Christ.

• Paul appropriates athletic imagery—“Run in such a way as to win the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24)—mirroring Psalm 119:32’s delight in God’s path.

Thus the Old Testament’s vocabulary of swift obedience finds fuller expression in the Gospel race set before the Church (Hebrews 12:1).

Practical and Devotional Applications

1. Eager Hospitality: Abraham’s sprint challenges believers to respond instantly to God’s visitation in the needy and the stranger.

2. Faithful Messaging: Ahimaaz warns that zeal must be yoked to accurate content; ministry credibility rests on being truly sent.

3. Spiritual Discipline: Psalm 119:32 encourages cultivating habits that make obedience instinctive rather than reluctant.

4. Perseverance: Isaiah 40:31 assures that renewed strength comes not by reducing pace but by waiting on the LORD.

5. Moral Discernment: Proverbs 6:18 cautions that speed intensifies whatever direction the heart has chosen—toward righteousness or evil.

Summary

Across narrative, poetry, wisdom, and prophecy, the Hebrew verb rendered “run” portrays decisive movement under divine or sinful impulse. Whether Abraham hurrying to serve, David charging Goliath, prophets rushing with tidings, or the remnant soaring on wings like eagles, the biblical witness presents running as a barometer of covenant loyalty, urgency in mission, and eschatological anticipation. The Church today is called to the same swiftness—feet “fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15)—running gladly in the path set by the Lord.

אֲרִיצֵם֙ אֲרִיצֶ֨נּוּ אָר֑וּץ אָר֔וּץ אָר֣וּץ אָר֣וּצָה אָרֻ֣ץ אָרֻֽצָה־ ארוץ ארוצה אריצם אריצנו ארץ ארצה־ הַיְרֻצ֤וּן הָֽרָצִ֔ים הָֽרָצִ֖ין הָֽרָצִ֞ים הָֽרָצִים֙ הָרָצִ֑ים הָרָצִ֔ים הָרָצִ֖ים הָרָצִ֜ים הָרָצִ֞ים הָרָצִ֨ים הָרָצִֽים׃ הָרָצִים֙ הָרָצִים֮ הירצון הרצים הרצים׃ הרצין וְאָר֛וּצָה וְהָרֵ֥ץ וְלָ֣רָצִ֔ים וְרָצ֖וּ וַיְרִיצֻ֖הוּ וַיָּ֖רָץ וַיָּ֙רָץ֙ וַיָּ֣רָץ וַיָּ֤רָץ וַיָּ֥רָץ וַיָּ֧רָץ וַיָּ֨רָץ וַיָּר֙וּצוּ֙ וַיָּרִ֖יצוּ וַיָּרֹֽץ׃ וַיָּרֻ֖צוּ וַיָּרֻ֙צוּ֙ וַתָּ֖רָץ וַתָּ֙רָץ֙ וַתָּ֥רָץ וארוצה והרץ וירוצו ויריצהו ויריצו וירץ וירץ׃ וירצו ולרצים ורצו ותרץ יְרֻצ֔וּן יְרוֹצֵֽצוּ׃ יְרוּצ֣וּן יְרוּצֽוּן׃ יָר֑וּצוּ יָר֔וּץ יָר֖וּץ יָר֙וּצוּ֙ יָר֣וּץ יָר֥וּץ יָרֻ֔צוּ יָרֻ֖ץ ירוץ ירוצו ירוצון ירוצון׃ ירוצצו׃ ירץ ירצו ירצון לָר֥וּץ לָרָצִ֨ים לָרָצִים֩ לָרוּץ֙ לרוץ לרצים נָּר֑וּצָה נרוצה ר֑וּץ רַ֙צְתָּה֙ רַ֣צְתִּי רָ֑ץ רָ֑צוּ רָ֔ץ רָ֣ץ רָ֤ץ רָ֥ץ רָץ֒ רָץ֙ רָצִ֖ים רָצִ֥ים רֻ֗ץ רֽוּץ־ רוץ רוץ־ רץ רצו רצים רצתה רצתי תָּ֝ר֗וּץ תָּרִ֥יץ תרוץ תריץ ’ă·rî·ṣêm ’ă·rî·ṣen·nū ’ā·rū·ṣāh ’ā·ru·ṣāh- ’ā·ruṣ ’ā·rūṣ ’ărîṣêm ’ărîṣennū ’āruṣ ’ārūṣ ’ārūṣāh ’āruṣāh- ariTzem ariTzennu aRutz aRutzah hā·rā·ṣîm hā·rā·ṣîn hārāṣîm hārāṣîn haraTzim haraTzin hay·ru·ṣūn hayruṣūn hayruTzun lā·rā·ṣîm lā·rūṣ lārāṣîm laraTzim lārūṣ laRutz nā·rū·ṣāh nārūṣāh naRutzah rā·ṣîm rā·ṣū rāṣ raṣ·tāh raṣ·tî rāṣîm raṣtāh raṣtî rāṣū ratz raTzim ratztah Ratzti Ratzu ruṣ rūṣ rūṣ- Rutz tā·rîṣ tā·rūṣ tārîṣ taRitz tārūṣ taRutz vaiyaRitzu vaiYarotz vaiyaRutzu vatTarotz vayriTzuhu veaRutzah vehaRetz veLaraTzim veraTzu wat·tā·rāṣ wattārāṣ way·rî·ṣu·hū way·yā·rāṣ way·yā·rî·ṣū way·yā·rōṣ way·yā·ru·ṣū way·yā·rū·ṣū wayrîṣuhū wayyārāṣ wayyārîṣū wayyārōṣ wayyāruṣū wayyārūṣū wə’ārūṣāh wə·’ā·rū·ṣāh wə·hā·rêṣ wə·lā·rā·ṣîm wə·rā·ṣū wəhārêṣ wəlārāṣîm wərāṣū yā·ru·ṣū yā·rū·ṣū yā·ruṣ yā·rūṣ yāruṣ yārūṣ yāruṣū yārūṣū yaRutz yaRutzu yə·rō·w·ṣê·ṣū yə·ru·ṣūn yə·rū·ṣūn yeroTzetzu yərōwṣêṣū yəruṣūn yərūṣūn yeruTzunInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts