Lexical Summary speudó: To hasten, to hurry, to strive earnestly Original Word: σπεύδω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hasten, hurryProbably strengthened from pous; to "speed" ("study"), i.e. Urge on (diligently or earnestly); by implication, to await eagerly -- (make, with) haste unto. see GREEK pous NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition to hasten, urge on NASB Translation hastening (1), hurried (1), hurry (2), hurrying (1), make haste (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4692: σπεύδωσπεύδω; imperfect ἔσπευδον; 1 aorist ἔσπευσα; (cognate with German sich sputen (cf. English speed, Latinstudeo; Vanicek, p. 1163; Fick 4:279)); from Homer down; the Sept. for מִהַר, also for בִּהֵל, etc.; 1. intransitive, (cf. Winers Grammar, § 38, 1; Buttmann, 130, 4), to hasten: as often in the Greek writings, followed by an infinitive Acts 20:16; ἦλθον σπεύσαντες, they came with haste, Luke 2:16; σπεύσας κατάβηθι (A. V. make haste and come down), κατέβη, Luke 19:5, 6; σπεῦσον καί ἔξελθε (A. V. make haste and get thee quickly out), Acts 22:18. 2. to desire earnestly: τί, 2 Peter 3:12; (Isaiah 16:5; examples from Greek authors are given by Passow, under the word, 2 vol. ii., p. 1501; (Liddell and Scott, under the word, II.)). Strong’s Greek 4692 captures the idea of eager haste—movement prompted by conviction rather than mere speed. In Scripture the verb underscores decisive action that aligns with God’s purposes, whether in joyful pursuit of Christ, urgent obedience to His voice, or passionate anticipation of His return. Old Testament Background Although the exact Greek term is absent from the Hebrew canon, Septuagint parallels (for example, Psalm 119:60; Proverbs 6:3) show God’s people urged to “make haste” in keeping His commands. This establishes a biblical pattern: when God speaks, faithful hearts respond promptly. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Luke 2:16 – The shepherds, having received the angelic announcement, “hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby”. Their haste reflects the proper human response to revelation—swift movement toward Jesus. 2. Luke 19:5-6 – Jesus calls Zacchaeus: “Zacchaeus, hurry down, for today I must stay at your house.” Zacchaeus “hurried down and welcomed Him joyfully”. The double use shows both command and response, illustrating conversion’s immediacy. 3. Acts 20:16 – Paul “was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost”. Apostolic mission carries a calendar shaped by redemptive priorities; Paul’s urgency guards against distractions that could dilute his calling. 4. Acts 22:18 – The risen Lord warns Paul, “Hurry! Leave Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about Me”. Prompt obedience here preserves the apostle for wider ministry and demonstrates divine sovereignty over mission logistics. 5. 2 Peter 3:12 – Believers are described as “looking forward to the day of God and hastening its coming”. Holy living and evangelistic labor participate mysteriously in the timetable of the consummation, placing urgency at the heart of eschatological hope. Theological and Ministry Significance • Immediate Obedience: Each occurrence links haste with submission to God. Delayed compliance is functionally disobedience; the term therefore calls congregations to quick, cheerful response to Scripture’s commands. • Joyful Expectation: Whether shepherds at Bethlehem or saints awaiting the new heavens and new earth, eagerness springs from confidence in God’s promises. Ministry marked by joy-filled urgency commends the gospel as good news, not mere duty. • Mission Strategy: Paul’s travel plans (Acts 20:16) and rapid departure (Acts 22:18) show that strategic haste may conserve energy and opportunity for greatest kingdom impact. Churches can likewise prioritize unreached peoples or seasonal openness to the gospel. • Personal Transformation: Zacchaeus’ hurried descent signifies repentance expressed in action. True faith produces visible, timely change—generosity, restitution, and hospitality follow without procrastination. • Eschatological Participation: 2 Peter 3:12 teaches that righteous living and gospel proclamation “hasten” the Day. While God’s sovereign timetable is fixed, He ordains the faithful activity of His people as the appointed means, infusing daily life with eternal consequence. Pastoral Applications 1. Cultivate a culture of prompt obedience in discipleship—respond to conviction today (Hebrews 3:15). Summary Strong’s Greek 4692 portrays urgency rooted in faith. From Bethlehem’s fields to the apostolic journeys, from a tax collector’s tree to the cosmic horizon of the Day of God, Scripture commends a life that moves quickly toward Christ, decisively for Christ, and expectantly with Christ until He comes. Englishman's Concordance Luke 2:16 V-APA-NMPGRK: καὶ ἦλθαν σπεύσαντες καὶ ἀνεῦραν NAS: they came in a hurry and found their way KJV: And they came with haste, and found INT: And they came having hurried and found Luke 19:5 V-APA-NMS Luke 19:6 V-APA-NMS Acts 20:16 V-IIA-3S Acts 22:18 V-AMA-2S 2 Peter 3:12 V-PPA-AMP Strong's Greek 4692 |
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