Lexical Summary tacha: perhaps, possibly, quickly Original Word: τάχα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance perhapsAs if neuter plural of tachus (adverbially); shortly, i.e. (figuratively) possibly -- peradventure(-haps). see GREEK tachus HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5029 táxa (from 5036 /taxýs, "promptly") – properly, swiftly (without unnecessary delay) – hence, "quick to assume as true" ("perhaps"). See 5035 (taxy). [5029 (táxa), meaning "perhaps," ("quick to assume as true") dates to centuries before the NT – to the time of Homer, around 900 NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from tachus Definition quickly, perhaps NASB Translation perhaps (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5029: τάχατάχα (ταχύς), adverb; 1. hastily, quickly, soon (so from Homer down). 2. as often in Greek writings from (Hesiod, Aeschylus), Herodotus down, perhaps, peradventure: Romans 5:7; Philemon 1:15. Τάχα appears only twice in the Greek New Testament, both times in the writings of Paul. In each instance it introduces a note of acknowledged uncertainty that invites the reader to reflect on the limits of human knowledge in contrast to the certainties of divine wisdom. Contextual Nuances Unlike other Greek particles that express doubt, τάχα does not convey skepticism toward God’s purposes but rather humility about human perception. Paul employs the word sparingly but strategically, reminding believers that finite minds cannot fully trace the contours of providence. This rhetorical choice maintains the tension between confident faith in God’s sovereignty and honest recognition of one’s own limited viewpoint. Romans 5:7 and the Contrast of Human and Divine Love “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.” (Romans 5:7) Here τάχα (“possibly”) highlights the exceptional nature of human self-sacrifice. Paul contrasts the rare, uncertain prospect of a person laying down his life for the morally upright with the absolute fact of Christ’s atoning death for sinners. The adverb thus sharpens the contrast between human love—tentative, conditional, and infrequent—and divine love—certain, lavish, and freely given. Pastors and teachers may point to this verse when emphasizing the immeasurable depth of the Savior’s sacrifice and the security of salvation grounded in divine initiative, not human merit. Philemon 1:15 and the Providence of Temporary Separation “For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might welcome him back for good.” (Philemon 1:15) In the personal letter regarding Onesimus, τάχα (“perhaps”) gently proposes a providential reading of past events without presuming to speak exhaustively for God. Paul refrains from dogmatism regarding the reason for Onesimus’s earlier flight, while still affirming that God ordinarily weaves even adverse circumstances into His redemptive purposes. The particle protects against deterministic fatalism on one hand and faithless randomness on the other. It models pastoral sensitivity: leading believers to recognize providence without claiming omniscience. Theological and Pastoral Implications 1. Humble Certainty: Scripture affirms God’s exhaustive sovereignty (Ephesians 1:11) yet calls believers to humility regarding secondary causes. Τάχα encourages trustful confession of ignorance where Scripture remains silent. Application in Ministry • Counseling: When guiding congregants through unresolved questions—illness, job loss, relational estrangement—τάχα provides a biblical warrant for saying, “God may be doing more than we see.” Historical Exegesis Early commentators such as Chrysostom observed that Paul’s use of τάχα keeps him from “dogmatizing” about hidden things while still affirming providence. Reformation expositors echoed this theme: Calvin noted that Philemon 1:15 teaches believers “not to measure events by our narrow judgment.” More recently, conservative scholarship highlights the particle as evidence of the inspired writers’ rhetorical care—an illustration that verbal inspiration accommodates genuine human expression without error. Related Biblical Themes • Divine Providence: Genesis 45:5; Esther 4:14; Romans 8:28 Summary Τάχα, though occurring only twice, serves as a poignant reminder of the interface between God’s certainties and human uncertainties. In Romans 5:7 it underscores the extraordinary nature of Christ’s love by contrasting it with the rare, tentative possibility of human sacrifice. In Philemon 1:15 it models pastoral humility, recognizing providence while avoiding presumptuous claims to absolute knowledge. For believers and ministers alike, the particle teaches confident trust in God’s purposes alongside reverent acknowledgment of the limits of human understanding. Englishman's Concordance Romans 5:7 AdvGRK: τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ τάχα τις καὶ NAS: though perhaps for the good man KJV: die: yet peradventure for a good man INT: the good [man] perhaps someone even Philemon 1:15 Adv |
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