5033. tachista

Lexical Summary

tachista: Most quickly, very swiftly

Original Word: τάχιστα
Part of Speech: Adverb, Superlative
Transliteration: tachista
Pronunciation: tah-KHEE-stah
Phonetic Spelling: (takh'-is-tah)
KJV: + with all speed
Word Origin: [neuter plural of the superlative of G5036 (ταχύς - soon) (as adverb)]

1. most quickly
{(with G5613 prefixed) as soon as possible}

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

quickly; quick

Neuter plural of the superlative of tachus (as adverb); most quickly, i.e. (with hos prefixed) as soon as possible -- + with all speed.

see GREEK tachus

see GREEK hos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
superl. of tachus, q.v.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 5033: τάχιστα

τάχιστα (neuter plural of the superlative ταχιστος, from ταχύς), adverb (from Homer down), very quickly: ὡς τάχιστα, as quickly as possible (A. V. with all speed), Acts 17:15.

Topical Lexicon

Placement within the Acts Narrative

The sole New Testament appearance of τάχιστα (Strong’s 5033) occurs in Acts 17:15, where the companions who had escorted Paul to Athens receive instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him “as soon as possible”. The term functions as an adverb of superlative urgency, marking a decisive moment in the Apostle’s second missionary journey as the gospel pushes southward from Macedonia into the cultural heart of Greece.

Immediate Function in Acts 17:15

1. Safety and Continuity: Hostility had followed Paul from Thessalonica to Berea, prompting concerned believers to move him swiftly to Athens. The summons for his coworkers to travel τάχιστα ensured ongoing protection and continuity of ministry.
2. Strategic Partnership: Paul rarely worked in prolonged isolation. His prompt call for Silas and Timothy reveals the primacy of team ministry for discipleship, accountability, and multiplication.
3. Momentum of Witness: Athens presented fresh evangelical opportunities among Jews in the synagogue and philosophers in the marketplace. The adverb highlights Paul’s resolve to keep missional momentum rather than allow the opposition in Macedonia to stall the advance of the gospel.

Theological Themes Conveyed by the Word

• Urgency of the Gospel Mission. The church is never depicted as leisurely in proclaiming salvation; “today is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). τάχιστα crystallizes that urgency.
• Dependence on Fellowship. Even the most gifted missionary recognizes his need for fellow workers (cf. Philippians 2:19–22). The intensifying adverb underscores that necessity.
• Divine Sovereignty and Human Initiative. While the Spirit directs Paul’s steps (Acts 16:6–10), human agents still act decisively. τάχιστα marries providence with responsible obedience.

Historical Insights

Athens stood as an intellectual capital, steeped in idolatry yet yearning for “something new” (Acts 17:21). Paul’s demand for Silas and Timothy to arrive τάχιστα suggests he foresaw the complexity of engaging Stoic and Epicurean philosophers, Jewish interlocutors, and pagan idolaters. A united witness would strengthen apologetic credibility and pastoral care for any fledgling believers.

Ministry Applications

1. Prioritize Gospel Tasks. Ministry planning should identify what must be done τάχιστα—before lesser concerns dilute energy and focus.
2. Cultivate Rapid Response Teams. Churches benefit from members ready to travel, give, or serve on short notice when doors open.
3. Guard against Prolonged Isolation. Modern laborers, like Paul, should summon help quickly rather than minister in protracted solitude.

Connections to Broader Biblical Teaching on Urgency

• Luke 14:21 – “Go out quickly into the streets…”
• John 9:4 – “We must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day…”
• Hebrews 3:13 – “Encourage one another daily…”

Though these verses use different Greek terms, they reinforce the same spiritual tempo embodied by τάχιστα.

Lessons for Contemporary Discipleship

τάχιστα reminds believers that the gospel demands timely obedience. Whether in mobilizing partners, responding to danger, or seizing evangelistic opportunities, Scripture commends a pace governed not by haste for its own sake but by love for souls, reliance on the Spirit, and stewardship of limited time.

Forms and Transliterations

ταχιστα τάχιστα tachista táchista

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 17:15 Adv-S
GRK: ἵνα ὡς τάχιστα ἔλθωσιν πρὸς
INT: that as quickly as possible they should come to

Strong's Greek 5033
1 Occurrence

τάχιστα — 1 Occ.