Lexical Summary trechó: To run Original Word: τρέχω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance runApparently a primary verb (properly, threcho; compare thrix); which uses dremo drem'-o (the base of dromos) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figuratively) -- have course, run. see GREEK thrix see GREEK dromos HELPS Word-studies 5143 tréxō – properly, to run (like an athlete competing in the ancient Greek games); (figuratively) advance speedily, like an athlete moving forward with full effort and directed purpose (see 1 Cor 9:24). 5143 /tréxō) ("running wide-open") conveys intense desire to get to the goal as quickly as possible. 5143 (tréxō) was used of "runners in a race, of swiftness or of effort to attain an end (so Herodotus, Eur., etc.)" (A-S). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. verb Definition to run NASB Translation ran (7), run (7), running (3), runs (1), rushing (1), spread rapidly (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5143: δράμωδράμω, to run, see τρέχω. STRONGS NT 5143: τρέχωτρέχω; imperfect ἔτρεχον; 2 aorist ἔδραμον; from Homer down; the Sept. for רוּץ; to run; a. properly: of persons in haste, Mark 5:6; John 20:2, 4; with a telic infinitive Matthew 28:8; δραμών with a finite verb, Matthew 27:48; Mark 15:36; Luke 15:20; τρέχω ἐπί with an accusative of place, Luke 24:12 (T omits; L Tr brackets WH reject the verse); εἰς πόλεμον, Revelation 9:9; of those who run in a race-course (ἐν σταδίῳ), 1 Corinthians 9:24, 26. b. metaphorically: of doctrine rapidly propagated, 2 Thessalonians 3:1 (R. V. run); by a metaphor taken from the runners in a race, to exert oneself, strive hard; to spend one's strength in performing or attaining something: Romans 9:16; Galatians 5:7; εἰς κενόν, Galatians 2:2 (Winers Grammar, 504 (470); Buttmann, § 148, 10); Philippians 2:16; τόν ἀγῶνα, Hebrews 12:1 (see ἀγών, 2); the same expression occurs in Greek writings, denoting to incur extreme peril, which it requires the exertion of all one's efforts to overcome, Herodotus 8, 102; Euripides, Or. 878; Alc. 489; Electr. 883; Iph. Aul. 1456; Dionysius Halicarnassus 7, 48, etc.; miserabile currunt certamen, Stat. Theb. 3,116. (Compare: εἰστρέχω, κατατρέχω, περιτρέχω, προτρέχω, προστρέχω, συντρέχω, ἐπιτρέχω συντρέχω, ὑποτρέχω.) STRONGS NT 5143a: τρῆματρῆμα, τρήματος, τό (τιτράω, τιτρημι, ΤΡΑΩ, to bore through, pierce), a perforation, hole: βελόνης, Luke 18:25 L T Tr WH; (ῤαφίδος, Matthew 19:24 WH text). (Aristophanes, Plato, Aristotle, Plutarch, others.) Strong’s Greek 5143 (τρέχω, trecho) depicts swift forward motion, but Scripture consistently stretches the verb beyond mere locomotion. Whether describing a soldier dashing into battle, a disciple hastening to the empty tomb, or a believer pressing on toward the heavenly prize, trecho binds urgency of movement to urgency of heart. The contexts show eagerness, compassion, perseverance, proclamation, and sometimes futile human striving—all under the sovereign purposes of God. Running as Physical Movement In the Gospels trecho narrates literal running: Symbol of Earnestness and Compassion Running often signals a heart moved deeply: the father’s compassion (Luke 15:20), Mary Magdalene’s alarm (John 20:2), Peter’s urgent investigation (Luke 24:12). In each case bodily speed embodies internal passion, reminding believers that love and faith are not passive. Metaphor for Christian Perseverance Paul and the writer to the Hebrews employ athletic imagery to exhort steadfastness: Trecho frames the Christian life as a marathon requiring discipline, focus, and the stripping away of sin’s weights. The race’s finish line is the joy of unhindered fellowship with Christ (Hebrews 12:2). Contrast of Fleshly Effort and Divine Mercy Romans 9:16 warns, “It does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.” Human “running” cannot achieve salvation; grace alone secures it. Trecho here signifies the futility of self-reliance contrasted with sovereign compassion. Running in Apostolic Ministry Paul twice worries that his preaching might be “running … in vain” (Galatians 2:2; Philippians 2:16). The verb underscores sustained gospel labor whose value rests on doctrinal fidelity and divine blessing. Conversely, 2 Thessalonians 3:1 asks believers to pray “that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly,” literally “run,” expressing confidence that Scripture, empowered by God, outpaces opposition. Warnings Against Hindrance Galatians 5:7 laments, “You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth?” False teaching trips spiritual runners. The imagery evokes a competitor illegally blocking a lane, highlighting the seriousness of doctrinal corruption. Eschatological and Prophetic Allusions In Revelation 9:9 the sound of locust-like cavalry is “like the roar of many horses rushing into battle.” The frenzy of judgment gallops with inexorable speed, matching the verb’s intensity. End-time scenes thus echo the urgency with which believers must proclaim the gospel while daylight remains. Application in Preaching and Discipleship 1. Urgency in evangelism: the gospel is to “run” unhindered (2 Thessalonians 3:1). Summary Trecho unites body and spirit in Scripture, conveying zeal, urgency, and perseverance. Whether describing literal feet in motion or the onward surge of the gospel, the verb invites believers into a life of active, grace-dependant pursuit of Christ and His purposes—running to serve, running to proclaim, running to finish well. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 27:48 V-APA-NMSGRK: καὶ εὐθέως δραμὼν εἷς ἐξ NAS: one of them ran, and taking KJV: of them ran, and took INT: And immediately having run one of Matthew 28:8 V-AIA-3P Mark 5:6 V-AIA-3S Mark 15:36 V-APA-NMS Luke 15:20 V-APA-NMS Luke 24:12 V-AIA-3S John 20:2 V-PIA-3S John 20:4 V-IIA-3P Romans 9:16 V-PPA-GMS 1 Corinthians 9:24 V-PPA-NMP 1 Corinthians 9:24 V-PIA-3P 1 Corinthians 9:24 V-PMA-2P 1 Corinthians 9:26 V-PIA-1S Galatians 2:2 V-PSA-1S Galatians 2:2 V-AIA-1S Galatians 5:7 V-IIA-2P Philippians 2:16 V-AIA-1S 2 Thessalonians 3:1 V-PSA-3S Hebrews 12:1 V-PSA-1P Revelation 9:9 V-PPA-GMP Strong's Greek 5143 |
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