The term "speedeth" is an archaic form of the verb "speed," which appears in older translations of the Bible. It generally conveys the idea of moving swiftly or causing something to happen quickly. In the context of Scripture, "speedeth" often relates to the fulfillment of God's plans or the hastening of events according to divine will.

Biblical Usage:

The word "speedeth" is not commonly found in modern translations, including the Berean Standard Bible . However, its concept is present in various passages where the swiftness of God's actions or the urgency of human response is emphasized.

1. Divine Fulfillment:
The idea of God "speeding" His plans is seen in the prophetic literature, where the fulfillment of God's promises is often described as coming quickly. For instance, in Isaiah 60:22 , it is written, "The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will accomplish it swiftly." Here, the swiftness of God's action is highlighted, reflecting His sovereign control over time and events.

2. Human Response:
The urgency of human response to God's call is another context where the concept of "speedeth" is relevant. In the New Testament, believers are often urged to act promptly in their faith and obedience. For example, in Romans 13:11 , Paul writes, "And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." The passage underscores the need for immediate action in light of the approaching fulfillment of God's salvation.

3. Prayer and Petition:
The Psalms frequently express a desire for God to act swiftly in response to prayer. Psalm 70:1 states, "Hasten, O God, to deliver me! Hurry, O LORD, to help me!" This plea for God to "speed" His assistance reflects the psalmist's urgent need for divine intervention.

Theological Implications:

The concept of "speedeth" in Scripture underscores the dynamic nature of God's interaction with the world. It reflects His ability to bring about His purposes in His perfect timing, often in ways that surpass human understanding. For believers, this serves as a reminder of the importance of readiness and responsiveness to God's leading.

Practical Application:

In the life of a Christian, the principle of "speedeth" encourages a posture of vigilance and preparedness. Believers are called to live with an awareness of the brevity of life and the imminence of Christ's return, prompting them to act with urgency in their spiritual walk and witness. As James 4:14 reminds us, "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."

In summary, while the specific term "speedeth" may not appear in contemporary translations, its essence is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the swift and decisive nature of God's actions and the corresponding call for human readiness and response.

"The Goodness of God is the Highest Prayer, and it Cometh Down to ...
... cleaving to His Goodness. For of all things that heart may think, this pleaseth
most God, and soonest speedeth [the soul]. For our soul ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter vi the goodness of.htm

Matt. I. 22, 23
... The RV in loco does not accept the imperative rendering, but gives this marginal
explanation: "That is, The spoil speedeth, the prey hasteth."--R.]. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily v matt i 22.htm

Letter Lxvi. To Pammachius.
... formed from clerus. [1978] Perhaps an allusion to Isaiah 8:1. Mahershalal-
hash-baz, Spoil speedeth, prey hasteth.'. [1979] ie the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxvi to pammachius.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7. <. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
The Principal Works of St. Jerome. <. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm

Speedeth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Speedeth (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 8:1 And Jehovah
said unto me, Take thee a great tablet, and write upon ...
/s/speedeth.htm - 6k

Maher-shalal-hash-baz (2 Occurrences)
... Maher-shalal-hashbaz, Maher-shalal-hash-baz. Ma'her-shal'al-hash-baz . Easton's
Bible Dictionary Plunder speedeth; spoil hasteth, (Isaiah 8:1-3; Comp. ...
/m/maher-shalal-hash-baz.htm - 8k

Mahershalalhashbaz (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Plunder speedeth; spoil hasteth, (Isaiah 8:1-3;
Comp. Zephaniah 1:14), a name Isaiah was commanded first ...
/m/mahershalalhashbaz.htm - 8k

Speed (22 Occurrences)

/s/speed.htm - 14k

Speedily (38 Occurrences)

/s/speedily.htm - 18k

Prey (105 Occurrences)
... Maher-shalal-chash-baz (the Revised Version margin "The spoil speedeth, the prey
hasteth") was the symbolical name given to a son of Isaiah (Isaiah 8:1, 3 ...
/p/prey.htm - 42k

Speedy (5 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Isaiah 8:1 And the LORD said unto me: 'Take thee a great tablet, and write
upon it in common script: The spoil speedeth, the prey hasteth; (See NAS). ...
/s/speedy.htm - 8k

Ordinary (17 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 8:1 And the LORD said unto me: 'Take thee a great tablet, and write upon
it in common script: The spoil speedeth, the prey hasteth; (See NAS NIV). ...
/o/ordinary.htm - 12k

Scroll (70 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Isaiah 8:1 And the LORD said unto me: 'Take thee a great tablet, and
write upon it in common script: The spoil speedeth, the prey hasteth; (See NIV). ...
/s/scroll.htm - 32k

Haste (106 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 8:1 And the LORD said unto me: 'Take thee a great tablet, and write upon
it in common script: The spoil speedeth, the prey hasteth; (Root in JPS YLT). ...
/h/haste.htm - 41k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus