Topical Encyclopedia The term "swift" in the Bible often refers to speed or quickness, whether in movement, action, or judgment. It is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures to convey urgency, decisiveness, and the rapid execution of events or actions.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, "swift" is frequently used to describe the speed of animals, people, or divine actions. For example, in 2 Samuel 1:23, Saul and Jonathan are described as being "swifter than eagles," highlighting their prowess and agility in battle. Similarly, in Habakkuk 1:8, the Chaldeans' horses are described as "swifter than leopards," emphasizing the rapid and fearsome nature of their military campaigns. The swiftness of divine judgment is also a recurring theme. In Isaiah 5:26, God is depicted as summoning nations with a "whistle" and they come "swiftly and speedily," illustrating the promptness of His sovereign will in executing judgment. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the concept of swiftness is often associated with the return of Christ and the urgency of repentance. In Revelation 22:12, Jesus declares, "Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done." The swiftness of His coming serves as a call to readiness and vigilance for believers. Metaphorical and Symbolic Uses The metaphorical use of "swift" can also be seen in the context of human behavior and morality. In Proverbs 6:18, a "heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to evil" is listed among the things the Lord hates. This passage underscores the eagerness and haste with which some pursue sinful actions, contrasting with the righteous path that requires patience and deliberation. Theological Implications The swiftness of God's actions, whether in judgment or deliverance, serves as a reminder of His omnipotence and the certainty of His promises. Believers are encouraged to live in a state of readiness, understanding that God's timing is perfect and His actions are executed with precision and purpose. Practical Application For Christians, the concept of swiftness can be applied to the urgency of spreading the Gospel and living a life that reflects Christ's teachings. Just as God's actions are swift and decisive, believers are called to be prompt in obedience and diligent in their spiritual walk, making the most of every opportunity to serve and witness to others. In summary, the term "swift" in the Bible conveys a sense of urgency and immediacy, whether in the context of divine action, human behavior, or the anticipated return of Christ. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for readiness and the importance of aligning one's life with God's will. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) Moving a great distance in a short time; moving with celerity or velocity; fleet; rapid; quick; speedy; prompt.2. (v. i.) of short continuance; passing away quickly. 3. (adv.) Swiftly. 4. (n.) The current of a stream. 5. (n.) Any one of numerous species of small, long-winged, insectivorous birds of the family Micropodidae. In form and habits the swifts resemble swallows, but they are destitute of complex vocal muscles and are not singing birds, but belong to a widely different group allied to the humming birds. 6. (n.) Any one of several species of lizards, as the pine lizard. 7. (n.) The ghost moth. See under Ghost. 8. (n.) A reel, or turning instrument, for winding yarn, thread, etc.; -- used chiefly in the plural. 9. (n.) The main card cylinder of a flax-carding machine. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SWIFT BEASTS(kirkaroth (Isaiah 66:20)): the King James Version and the English Revised Version "swift beasts," the English Revised Version margin and the American Standard Revised Version "dromedaries." In Micah 1:13 (rekhesh) a horse is meant, the Revised Version (British and American) "swift steed." SWIFT See SWALLOW. Greek 5031. tachinos -- swift ... swift. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: tachinos Phonetic Spelling: (takh-ee-nos') Short Definition: swift, quick Definition: swift, quick, impending. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5031.htm - 6k 3691. oxus -- sharp, swift 5036. tachus -- quick, swift 4932. suntemno -- to cut in pieces 4704. spoudazo -- to make haste, hence to give diligence Strong's Hebrew 7031. qal -- light, swift, fleet... 7030, 7031. qal. 7032 . light, swift, fleet. Transliteration: qal Phonetic Spelling: (kal) Short Definition: swift. Word Origin ... /hebrew/7031.htm - 6k 7043. qalal -- to be slight, swift or trifling 4118a. maher -- hastening, speedy, swift 4122. Maher Shalal Chash Baz -- "swift (is) booty, speedy (is) ... 5483a. sus -- a swallow, swift (type of bird) 5483. cuwc -- a swallow, swift (type of bird) 4118. maher -- hastening, speedy, swift 7409. rekesh -- steeds 4116. mahar -- to hasten 3753. kirkarah -- dromedary Library The Swift Destroyer In a Swift Current. Time How Swift. The Swift Decay of Love Swift Healing and Immediate Service A Righteousness Near and a Swift Salvation Ep. Cv. The Time is Swift, the Struggle Great, and My Sickness ... Three Sermons, Three Prayers Three Sermons, Three Prayers Contents: on Mutual Subjection on Sleeping in Church on the Wisdom ... Thesaurus Swift (35 Occurrences)... 9. (n.) The main card cylinder of a flax-carding machine. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SWIFT BEASTS. ...SWIFT. See SWALLOW. Multi-Version Concordance ... /s/swift.htm - 19k Swift-footed (1 Occurrence) Swallow (38 Occurrences) Treading (26 Occurrences) Beast (243 Occurrences) Beasts (241 Occurrences) Steeds (11 Occurrences) Swifter (6 Occurrences) Swiftly (15 Occurrences) Leviathan (5 Occurrences) Resources Who was John Wycliffe? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about the angel Gabriel? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God makes our feet like the feet of a deer (Habakkuk 3:19)? | GotQuestions.org Swift: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Swift (35 Occurrences)Romans 3:15 James 1:19 2 Peter 2:1 Deuteronomy 28:49 2 Samuel 2:18 1 Kings 4:28 1 Chronicles 12:8 Esther 8:10 Esther 8:14 Job 9:26 Job 24:18 Job 26:13 Job 39:5 Proverbs 1:16 Proverbs 6:18 Ecclesiastes 9:11 Isaiah 5:26 Isaiah 8:1 Isaiah 16:5 Isaiah 18:2 Isaiah 19:1 Isaiah 30:16 Isaiah 38:14 Isaiah 59:7 Isaiah 66:20 Jeremiah 2:23 Jeremiah 8:7 Jeremiah 46:6 Ezekiel 30:9 Daniel 9:21 Amos 2:14 Amos 2:15 Micah 1:13 Habakkuk 1:8 Malachi 3:5 Subtopics Related Terms |
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