Lexical Summary
meherah: Speed, haste, quickly
Original Word:מְהֵ רָה
Part of Speech:Noun Feminine
Transliteration:mherah
Pronunciation:meh-hay-RAW
Phonetic Spelling:(meh-hay-raw')
KJV: hastily, quickly, shortly, soon, make (with) speed(-ily), swiftly
NASB:quickly, speedily, hurry, shortly, speed, swiftly
Word Origin:[feminine ofH4118 (מַהֵר - Quickly)]
1. (properly) a hurry
2. hence (adverbially) promptly
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
hastily, quickly, shortly, soon, make with speedily, swiftly
Feminine ofmaher; properly, a hurry; hence (adverbially) promptly -- hastily, quickly, shortly, soon, make (with) speed(-ily), swiftly.
see HEBREWmaher
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
maharDefinitionhaste, speed
NASB Translationhurry (1), quickly (14), shortly (1), speed (1), speedily (2), swiftly (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
; — usually as adverb. accusative
hastily, quickly:Joshua 8:19;
Joshua 10:6;
Joshua 23:16 (all J E),
Numbers 17:11 (P),
Deuteronomy 11:17;
Judges 9:54;
2 Samuel 17:16,18,21;
Jeremiah 27:16;
Ecclesiastes 8:11 (in all these cases after verb); before verb (poetry)
Isaiah 5:26 ("" ),
Psalm 31:3;
Psalm 37:2;
Isaiah 58:8; Joel 4:4 ("" ); so also
1 Samuel 20:38 (compare Dr);
2 Kings 1:11 ; — but perhaps read , i.e.
Pi`el Imperative of (compare
1 Samuel 23:27); with preposition (late):
in haste = quickly
Ecclesiastes 4:12;
id.Psalm 147:15.
Topical Lexicon
Meaning and Nuances of מְהֵרָהThe root idea is speed—moving, responding, happening “quickly,” “hastily,” or “soon.” Context determines whether the haste is commendable (prompt obedience or deliverance) or condemnable (rashness or sudden judgment).
Occurrences Across Biblical Narrative
• Torah: The priestly intercession inNumbers 16:46 models urgent ministry.
• Conquest: Joshua is repeatedly urged to act “quickly” (Joshua 8:19; 10:6).
• Monarchy: Royal intrigue in2 Samuel 17 hinges on swift communication.
• Wisdom & Psalms: The fleeting nature of life and the need for God’s rapid aid (Psalm 31:2;Ecclesiastes 4:12).
• Prophets: Announcements of swift judgment or salvation (Isaiah 58:8;Joel 3:4).
Theme of Urgent Divine Judgment
Disobedience triggers rapid consequences:
• “You will perish quickly from the good land” (Deuteronomy 11:17;Joshua 23:16).
• Joel warns Tyre and Sidon: “I will swiftly and speedily return your recompense on your own heads” (Joel 3:4).
The speed underscores God’s sovereignty; His justice is neither tardy nor arbitrary.
Theme of Swift Divine Deliverance
David prays, “Incline Your ear to me; come quickly to my rescue” (Psalm 31:2). Isaiah links true fasting with immediate blessing: “Your healing will come quickly” (Isaiah 58:8). The same word that threatens judgment also promises salvation to the repentant.
Call to Prompt Obedience
Covenant faith demands haste:
• “Come up quickly and save us!” plead the Gibeonites (Joshua 10:6).
• Jonathan’s cry, “Hurry! Make haste!” (1 Samuel 20:38) illustrates readiness to act on covenant loyalty.
Procrastination in obedience invites loss, as seen in Israel’s warnings.
Relation to Prayer and Worship
The psalmists model bold petitions for God’s speedy intervention (Psalm 147:15). Worshipers may confidently ask for prompt grace, knowing He delights to “run swiftly” to fulfill His word.
Prophetic Perspective and Eschatology
Isaiah’s banner signals nations that arrive “swiftly and speedily” (Isaiah 5:26), prefiguring end-time movements. The prophets’ use of מְהֵרָה sustains watchfulness; divine purposes unfold without delay once the appointed time comes.
Wisdom Tradition and Moral Lessons
Ecclesiastes observes that a “cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12), affirming the durable strength of unity. Conversely, delayed justice breeds sin: “When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil” (Ecclesiastes 8:11).
Practical Ministry Application
1. Intercession must be immediate when sin’s plague spreads (Numbers 16:46).
2. Leaders communicate urgently to protect the flock (2 Samuel 17:16).
3. Disciples respond swiftly to opportunities for mercy and evangelism, reflecting God’s own readiness.
Christological Insights
The motif of “quickly” foreshadows the promised swiftness of the Messiah’s return (“Surely I am coming quickly,”Revelation 22:20). Old Testament usages of מְהֵרָה thus tutor the church in expectancy, urging holy haste in obedience, witness, and hope.
Forms and Transliterations
בִמְהֵרָ֖ה במהרה מְ֝הֵרָ֗ה מְהֵרָ֑ה מְהֵרָ֔ה מְהֵרָ֖ה מְהֵרָ֗ה מְהֵרָ֛ה מְהֵרָ֜ה מְהֵרָ֣ה מְהֵרָ֥ה מְהֵרָ֨ה מְהֵרָ֪ה מְהֵרָה֙ מְהֵרָה֩ מהרה ḇim·hê·rāh ḇimhêrāh mə·hê·rāh meheRah məhêrāh vimheRah
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