Lexical Summary
ruts: To run
Original Word:רוּץ
Part of Speech:Verb
Transliteration:ruwts
Pronunciation:roots
Phonetic Spelling:(roots)
KJV: break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post
NASB:run, ran, guards, couriers, guard, running, runs
Word Origin:[a primitive root]
1. to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily
A primitive root; to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush) -- break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post.
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origina prim. root
Definitionto run
NASB Translationcarried them speedily (1), courier runs (1), courier runs to another (1), couriers (6), dash to and fro (1), guard (6), guards (7), guards' (2), hurriedly brought (1), outran* (1), quickly stretch (1), ran (25), run (34), runner (1), runners (1), running (6), runs (4), rushed (1), rushes (1), smashed (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
(Late Hebrew
id. (rare); Ethiopic
, Zinjirli
Perfect1singular ; = Aramaic ;
(W
SG 47); compare Assyrian
râƒu,
be helpful (i.e.
run to help?)); —
Perfect3masculine singularGenesis 18:7; 2masculine singularJeremiah 12:5, etc.;ImperfectHabakkuk 2:2 +,Job 16:14,Genesis 18:2 +,2 Samuel 18:21.; 1singular suffixJeremiah 50:44 Kt (but < Qr. Hiph`il, see below), etc. [see also ];Imperative masculine singular2 Samuel 18:23;2 Kings 4:26,1 Samuel 20:36;Zechariah 2:8;Infinitive construct1 Samuel 20:6 +;Participle2 Samuel 18:22 +, plural1 Samuel 22:17 +,2 Kings 11:13 (Ges§ 87e); —
run, with locationGenesis 18:7;Genesis 24:20 (both J),Numbers 17:12 (P), personGenesis 24:29 (J; + locative),1 Samuel 3:5;Isaiah 55:5 (figurative), with hostility,against,Job 15:26 (figurative), so goat against ramDaniel 8:6, person,againstJob 16:14; locative alsoJoshua 7:22,Haggai 1:9,Isaiah 59:7;Proverbs 1:16; accusative of location1 Samuel 20:6;1 Samuel 17:22,48 (+ ); locationon ( II.
),Amos 6:12, locustsJoel 2:9;intoProverbs 18:10 (figurative); local1 Samuel 4:12, so2 Kings 23:12 (=he went quickly thence, but text perhaps corrupt, see Kit Benz, and compare
below); person2 Samuel 18:22;1 Kings 19:20;2 Kings 5:20,21;Songs 1:4, person2 Kings 4:22; person2 Samuel 15:1;1 Kings 1:5 (both of royal escort,out-runners),1 Kings 18:46 (+ location), of thing1 Samuel 8:11; person accompareJeremiah 12:5; with accusative of way,Psalm 19:6,2 Samuel 18:23;Psalm 119:132 (figurative); as preliminary, + infinitiverun to meetGenesis 18:2;Genesis 24:17;Genesis 29:13;Genesis 33:4 (all J),2 Kings 4:26;Jeremiah 51:31, + finite verbGenesis 24:28;Genesis 29:12 (both J),Numbers 11:27;Joshua 8:19 (both J E),Judges 7:21;Judges 13:10;1 Samuel 10:23;1 Samuel 17:51;2 Samuel 18:19;Psalm 59:5; as imperative + imperative1 Samuel 20:36;Zechariah 2:8; absolute1 Samuel 20:36;Isaiah 40:31; 2Chronicles 23:12 (see ),Proverbs 4:12;Proverbs 6:18 (of feet), of locustsJoel 2:4,7; specifically,run as messenger2 Samuel 18:21,22,23 (twice in verse);2 Samuel 18:24,26 (twice in verse), figurative of prophet's activityJeremiah 23:21, of s wordPsalm 147:15; figurative of reading smoothly,Habakkuk 2:2. —Psalm 18:30 =2 Samuel 22:30 read (for , ), √ Ew Ol Che Bae and others
Participle as substantive:
pluralthe runners properlyout-runners, as royal escort, compare verb2 Samuel 15:1;1 Kings 1:5; then) of royal body-guard1 Samuel 22:17;1 Kings 14:27,28 (twice in verse) = 2Chron 12:10; 12:11; 12:28,2 Kings 10:25 (twice in verse);2 Kings 11:4,6,11,19 (twice in verse). —2 Kings 11:13 is gloss (Kit Benz; whence [easier] 2Chronicles 23:12 see ). —Proverbs 29:6 for Pinsk Toy favour .
runner = (royal messenger, post, late),Jeremiah 51:31 (twice in verse) ("" ), compareJob 9:25 (as swift); 2Chronicles 30:6,10;Esther 3:13,15, ridersEsther 8:10,Esther 8:14.
Imperfect3masculine pluralNahum 2:5they run swiftly, dart (like lightning; of chariots).
cause to run:
bring, ormove, quickly, Imperfect3masculine plural suffix , localGenesis 41:14 (E), read perhaps also 3 masculine singular2 Kings 23:12 (accusative omitted; for see
); person, accusative of thing omitted 2Chronicles 35:13;Imperative masculine singular1 Samuel 17:17 (+ accusative of location, person);Imperfect3feminine singularPsalm 68:32quickly stretch out hands, (namely, with offerings).
with =drive away from, 1 singular, suffix 3 masculine singular,Jeremiah 49:19, so read probably also in ""Jeremiah 50:44 (Qr , > Kt ).
Topical Lexicon
Overview of UsageThe verb occurs a little more than one hundred times across the Hebrew canon and consistently denotes rapid forward motion, whether of persons, animals, vehicles, natural forces, prophetic words, or moral impulses. The contexts can be arranged into several thematic spheres that together reveal a theology of urgency, obedience, judgment, and hope.
Hospitality, Worship, and Immediate Obedience
•Genesis 18:2 and 18:7 portray Abraham running to welcome and to serve the three visitors. The haste underscores reverence for the divine presence and establishes a model of eager hospitality.
•Genesis 24:17 – 20 shows Rebekah’s prompt generosity: “Then she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran back to the well to draw more water”. Her readiness anticipates Israel’s covenant ideal of quick-hearted service.
•Numbers 16:47 records Aaron’s sprint into the assembly with incense to intercede, a vivid picture of priestly urgency when atonement is required.
These texts ground the act of running in voluntary, God-honoring response rather than mere physical speed.
Messengers and Couriers
Running marks royal or covenant communication:
•2 Samuel 18:19-27—Ahimaaz and the Cushite race to bring news to David, illustrating both zeal and differing motives in ministry.
•1 Kings 13:14;2 Kings 4:22-26; 5:21;Zechariah 2:4—prophets, servants, and angelic figures are told, “Run…,” investing the movement with authoritative commissioning.
•Jeremiah 23:21 condemns false prophets who “have run with their message” without divine sending, reminding the Church that pace never substitutes for calling.
Military and Crisis Settings
• David declares, “For by You I can run through a troop” (2 Samuel 22:30;Psalm 18:29), pairing motion with faith-empowered victory.
• In battle narratives (Joshua 8:19, 24;1 Samuel 17:22, 48;Joel 2:7-9) running expresses tactical boldness or terror. The same verb covers both covenant triumph and covenant chastening, depending on the combatant’s allegiance.
•Nahum 2:4 describes Assyrian chariots that “dash madly through the streets,” a prophetic picture of impending judgment by means of relentless force.
Natural Creation and Cosmic Order
•Psalm 19:5 likens the sun to “a bridegroom coming forth from his chamber… it runs its course with joy.”
•Psalm 147:15 “His word runs swiftly,” joining meteorological imagery with divine revelation. Speed testifies to sovereign command over both creation and history.
Wisdom and Moral Polarities
•Psalm 119:32 provides the positive ideal: “I run in the path of Your commandments.”
•Proverbs 6:18 andIsaiah 59:7 warn of “feet that run swiftly to evil,” showing the same verb employed for sin’s headlong plunge.
The juxtaposition teaches that spiritual direction, not mere dynamism, determines moral worth.
Prophetic and Eschatological Dimensions
•Habakkuk 2:2 charges the prophet to inscribe a vision “so that a herald may run with it,” binding the act of running to faithful proclamation.
•Daniel 12:4 foresees an age when “many will roam to and fro,” a picture of global movement accompanying the unsealing of knowledge.
•Isaiah 40:31 promises covenant renewal: “They will run and not grow weary,” linking endurance with Spirit-wrought strength.
These passages frame running as both present duty and future hope, culminating in messianic fulfillment.
Christological Echoes and New Testament Continuity
Although the Hebrew verb itself does not enter the Greek New Testament, its theological motif reappears:
• Early disciples “ran to the tomb” (John 20:4) in urgent pursuit of the risen Christ.
• Paul appropriates athletic imagery—“Run in such a way as to win the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24)—mirroringPsalm 119:32’s delight in God’s path.
Thus the Old Testament’s vocabulary of swift obedience finds fuller expression in the Gospel race set before the Church (Hebrews 12:1).
Practical and Devotional Applications
1. Eager Hospitality: Abraham’s sprint challenges believers to respond instantly to God’s visitation in the needy and the stranger.
2. Faithful Messaging: Ahimaaz warns that zeal must be yoked to accurate content; ministry credibility rests on being truly sent.
3. Spiritual Discipline:Psalm 119:32 encourages cultivating habits that make obedience instinctive rather than reluctant.
4. Perseverance:Isaiah 40:31 assures that renewed strength comes not by reducing pace but by waiting on the LORD.
5. Moral Discernment:Proverbs 6:18 cautions that speed intensifies whatever direction the heart has chosen—toward righteousness or evil.
Summary
Across narrative, poetry, wisdom, and prophecy, the Hebrew verb rendered “run” portrays decisive movement under divine or sinful impulse. Whether Abraham hurrying to serve, David charging Goliath, prophets rushing with tidings, or the remnant soaring on wings like eagles, the biblical witness presents running as a barometer of covenant loyalty, urgency in mission, and eschatological anticipation. The Church today is called to the same swiftness—feet “fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15)—running gladly in the path set by the Lord.
Forms and Transliterations
אֲרִיצֵם֙ אֲרִיצֶ֨נּוּ אָר֑וּץ אָר֔וּץ אָר֣וּץ אָר֣וּצָה אָרֻ֣ץ אָרֻֽצָה־ ארוץ ארוצה אריצם אריצנו ארץ ארצה־ הַיְרֻצ֤וּן הָֽרָצִ֔ים הָֽרָצִ֖ין הָֽרָצִ֞ים הָֽרָצִים֙ הָרָצִ֑ים הָרָצִ֔ים הָרָצִ֖ים הָרָצִ֜ים הָרָצִ֞ים הָרָצִ֨ים הָרָצִֽים׃ הָרָצִים֙ הָרָצִים֮ הירצון הרצים הרצים׃ הרצין וְאָר֛וּצָה וְהָרֵ֥ץ וְלָ֣רָצִ֔ים וְרָצ֖וּ וַיְרִיצֻ֖הוּ וַיָּ֖רָץ וַיָּ֙רָץ֙ וַיָּ֣רָץ וַיָּ֤רָץ וַיָּ֥רָץ וַיָּ֧רָץ וַיָּ֨רָץ וַיָּר֙וּצוּ֙ וַיָּרִ֖יצוּ וַיָּרֹֽץ׃ וַיָּרֻ֖צוּ וַיָּרֻ֙צוּ֙ וַתָּ֖רָץ וַתָּ֙רָץ֙ וַתָּ֥רָץ וארוצה והרץ וירוצו ויריצהו ויריצו וירץ וירץ׃ וירצו ולרצים ורצו ותרץ יְרֻצ֔וּן יְרוֹצֵֽצוּ׃ יְרוּצ֣וּן יְרוּצֽוּן׃ יָר֑וּצוּ יָר֔וּץ יָר֖וּץ יָר֙וּצוּ֙ יָר֣וּץ יָר֥וּץ יָרֻ֔צוּ יָרֻ֖ץ ירוץ ירוצו ירוצון ירוצון׃ ירוצצו׃ ירץ ירצו ירצון לָר֥וּץ לָרָצִ֨ים לָרָצִים֩ לָרוּץ֙ לרוץ לרצים נָּר֑וּצָה נרוצה ר֑וּץ רַ֙צְתָּה֙ רַ֣צְתִּי רָ֑ץ רָ֑צוּ רָ֔ץ רָ֣ץ רָ֤ץ רָ֥ץ רָץ֒ רָץ֙ רָצִ֖ים רָצִ֥ים רֻ֗ץ רֽוּץ־ רוץ רוץ־ רץ רצו רצים רצתה רצתי תָּ֝ר֗וּץ תָּרִ֥יץ תרוץ תריץ ’ă·rî·ṣêm ’ă·rî·ṣen·nū ’ā·rū·ṣāh ’ā·ru·ṣāh- ’ā·ruṣ ’ā·rūṣ ’ărîṣêm ’ărîṣennū ’āruṣ ’ārūṣ ’ārūṣāh ’āruṣāh- ariTzem ariTzennu aRutz aRutzah hā·rā·ṣîm hā·rā·ṣîn hārāṣîm hārāṣîn haraTzim haraTzin hay·ru·ṣūn hayruṣūn hayruTzun lā·rā·ṣîm lā·rūṣ lārāṣîm laraTzim lārūṣ laRutz nā·rū·ṣāh nārūṣāh naRutzah rā·ṣîm rā·ṣū rāṣ raṣ·tāh raṣ·tî rāṣîm raṣtāh raṣtî rāṣū ratz raTzim ratztah Ratzti Ratzu ruṣ rūṣ rūṣ- Rutz tā·rîṣ tā·rūṣ tārîṣ taRitz tārūṣ taRutz vaiyaRitzu vaiYarotz vaiyaRutzu vatTarotz vayriTzuhu veaRutzah vehaRetz veLaraTzim veraTzu wat·tā·rāṣ wattārāṣ way·rî·ṣu·hū way·yā·rāṣ way·yā·rî·ṣū way·yā·rōṣ way·yā·ru·ṣū way·yā·rū·ṣū wayrîṣuhū wayyārāṣ wayyārîṣū wayyārōṣ wayyāruṣū wayyārūṣū wə’ārūṣāh wə·’ā·rū·ṣāh wə·hā·rêṣ wə·lā·rā·ṣîm wə·rā·ṣū wəhārêṣ wəlārāṣîm wərāṣū yā·ru·ṣū yā·rū·ṣū yā·ruṣ yā·rūṣ yāruṣ yārūṣ yāruṣū yārūṣū yaRutz yaRutzu yə·rō·w·ṣê·ṣū yə·ru·ṣūn yə·rū·ṣūn yeroTzetzu yərōwṣêṣū yəruṣūn yərūṣūn yeruTzun
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