Topical Encyclopedia
The term "swifter" is not directly found as a standalone word in the Bible; however, the concept of swiftness is frequently mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures. Swiftness often symbolizes speed, urgency, and the fleeting nature of life or events. It can be associated with both positive and negative connotations, depending on the context in which it is used.
Swiftness in Judgment and RetributionIn the Bible, swiftness is sometimes used to describe the rapid execution of God's judgment. For instance, in the book of Isaiah, the prophet speaks of the swift judgment that will come upon those who oppose God: "Their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; devastation and destruction are in their paths" (
Isaiah 59:7). This passage highlights the urgency and inevitability of divine retribution against wickedness.
Swiftness in DeliveranceConversely, swiftness can also describe the rapidity of God's deliverance and salvation. In the Psalms, David often calls upon the Lord to act swiftly in his defense: "Make haste, O God, to deliver me! Hurry, O LORD, to help me!" (
Psalm 70:1). Here, the psalmist expresses a deep reliance on God's prompt intervention in times of trouble.
Swiftness in Human LifeThe Bible also uses the concept of swiftness to illustrate the brevity and transience of human life. In the book of Job, life is compared to a swift runner: "My days are swifter than a runner; they flee without seeing any good" (
Job 9:25). This metaphor underscores the fleeting nature of earthly existence and the importance of living a life aligned with God's will.
Swiftness in Pursuit and WarfareIn the context of warfare and pursuit, swiftness is often depicted as a desirable trait. The ability to move quickly and decisively is seen as advantageous in battle. For example, in 2 Samuel, Asahel is described as "swift of foot as a wild gazelle" (
2 Samuel 2:18), emphasizing his agility and speed in pursuit during a time of conflict.
Swiftness in Prophetic ImageryProphetic literature frequently employs the imagery of swiftness to convey the suddenness of future events. In Habakkuk, the Chaldeans are described as a nation "bitter and hasty," whose horses "are swifter than leopards" (
Habakkuk 1:6, 8). This vivid imagery serves to communicate the impending and unstoppable nature of the Chaldean invasion.
Moral and Ethical ImplicationsThe Bible also warns against the misuse of swiftness in the pursuit of evil. Proverbs cautions against those who are "swift in running to mischief" (
Proverbs 6:18), highlighting the moral responsibility to use one's abilities and resources for righteous purposes rather than for harm.
In summary, while the term "swifter" itself may not appear in the biblical text, the concept of swiftness is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating themes of judgment, deliverance, the brevity of life, and the dynamics of warfare and morality. These references serve as reminders of the urgency and significance of aligning one's life with divine principles.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A rope used to retain the bars of the capstan in their sockets while men are turning it.
2. (n.) A rope used to encircle a boat longitudinally, to strengthen and defend her sides.
3. (n.) The forward shroud of a lower mast.
4. (v. t.) To tighten, as slack standing rigging, by bringing the opposite shrouds nearer.
Greek
4708. spoudaioteros -- speedily ... Cognate: 4708 -- a comparative () meaning " diligently" ("
swifter"). See 4710 ().
Word Origin adverb from spoudaioteros, another reading for spoudaios, qv.
... 4707. spoudaioteros -- more diligent
... Cognate: 4707 -- a comparative (-) meaning " diligent" ("swifter"). See
4710 (). Word Origin cptv. of spoudaios, qv. more diligent ...
Strong's Hebrew
7043. qalal -- to be slight, swift or trifling... 2), make it lighter (2), moved to and fro (1), shakes (1), sharpen (1), slight thing
(1), small a thing (1), superficially (2), swift (1),
swifter (5), treat
... 7031. qal -- light, swift, fleet
... Word Origin from qalal Definition light, swift, fleet NASB Word Usage insignificant
(1), swift (7), swift man (1), swift-footed* (1), swifter (1), swiftly (2). ...
Library
The Broken Column
... I can see the precipice; I can hear the roaring of the dashing water as it leaps
the cascade, and I am speeding on swifter, and swifter, and swifter, till my ...
Hymn for those who Fast
... Swifter than water quenches fire, Swifter than sunshine melts the snow, Crushed
out by soul-restoring fast Vanish the sins that rankly grow, If hand in hand ...
The Case of Spiritual Decay and Languor in Religion
... And when your spiritual enemies have once gained this point upon you, it is probable
you will fall by swifter degrees than ever, and your resistance to their ...
The Romance of Orthodoxy
... Scientific phrases are used like scientific wheels and piston-rods to make
swifter and smoother yet the path of the comfortable. ...
Composition and Style
... As the current of rivers is swifter and more impetuous in a free and open channel
than amidst an obstruction of rocks breaking and struggling against the flow ...
The King.
... Rapid and impetuous as he was by nature, schooled to swift decisions, followed by
still swifter action, knowing that a blow struck at once, while all was chaos ...
Habakkuk-On his Watch-Tower
... Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening
wolves: . . . they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat. ...
The Noble Results of this Species of Prayer
... So the soul, which rests in God, hath an activity exceedingly noble and elevated,
yet altogether peaceful: and the more peaceful it is, the swifter is its ...
Hymn for the Lighting of the Lamps
... Swift as the wind the royal squadrons ride, But swifter yet the crystal barriers
break, The waves exultantly their bounds forsake And roll together in a ...
The True Branches of the True vine
... more sharp and definite personal application. Are we any swifter scholars
than these first ones were? Have we absorbed into our ...
Thesaurus
Swifter (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Swifter (6 Occurrences).
... In their death, they were not
divided. They were
swifter than eagles. They were stronger than lions.
...Eagles (11 Occurrences)
... In their death, they were not divided. They were swifter than eagles. They were
stronger than lions. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
Swift (35 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Habakkuk 1:8 Their horses also are swifter
than leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves. ...
Fly (33 Occurrences)
... Job 9:25 "Now my days are swifter than a runner. ... Habakkuk 1:8 Their horses also are
swifter than leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves. ...
Vultures (6 Occurrences)
... Lamentations 4:19 Our pursuers were swifter than the eagles of the sky: They chased
us on the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness. (See RSV). ...
Keener (2 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Habakkuk 1:8 Their horses also are swifter than leopards, and are more
fierce than the evening wolves. Their horsemen press proudly on. ...
Undone (20 Occurrences)
... (See JPS NAS). Jeremiah 4:13 Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his
chariots'shall be as the whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto ...
Lions (50 Occurrences)
... In their death, they were not divided. They were swifter than eagles. They were
stronger than lions. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
Lovely (19 Occurrences)
... lives. In their death, they were not divided. They were swifter than eagles.
They were stronger than lions. (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS RSV). ...
Leopard (6 Occurrences)
... Its swiftness is referred to in Habakkuk 1:8: "Their horses also (of the Chaldeans)
are swifter than leopards." The spots of the leopard are referred to in ...
Resources
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