Topical Encyclopedia The term "rapid" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept of speed, swiftness, and quickness is present throughout the Scriptures. These ideas are often used metaphorically to describe the actions of God, the movement of time, or the urgency of human response to divine commands.Divine Action and Swiftness The Bible frequently portrays God as acting swiftly to accomplish His purposes. In Isaiah 5:26, it is written, "He lifts a banner for the distant nations, He whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Behold, they come swiftly and speedily." This passage illustrates the rapid response of nations to God's call, emphasizing His sovereign control over the events of the world. Similarly, in the context of judgment, God’s actions are described as quick and decisive. In Zephaniah 1:14, the prophet declares, "The great day of the LORD is near—near and coming quickly. Listen, the cry on the day of the LORD will be bitter; the shouting of the warrior there." This verse underscores the immediacy and inevitability of divine judgment. Human Response and Urgency The Bible also emphasizes the need for humans to respond rapidly to God's commands and opportunities for repentance. In the New Testament, Jesus often speaks of the urgency of the Kingdom of God. In Mark 1:15, Jesus proclaims, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel." The use of "at hand" suggests immediacy, urging a swift response to the message of salvation. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in 2 Corinthians 6:2, where he writes, "For He says, 'In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!" Paul emphasizes the present moment as the opportune time for salvation, encouraging believers to act without delay. Metaphors of Speed in Scripture The Bible uses various metaphors of speed to convey spiritual truths. In Habakkuk 1:8, the Chaldeans are described as having horses "swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves at dusk." This vivid imagery highlights the rapid and unstoppable nature of their advance, serving as a warning of impending judgment. In the Psalms, the brevity of human life is often compared to fleeting moments. Psalm 39:5 states, "Behold, You have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before You. Truly, each man at his best exists as but a breath." This metaphor of speed underscores the transient nature of life and the importance of living with an eternal perspective. Conclusion While the word "rapid" itself may not appear in the biblical text, the themes of speed and urgency are woven throughout Scripture. They serve as reminders of God's swift action in the world, the necessity of prompt human response to His call, and the fleeting nature of life. These concepts encourage believers to live with vigilance and readiness, always prepared for the unfolding of God's divine plan. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Very swift or quick; fast; as, a rapid stream; a rapid flight; a rapid motion.2. (a.) Advancing with haste or speed; speedy in progression; in quick sequence; as, rapid growth; rapid improvement; rapid recurrence; rapid succession. 3. (a.) Quick in execution; as, a rapid penman. 4. (n.) The part of a river where the current moves with great swiftness, but without actual waterfall or cascade; -- usually in the plural; as, the Lachine rapids in the St. Lawrence. Greek 4493. rhipe -- any rapid movement, spec. a twinkling (of lights or ... ... 4492, 4493. rhipe. 4494 . any rapid movement, spec. a twinkling ... rapid movement. Word Origin from rhipto Definition any rapid movement, spec. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4493.htm - 6k 3730. horme -- a rapid motion forwards, onrush, assault 3691. oxus -- sharp, swift Strong's Hebrew 7692. Shiggayon -- perhaps a wild passionate song with rapid ...... perhaps a wild passionate song with rapid changes of rhythm. Transliteration: Shiggayon or Shiggayonah Phonetic Spelling: (shig-gaw-yone') Short Definition ... /hebrew/7692.htm - 6k 5483. cuwc -- a swallow, swift (type of bird) 697. arbeh -- (a kind of) locust 7034. qalah -- to be lightly esteemed or dishonored 6554. Parpar -- a river near Damascus 639. aph -- a nostril, nose, face, anger 1772. dayyah -- perhaps a kite (a bird of prey) 3753. kirkarah -- dromedary 4944. mashshaq -- a running, rushing 7031. qal -- light, swift, fleet Library Rapid Promotion of John to the Bishopric, and More Vehement ... The Project of French Empire and Evangelization --Its Wide and ... The Shaking of the Heavens and the Earth. If any one Wishes to Hear the Arrangements for My Journey from ... The Patient Teacher, and the Slow Scholars The River of Life Galilee The Observations Contained in the Preceding ChapterMake it ... From the Fall to the Flood. Constantinople Thesaurus Rapid (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Very swift or quick; fast; as, a rapid stream; a rapid flight; a rapid motion. 2. (a.) Advancing ... /r/rapid.htm - 7k Shoot (51 Occurrences) Roll (57 Occurrences) Rapidly (7 Occurrences) Ulai (2 Occurrences) Whirl (5 Occurrences) Fast (157 Occurrences) Torrent (49 Occurrences) Rattle (2 Occurrences) Race (36 Occurrences) Resources Does the Bible say that an increase in technology is a sign of the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the theory of punctuated equilibrium? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about stuttering? | GotQuestions.org Rapid: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Rapid (1 Occurrence)Ezra 5:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
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