In the context of the Bible, the concept of "runs" can be understood both literally and metaphorically, often symbolizing urgency, pursuit, or the swiftness of God's word and actions. The act of running is mentioned in various passages, illustrating both physical movement and spiritual zeal.

Literal Running

1. Physical Movement: Running is frequently depicted in the Bible as a means of swift travel or escape. For instance, in 1 Samuel 17:48, David runs quickly toward the battle line to meet Goliath, demonstrating his eagerness and faith in God's deliverance: "As the Philistine started forward to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him."

2. Escape and Pursuit: Running is also associated with fleeing from danger or pursuing an enemy. In 2 Samuel 18:23, Ahimaaz insists on running to bring King David news of Absalom's defeat: "He said, 'Come what may, I want to run.' So Joab said, 'Run!' Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite."

Metaphorical Running

1. Spiritual Zeal and Urgency: The metaphorical use of running often conveys a sense of urgency in spiritual matters. In Hebrews 12:1, believers are encouraged to "run with endurance the race set out for us," emphasizing perseverance in the Christian faith.

2. God's Swift Actions: The Bible also uses the imagery of running to describe the rapid fulfillment of God's word. In Psalm 147:15, it is written, "He sends forth His command to the earth; His word runs swiftly." This illustrates the power and immediacy of God's decrees.

3. Pursuit of Righteousness: Running is used to symbolize the pursuit of righteousness and the eagerness to follow God's commandments. Proverbs 4:12 states, "When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble," suggesting that those who pursue wisdom and righteousness will find their path clear and unhindered.

Symbolism in Prophecy and Wisdom Literature

1. Prophetic Imagery: In prophetic literature, running can symbolize the spread of God's message or the swift execution of His plans. For example, in Habakkuk 2:2, the prophet is instructed to write the vision plainly so that "a herald may run with it," indicating the urgency and importance of disseminating God's revelation.

2. Wisdom and Instruction: The Book of Proverbs often uses the imagery of running to convey the benefits of heeding wisdom. Proverbs 18:10 declares, "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe," highlighting the security found in seeking refuge in God.

Conclusion

The concept of "runs" in the Bible encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, illustrating themes of urgency, pursuit, and the swift execution of God's will. Whether describing the literal act of running or serving as a metaphor for spiritual zeal, the imagery of running underscores the dynamic and active nature of faith and divine intervention.1638. elaion -- an olive orchard, ie spec. the Mt. of Olives
... an olive tree") -- properly, the of olive trees (an olive orchard), referring to
the Mount of Olives (J. Thayer) -- the mountain-ridge that runs parallel to ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1638.htm - 7k

5143. trecho -- to run
... Word Origin a prim. verb Definition to run NASB Word Usage ran (7), run (7),
running (3), runs (1), rushing (1), spread rapidly (1). run. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5143.htm - 8k

7323. ruts -- to run
... root Definition to run NASB Word Usage carried them speedily (1), courier runs
(1), courier runs to another (1), couriers (6), dash to and fro (1), guard (6 ...
/hebrew/7323.htm - 6k

3988b. maas -- to flow, run
... to flow, run. Transliteration: maas Short Definition: flow. Word Origin a prim.
root Definition to flow, run NASB Word Usage flow (1), runs (1). 3988a, 3988b ...
/hebrew/3988b.htm - 5k

5158. nachal -- torrent, torrent-valley, wadi
... 28) {nakh-al-aw'}; from nachal in its original sense; a stream, especially a winter
torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a ...
/hebrew/5158.htm - 5k

5674a. abar -- to pass over, through, or by, pass on
... 6), perish (1), proceed (1), proceeded (1), proceeding (2), put away (2), remove
(1), removed (2), repealed (1), rolled (1), run riot (1), runs its course (1 ...
/hebrew/5674a.htm - 7k

1980. halak -- to go, come, walk
... 2), pressed heavier (1), proceed (2), proceed* (1), proceeded (4), prowl (1), prowled
(1), ran (3), resort (1), return* (1), robber (1), run (1), runs off (1 ...
/hebrew/1980.htm - 8k

935. bo -- to come in, come, go in, go
... 1), reach (1), reached (4), reached the age (1), reenter* (2), replace* (1), reported
(1), return (2), return* (1), returned (1), returned* (1), runs (1), set ...
/hebrew/935.htm - 8k

How the victor Runs
... CORINTHIANS (To II Corinthians, Chap. V) HOW THE VICTOR RUNS. 'So run,
that ye may obtain.'"1 Corinthians 9:24. 'So run.' Does ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/how the victor runs.htm

We have Now, Then, to Refute that Statement of his which Runs as ...
... Chapter II. We have now, then, to refute that statement of his which runs
as follows? We have now, then, to refute that statement ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter ii we have now.htm

Enoch, the Deathless
... The results were that "he walked with God." Walking is the habitual exercise
of a man's life. A man runs sometimes. Under great ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/enoch the deathless.htm

The Preacher's Cry --Pray for Us!
... Men in the pew given to praying for the preacher, are like the poles which
hold up the wires along which the electric current runs. ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/x the preachers crypray for.htm

Concerning the Sabbatic River which Titus Saw as He was Journeying ...
... He then saw a river as he went along, of such a nature as deserves to be recorded
in history; it runs in the middle between Arcea, belonging to Agrippa's ...
/.../chapter v concerning the sabbatic.htm

"This Then is the Message which we have Heard of Him, and Declare ...
... Now it shows unto us the channel that this river of gladness and joy runs into,
it discovers what is the way of the conveyance of it to the soul, and what are ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon ix this then is.htm

Warp-Threads.
... After the Cana visit, Jesus runs into the near-by town of Capernaum with His kinsfolk
and friends for a few days, a sort of continuation of the neighbourhood ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/warp-threads.htm

"And the Blood of Jesus Christ his Son Cleanseth us from all Sin. ...
... That fountain of Christ's blood runs not dry but runs along with the believer, for
the cleansing of his after pollutions, of his defilements, even in the very ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xv and the blood.htm

Praying is Fighting.
... I bow my knees." Halfway through this rare old man's mind runs out to the condition
of these churches, and he puts in the always needed practical injunctions ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/praying is fighting.htm

The Oratorio of victory.
... Through their singing runs a distinct strain of the minor. ... But through all runs a
refrain that brings back to me the great London chorus. It is this". ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/the oratorio of victory.htm

Runs (28 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Runs (28 Occurrences). Luke 12:30 For the nations
of the world seek after all of these things, but your ...
/r/runs.htm - 13k

Territory (140 Occurrences)
... Nimr (now traversed by the modern carriage road from Jerusalem to Nablus), crosses
the water-parting close to the lofty Tell Ashur and runs successively down ...
/t/territory.htm - 56k

Shephelah (2 Occurrences)
... clearly marked and include much broken country; the hills being low compared with
the mountains to the East, but much higher than the plain that runs to the ...
/s/shephelah.htm - 15k

Olives (30 Occurrences)
... Mount of Oil." 2. Situation and Extent: The mountain ridge which lies East of Jerusalem
leaves the central range near the valley of Sha`phat and runs for about ...
/o/olives.htm - 37k

Arabia (9 Occurrences)
... In consequence of this configuration the main watershed of the country runs parallel
to the West coast at a distance of between 50 and 100 miles from the sea ...
/a/arabia.htm - 43k

Run (147 Occurrences)
... 14. (v.) To flow, as a liquid; to ascend or descend; to course; as, rivers run
to the sea; sap runs up in the spring; her blood ran cold. 15. ...
/r/run.htm - 43k

Gezer (14 Occurrences)
... At the foot of the hill runs a great high road from Egypt to Syria; to the North
lies the Vale of Aijalon, across which runs the modern carriage road to ...
/g/gezer.htm - 27k

Euphrates (36 Occurrences)
... the latter, they meet and form the majestic stream, which is at length joined by
the Tigris at Koornah, after which it is called Shat-el-Arab, which runs in a ...
/e/euphrates.htm - 26k

Seir (38 Occurrences)
... land of Seir" is equated with "the field of Edom." The Mount and the Land of Seir
are alternative appellations of the mountainous tract which runs along the ...
/s/seir.htm - 21k

Sharon (9 Occurrences)
... article possibly meaning "the plain"; to pedion, ho drumos, ho Saron): (1) This
name is attached to the strip of fairly level land which runs between the ...
/s/sharon.htm - 13k

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