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H2648 · Hebrew · Old Testament
חָפַז
chaphaz
Verb
to hurry, to flee in haste

Definition

To hurry away, to flee in alarm or trembling haste. This word describes the panicked flight driven by God's intervention — when enemies scatter, when mountains tremble, when nations flee before the Lord's presence. It also describes the haste of the Passover departure from Egypt.

Usage & Theological Significance

Chaphaz reveals two sides of God's power: for His enemies, it means terrified flight; for His people, it means urgent deliverance. The Israelites ate the first Passover in haste (chaphaz) because God was acting swiftly to save. The Psalmist uses it to describe mountains trembling and enemies fleeing — the same God who causes panic in the wicked brings swift rescue to the righteous.

Key Bible Verses

Deuteronomy 20:3 Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic [chaphaz] or be terrified.
2 Samuel 4:4 His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she hurried [chaphaz] to leave, he fell.
2 Kings 7:15 The road was littered... the Arameans had thrown away in their haste [chaphaz].
Psalm 48:5 They saw it, and so they were amazed; they were terrified, they fled [chaphaz] in alarm.
Psalm 104:7 At your rebuke the waters fled [chaphaz]; at the sound of your thunder they took to flight.

Related Words

External Resources

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