τάχα
tácha
G5029 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
An adverb meaning 'soon, quickly, presently'; in some contexts, it may convey a sense of likelihood or possibility ('perhaps, possibly'). The primary meaning concerns temporal nearness or promptness, but a secondary, more speculative nuance occurs, especially in expressions of conjecture or qualification.
Semantic Range
soon, presently, quickly, in a short time, perhaps, possibly, peradventure
Root / Etymology
Derived from the adjective ταχύς (quick, swift), functioning here as an indeclinable adverb. Originally conveys swiftness or quickness in action or event. Not a true neuter plural form, but an adverbial development from the root.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, τάχα commonly denotes 'presently,' 'soon,' or 'quickly' in a temporal sense. Already by the Hellenistic and Koine periods, especially in idiomatic constructions (e.g., τάχα ἄν), it can soften an assertion, introducing a tone of possibility or conjecture ('perhaps, possibly'). In the New Testament (Romans 5:7; 1 Corinthians 16:6; etc.), τάχα often serves to qualify a statement or expectation, indicating the speaker's uncertainty or humility. The English translations 'perhaps' or 'possibly' attempt to capture this nuance, though the sense of 'soon' or 'quickly' remains primary in other contexts. The semantic shift toward possibility is marked in certain formulaic uses in both pagan and Jewish Greek texts of the period, reflecting broader Hellenistic trends. The word is not commonly used as a neuter plural in any direct grammatical sense—this is a feature of Strong's system rather than Greek usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
as if neuter plural of ταχύς (adverbially); shortly, i.e. (figuratively) possibly:--peradventure(-haps).
Root Family
τάχα (tacha) — swift, quick, prompt; soon
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5029-01 |
τάχα | tacha | ADV |
perhaps | perhaps | perhaps | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5029-01 |
Romans 5:7 | τάχα | tacha | ADV |
perhaps | perhaps | perhaps |
G5029-01 |
Philemon 1:15 | τάχα | tacha | ADV |
perhaps | perhaps | perhaps |