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מָהִיר

𐤌𐤄𐤉𐤓

mâhîyr

H4106 adjective

SILEX Entry

Root מהר to hurry, to hasten, to be prompt

Definition

Quick, prompt, or ready in action or response; also, skillful or proficient, especially in a context implying readiness or ability to act efficiently. The term can denote diligence or swiftness, an eagerness that results in efficient or expert behavior, or a preparedness to perform a given task.

Semantic Range

quick, swift, ready, prompt, skillful, expert, diligent

Root / Etymology

From the root מהר, which means 'to hurry, hasten, act quickly.' The adjective מָהִיר is formed from this root, signifying someone or something characterized by quickness or readiness. While the root's core sense is about speed, the adjective extends to connote competence arising from such readiness.

Historical & Contextual Notes

מָהִיר appears rarely in the Hebrew Bible, notably in Proverbs 22:29, describing a person 'skillful' (מָהִיר) in their work, emphasizing not only speed but competence and reliability. The semantic development from mere swiftness (the base root) to an idiomatic sense of expertise reflects the biblical context, where diligence and readiness are traits of those who excel. The word contrasts with חָרוּץ (ḥārūṣ, diligent, industrious) and שָׁקוּד (shaqūd, alert), which stress persistence or attentiveness rather than mere speed. Standard English translations such as 'diligent,' 'skillful,' or 'quick' each capture facets but not the full composite meaning of prompt expertise with readiness. In later post-biblical usage, the term continues to mean 'clever' or 'able,' but its nuance shifts more to ability than to sheer promptness.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

or מָהִר; from מָהַר; quick; hence, skilful; diligent, hasty, ready.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

מהר (m-h-r) — to hurry, to hasten, to be prompt

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4116 מָהַר as making haste
H4117 מָהַר to hasten
H4118 מַהֵר Hurry!
H4119 מֹהַר with bride-price
H4120 מְהֵרָה haste

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H4106-01 מָהִֽיר mahir HAamsa skilled quick, ready skilled 3
H4106-02 וּ/מְהִ֥ר umehir HC/Aamsc and hastening and a prompt one and a prompt one 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H4106-02 Isaiah 16:5 וּ/מְהִ֥ר umehir HC/Aamsc and hastening and a prompt one and a prompt one
H4106-01 Psalms 45:2 מָהִֽיר mahir HAamsa skillful quick, ready skillful
H4106-01 Proverbs 22:29 מָ֘הִ֤יר mahir HAamsa skilled quick, ready skilled
H4106-01 Ezra 7:6 מָהִיר֙ mahir HAamsa skilled quick, ready skilled
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