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quicken

theological_term theological_term standard

An older Bible word meaning to make alive, revive, or give life; in theology it often refers to God giving spiritual life.

At a Glance

Quicken means “make alive” or “give life.” In biblical usage it may refer to God sustaining life, reviving the weary, or bringing spiritual life to those who are dead in sin.

Key Points

Description

Quicken is an older English Bible term meaning to make alive, give life, revive, or preserve alive. In Scripture the word can describe physical life, renewed strength, or spiritual renewal. In theological use it often points to God’s life-giving work in people who are spiritually dead. Because the English term is archaic in modern usage, it is best understood through clearer expressions such as “make alive,” “give life,” or “revive,” with the immediate context determining the exact sense. The term is biblically meaningful, but it should not be forced into a more technical or system-specific meaning than the passage supports.

Biblical Context

In older English Bible translations, especially the KJV, quicken frequently renders the idea of God making alive or reviving. The Psalms often use it in prayers for renewed life and strength, while the New Testament uses the related life-giving concept for God’s work in salvation and resurrection.

Historical Context

In Early Modern English, quicken could mean “make alive,” “animate,” or “revive.” As English changed, the word became less common in ordinary speech, but it remained familiar to readers of older Bible translations. That makes it important as a translation word and devotional term, even though modern readers usually need a brief explanation.

Jewish and Ancient Context

The Old Testament world viewed life as a gift from God, who alone has power over life, death, renewal, and restoration. The biblical use of quicken fits that framework: life comes from the Lord, and any renewal of life is his gracious action.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

In many places, “quicken” reflects Hebrew and Greek verbs meaning “make alive,” “revive,” or “give life.” The exact nuance depends on the passage.

Theological Significance

The term highlights God as the giver of life in every sense: physical, spiritual, and ultimately resurrected life. It is especially important in passages about regeneration, spiritual renewal, and resurrection.

Philosophical Explanation

Quicken expresses the biblical claim that life is not self-generated in the ultimate sense. God can bring life from death, renewal from weakness, and vitality from spiritual inability.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not assume every use means regeneration. In some contexts it refers to physical preservation, strengthening, or reviving, not only conversion. The older word should be translated and interpreted according to context.

Major Views

Most interpreters agree that the basic meaning is “make alive” or “revive.” Debate usually concerns whether a given passage refers to physical life, spiritual renewal, or resurrection life.

Doctrinal Boundaries

Affirm God’s sovereign life-giving power without overreading the term into a full ordo salutis system. The word supports regeneration and resurrection themes, but the passage must establish the specific doctrinal application.

Practical Significance

The term encourages prayer for spiritual renewal, dependence on God for vitality, and hope in the Lord’s power to restore what is weak, dead, or failing.

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