Running

Scripture gives pictures of running in both its literal and metaphorical senses, the image of the Christian life as a race being particularly significant.

Running away

Fleeing in battle

Exodus 23:27 See also Leviticus 26:36–37; Joshua 7:12, Joshua 8:3–19; 1 Samuel 14:20–22

I will send My terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn and run.

Escaping from danger

Proverbs 18:10 See also Genesis 19:12–22; Nehemiah 6:10–11; Isaiah 10:1–3; Jeremiah 17:16, Jeremiah 48:4–6, Jeremiah 51:6, Jeremiah 51:44–45; Amos 2:14–16; John 10:12–13

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Running away from individuals

1 Samuel 19:11–12 See also Genesis 16:6–8, Genesis 31:20–21, Genesis 39:11–15; John 10:2–5

Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped.

Running away from God

Jonah 1:1–10

Running away from evil

2 Timothy 2:22 See also 1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 Timothy 6:11

Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Running after people or things

Psalm 16:4 See also Ruth 3:10; Isaiah 5:11; Jeremiah 2:23–25; Ezekiel 16:32–34; Matthew 6:28–34 parallel Luke 12:27–31

Sorrows will multiply to those who chase other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood, or speak their names with my lips.

Running in eagerness

John 20:1–4 See also 2 Chronicles 23:12; Mark 9:25; Luke 17:22–23; Acts 3:11, Acts 21:30

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,” she said, “and we do not know where they have put Him!” Then Peter and the other disciple set out for the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.

Running swiftly

Job 9:25 See also Job 39:13–18; Ecclesiastes 9:11; Jeremiah 12:5

My days are swifter than a runner; they flee without seeing good.

Heralds running ahead of a dignitary

1 Samuel 8:11 See also 2 Samuel 15:1; 1 Kings 1:5, 1 Kings 18:46

He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots.

Messages carried by runners

2 Samuel 18:19 See also 2 Samuel 18:21–32; 2 Kings 4:25–31, 2 Kings 5:20–23, 2 Kings 9:1–3; Psalm 147:15; Jeremiah 23:21; Habakkuk 2:2; Zechariah 2:3–5

Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.”

The life of the believer likened to running a race

Galatians 2:2 See also Psalm 119:32; Proverbs 4:10–12; Isaiah 40:30–31; Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 9:24–27; Galatians 5:7; Philippians 2:14–16; 2 Timothy 4:6–8; Hebrews 12:1; 2 John 1:9

I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I spoke privately to those recognized as leaders, for fear that I was running or had already run in vain.