The phrase you're referring to, **"that he may run that readeth it"** or the more common idiomatic form **"he who runs may read"**, has a fascinating history rooted in the Bible. Here's a breakdown: 1. **Biblical Origin (Habakkuk 2:2):** The phrase comes from the Old Testament book of **Habakkuk**, chapter 2, verse 2. In this passage, God instructs the prophet Habakkuk to write down a vision clearly: * **King James Version (KJV):** "And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that **he may run that readeth it**." 2. **Original Meaning vs. Common Interpretation:** * **Original Intent (Scholarly View):** The most common understanding among biblical scholars is that God wanted Habakkuk to write the vision so clearly on large tablets that a **herald or messenger** could quickly read it and run to proclaim it to others. The "runner" is the one *carrying* the message, not necessarily the one reading it quickly while running. * **Popular Interpretation (Idiom's Origin):** However, the KJV's somewhat ambiguous wording ("that he may run that readeth it") lent itself to another interpretation that became extremely popular and formed the basis of the modern idiom. This interpretation suggests that the message should be written so clearly and plainly that **even someone who is running (i.e., in a hurry, not paying close attention, or reading quickly on the go) could still read and understand it.** 3. **Evolution into an Idiom:** This popular interpretation gained traction, especially with the widespread influence of the KJV. Over time, "he who runs may read" evolved into a standalone idiom meaning: * **Something is so clear, obvious, or plainly stated that anyone, even someone in a hurry or not giving it full attention, can easily understand it.** * It emphasizes the clarity and accessibility of a message. 4. **"There is a book..." and "Hymn":** * **"There is a book..."**: While the original context is about a "vision" written on "tables," the idiom has been widely applied to any written message, particularly the Bible itself. Christians often use it to express the belief that God's truth, as revealed in the Bible, is not hidden or obscure, but clear and accessible to all who seek it. The Bible is seen as "the book" where God's clear message can be read. * **"...who runs may read hymn."**: It's unlikely there's a specific hymn *titled* "He Who Runs May Read." Instead, the *concept* or the *phrase itself* is often incorporated into hymns or religious songs to emphasize: * The clarity of God's Word. * The open invitation to all to read and understand the Gospel. * The idea that divine truth isn't esoteric but revealed plainly. Many hymns celebrate the Bible as an open book, a lamp unto our feet, whose truths are meant to be understood by everyone, regardless of their station or prior knowledge. The phrase "who runs may read" perfectly encapsulates this idea of universal accessibility and clarity of the divine message. **In summary:** The phrase originates from Habakkuk 2:2, instructing a prophet to write a vision clearly. While originally possibly referring to a messenger running with the message, the KJV's wording led to the popular idiom meaning "so plain that anyone, even in haste, can understand it." This idiom is often applied to the Bible ("the book") and its message, fitting naturally into the themes of clarity and accessibility celebrated in many Christian hymns.