Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ContextAwaiting, in a biblical context, refers to the act of waiting with expectation and hope for the fulfillment of God's promises, the return of Christ, or the manifestation of divine intervention. It is a theme that runs throughout Scripture, emphasizing patience, faith, and trust in God's timing.
Old Testament ReferencesThe concept of awaiting is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where the faithful often waited for God's deliverance and promises. For instance, the Israelites awaited deliverance from Egypt, as seen in
Exodus 12:42: "It is a night to be observed for the LORD for having brought them out from the land of Egypt; this night is for the LORD, to be observed by all the sons of Israel throughout their generations."
The Psalms frequently express a posture of waiting on the Lord.
Psalm 27:14 encourages believers: "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!" This waiting is not passive but involves active trust and hope in God's faithfulness.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, awaiting takes on a more eschatological dimension, focusing on the anticipation of Christ's return. The early Christians lived with a sense of expectancy for the second coming of Jesus. In
1 Thessalonians 1:10, Paul writes about the Thessalonians: "and to await His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus our deliverer from the coming wrath."
The parable of the ten virgins in
Matthew 25:1-13 illustrates the importance of being prepared while awaiting the bridegroom, symbolizing Christ. The wise virgins who were ready when the bridegroom arrived are commended, highlighting the need for vigilance and readiness.
Theological SignificanceAwaiting is a significant aspect of the Christian life, reflecting a posture of hope and trust in God's promises. It involves a recognition of God's sovereignty and timing, acknowledging that His plans are perfect and will come to fruition in His appointed time.
Romans 8:25 states, "But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently."
The act of awaiting is also tied to the development of character and spiritual maturity.
James 5:7-8 encourages believers: "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient for it until it receives the early and late rains. You too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near."
Practical ImplicationsFor believers, awaiting involves a lifestyle of prayer, watchfulness, and readiness. It calls for a steadfast faith that holds onto God's promises despite circumstances.
Hebrews 10:36 reminds Christians: "You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised."
In the life of the church, awaiting the return of Christ fosters a sense of urgency in mission and evangelism, encouraging believers to live holy and godly lives as they anticipate the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
Titus 2:13 speaks of "awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."
ConclusionAwaiting, as depicted in the Bible, is an active, hopeful, and expectant posture that characterizes the life of faith. It is a call to trust in God's promises, remain vigilant, and live in anticipation of His ultimate fulfillment of all things.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Await.
Greek
2378. thusia -- a sacrifice... 2378 ("sacrifice") refers to various forms of OT blood sacrifices ("types") --
all
awaiting their in their , Jesus Christ (Heb 10:5-12).
...553. apekdechomai -- to await eagerly
... Word Origin from apo and ekdechomai Definition to await eagerly NASB Word Usage
awaiting eagerly (1), eagerly await (1), eagerly wait (1), wait eagerly (1...
Library
The WorkAwaiting the Worker
... CHAPTER V THE WORKAWAITING THE WORKER. Paragraphs 68-78. 68-70. Eight years of
Comparative Inactivity at Tarsus. Gentiles admitted to Christian Church. 71, 72....
Business Phrases
...Awaiting the favor of your prompt attention.Awaiting the pleasure of serving you.
Awaiting your early communication.Awaiting your further commands....
The Realization of Selfless Love
... It is said that Michael Angelo saw in every rough block of stone a thing
of beautyawaiting the master-hand to bring it into reality....
Whether Hope is in the Apprehensive or in the Appetitive Power?
... Because hope, seemingly, is a kind ofawaiting; for the Apostle says (Rom.8:25):
"If we hope for that which we see not; we wait for it with patience." But...
Introduction
... Wesley sleeps in City Road Chapel grounds, among his "bonny dead," under marble,
with fitting tribute chiseled in prose,awaiting the Resurrection....
Our Deliverance from the Boxers (1900)
... our death. Suddenly, without the slightest warning, I was seized with
an overwhelming fear of what might beawaiting us. It was...
Paul's Missionary Labors.
... Here the apostle was confined two whole years (58-60),awaiting his trial before
the Sanhedrin, uncondemned, occasionally speaking before Felix, apparently...
Thanksgiving to God for Deliverance from the Evils Expected Owing...
... But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your hearts."
For this reason also we were silent for some time past,awaiting the present...
Meanwhile, Unconscious of the Miracle his Prayer had Wrought...
... Looking at her now as she stoodawaiting her uncle's arrival in the drawing-room
of her "suite," the windows of which faced the Bois, she expressed to the air...
His Place in History
... We have been considering the speculative task which wasawaiting him when he joined
the Christian community; but there was a no less stupendous practical task...
Thesaurus
Awaiting (13 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Awaiting (13 Occurrences).
... (DBY). Luke 1:21 And the people
were
awaiting Zacharias, and they wondered at his delaying in the temple.
...Awaits (9 Occurrences)
Waiting (274 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY ASV BBE NAS RSV). Acts 20:23 except that the Holy Spirit, at town after
town, testifies to me that imprisonment and suffering areawaiting me....
Jewish (49 Occurrences)
... man (See RSV). Luke 23:51 who came from the Jewish town of Arimathaea and
wasawaiting the coming of the Kingdom of God. He had not...
Wondered (45 Occurrences)
... (DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Luke 1:21 And the people wereawaiting Zacharias,
and they wondered at his delaying in the temple. (DBY RSV)....
Intimate (12 Occurrences)
... Caesarea. There Cornelius wasawaiting their arrival, and had invited all
his relatives and intimate friends to be present. (WEY DBY)....
Imprisonment (15 Occurrences)
... Imprisonment (15 Occurrences). Acts 20:23 except that the Holy Spirit, at town after
town, testifies to me that imprisonment and suffering areawaiting me....
Idol-worshipper (1 Occurrence)
... Ephesians 5:5 For be well assured that no fornicator or immoral person and no
money-grubber--or in other words idol-worshipper--has any shareawaiting him in...
Fornicator (3 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 5:5 For be well assured that no fornicator or immoral person and no
money-grubber--or in other words idol-worshipper--has any shareawaiting him in...
Reached (152 Occurrences)
... Caesarea. There Cornelius wasawaiting their arrival, and had invited all
his relatives and intimate friends to be present. (WEY)....
Resources
What does it mean that all creation groans (Romans 8:22)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should we learn from Christian martyrs? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean when it refers to a “Daughter of Zion”? | GotQuestions.orgAwaiting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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