Topical Encyclopedia
The term "linger" in the biblical context often conveys the idea of delay, hesitation, or tarrying, sometimes with negative connotations of reluctance or procrastination. It appears in various narratives and teachings throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both human behavior and divine patience.
Old Testament ReferencesOne of the most notable instances of lingering occurs in the account of Lot and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. In
Genesis 19:16 , it is recorded, "But when he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters, and led them safely out of the city, because of the LORD’s compassion for them." Here, Lot's hesitation, or lingering, almost cost him and his family their lives. This passage highlights the danger of lingering in the face of divine instruction and the mercy of God in delivering them despite their delay.
The concept of lingering is also evident in the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. Their repeated reluctance to fully trust and obey God resulted in a prolonged wandering period. This lingering in the wilderness serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of spiritual hesitation and disobedience.
New Testament InsightsIn the New Testament, the idea of lingering is often contrasted with the urgency of the Gospel message. Jesus frequently emphasized the importance of immediate response to His call. In
Luke 9:59-62 , Jesus addresses the cost of discipleship, saying, "Follow Me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus told him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Another said, "I will follow You, Lord; but first let me bid farewell to my family." Then Jesus declared, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." Here, Jesus warns against the spiritual peril of lingering in worldly attachments when called to follow Him.
The parable of the ten virgins in
Matthew 25:1-13 further illustrates the consequences of lingering. The five foolish virgins, who failed to prepare adequately for the bridegroom's arrival, found themselves shut out of the wedding feast. Their lingering in preparation serves as a metaphor for spiritual unreadiness and the importance of vigilance in awaiting Christ's return.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, lingering can be seen as a manifestation of human weakness and a lack of faith. It often reflects a struggle between the desires of the flesh and the call of the Spirit. The Bible consistently encourages believers to act with decisiveness and faithfulness, avoiding the pitfalls of hesitation that can lead to missed opportunities for obedience and blessing.
The Scriptures also reveal God's patience and long-suffering nature, as He often allows time for repentance and change. However, the biblical narrative makes it clear that there is a limit to divine patience, and the time for decision is ultimately finite. Believers are thus urged to respond promptly to God's call, embracing His will without delay.
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, the concept of lingering challenges Christians to examine areas of their lives where they may be hesitating in obedience to God's commands. It calls for a proactive faith that seeks to align one's actions with divine purposes promptly. By recognizing the dangers of spiritual procrastination, believers are encouraged to cultivate a sense of urgency in their walk with God, ensuring that they are always ready to respond to His leading.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v.) To delay; to loiter; to remain or wait long; to be slow or reluctant in parting or moving; to be slow in deciding; to be in suspense; to hesitate.
2. (v. t.) To protract; to draw out.
3. (v. t.) To spend or pass in a lingering manner; -- with out; as, to linger out one's days on a sick bed.
Greek
691. argeo -- to be idle... to be idle. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: argeo Phonetic Spelling:
(arg-eh'-o) Short Definition: I
linger, delay, am idle Definition: I
linger, delay
...5549. chronizo -- to spend or take time, delay
... Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: chronizo Phonetic Spelling: (khron-id'-zo)
Short Definition: I delay, tarry Definition: I delay, tarry,linger, spend time...
3195. mello -- to be about to
... to. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: mello Phonetic Spelling: (mel'-lo) Short
Definition: I am about to Definition: I intend, am about to; I delay,linger....
5551. chronotribeo -- to spend time
... spend time. From a presumed compound of chronos and the base of tribos; to be a
time-wearer, ie To procrastinate (linger) -- spend time. see GREEK chronos....
362. anameno -- to await
... 362 (from 303 , ", completing a ," which intensifies 3306 , "wait, remain") -- properly,
(linger, abide); wait with intensity and clarity about what is hoped...
Strong's Hebrew
4102. mahah -- tolinger, tarry... 4101, 4102. mahah. 4103 . to
linger, tarry. Transliteration: mahah Phonetic
Spelling: (maw-hah') Short Definition: delay.
... delay,
linger, stay selves, tarry.
...309. achar -- to remain behind, tarry
... root Definition to remain behind, tarry NASB Word Usage delay (11), delayed (1),
late (2),linger (1), stay up late (1), stayed (1), tarry (1)....
Library
The Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead. The Glory of Christ's...
... It seems superfluous, therefore, tolinger in collecting testimonies; yet we will
cite some few, remitting those who desire to drink more largely to the well...
Opening Thoughts.
... The echoes of His voice"words of unearthly sweetness"stilllinger around it; and
have for eighteen hundred years served to cheer and encourage many a...
The Disciples' Return.
... with the name and words and features of the departed. But they dare notlinger.
As the disciples of this great and good Master, they...
Letter cxxxviii. To Riparius.
... from Palestine. Most of them, that is, for some stilllinger at Joppa including
one of their chief leaders. The date is ad417. That...
How Valuable to the Perfect is the Forgetfulness of Sin.
... And certainly unless he at once withdraws himself from contact with her, and if
he allows himself tolinger the very least in impure talk, even if he refuses...
Light in the Wood
... Of closer walk with GOD well sought and found,. While otherslinger more on lower
earthly ground.... That they have only need tolinger and rejoice....
Are You Ready?
... Are you ready? are you ready? Do notlinger longer, come to-day. 2... alone.
3 Oh, how fatal 'tis tolinger! Art thou ready"ready now?...
The Great Denial
... CHAPTER III. THE GREAT DENIAL. To the ecclesiastical trial of our Lord there is
a side-piece, over which we mustlinger before proceeding to the civil trial....
When travelling lately through the Simplon
... offered shelter. There was no time for delay, he must betake himself to
instant flight. Tolinger might be to perish. Do you not...
The Retreat from Scythia.
... They would, accordingly, draw as near to the Amazons as was safe, andlinger there,
gazing upon them, as if under the influence of some sort of fascination....
Thesaurus
Linger (7 Occurrences)... 3. (vt) To spend or pass in a lingering manner; -- with out; as, to
linger out one's
days on a sick bed. Multi-Version Concordance
Linger (7 Occurrences).
...Lines (42 Occurrences)
Lingered (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) ofLinger. Multi-Version Concordance
Lingered (5 Occurrences). Genesis 19:16 But he lingered...
Lag (1 Occurrence)
... 8. (n.) See Graylag. 9. (vi) To walk or more slowly; to stay or fall behind;
tolinger or loiter. 10. (vt) To cause to lag; to slacken. 11....
Gerizim (4 Occurrences)
... The Samaritans (qv), a small but united body, stilllinger here, and keep up their
ancient ceremonial worship. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GERIZIM, MOUNT....
Greed (19 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 2:3 In covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words: whose sentence
now from of old doesn'tlinger, and their destruction will not slumber....
Inflameth (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah 5:11 Woe unto them that, rising early in the morning, run after strong drink;
thatlinger till twilight, till wine inflameth them! (DBY WBS YLT)....
Enrogel (4 Occurrences)
... surface on the mountain slope opposite, an ascent to the village of Silwan, is known
as es Zechweleh, a word in which there certainly appears tolinger an echo...
En-rogel (4 Occurrences)
... surface on the mountain slope opposite, an ascent to the village of Silwan, is known
as es Zechweleh, a word in which there certainly appears tolinger an echo...
Exploit (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 2:3 In covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words: whose sentence
now from of old doesn'tlinger, and their destruction will not slumber....
Resources
What did Jesus mean when He said, “the eye is the lamp of the body” (Matthew 6:22)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Ugaritic, and what does it have to do with the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is rape culture? | GotQuestions.orgLinger: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
