Topical Encyclopedia
The term "tarries" is derived from the verb "tarry," which means to delay or linger in a place. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to waiting or remaining in expectation of something or someone. The concept of tarrying is significant in various scriptural narratives and teachings, highlighting themes of patience, obedience, and divine timing.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, the idea of tarrying is frequently associated with waiting for God's timing or instructions. For instance, in
Genesis 19:16, Lot "tarried" when the angels urged him to leave Sodom, illustrating human hesitation in the face of divine urgency. The Berean Standard Bible translates this as, "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."
Another example is found in
Exodus 24:14, where Moses instructs the elders to "tarry" while he ascends Mount Sinai to receive the tablets of the Law. This waiting period underscores the importance of patience and trust in God's plan.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, tarrying often relates to the anticipation of the Holy Spirit or the return of Christ. In
Luke 24:49, Jesus instructs His disciples to "tarry" in Jerusalem until they are "clothed with power from on high." The BSB states, "And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But remain in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." This command emphasizes the necessity of waiting for divine empowerment before embarking on their mission.
The parable of the ten virgins in
Matthew 25:5 also illustrates the concept of tarrying. The bridegroom's delay tests the preparedness and patience of the virgins, serving as a metaphor for the Christian's readiness for Christ's return. The BSB reads, "When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep."
Theological ImplicationsTheologically, tarrying is often seen as a test of faith and obedience. It requires believers to trust in God's timing and purposes, even when immediate action seems preferable. This waiting period can be a time of spiritual growth and preparation, as seen in the lives of biblical figures who tarried in expectation of God's promises.
In the broader Christian life, tarrying can be understood as a call to remain steadfast and patient, trusting that God's plans will unfold in His perfect timing. It encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of watchfulness and readiness, as they await the fulfillment of God's promises and the return of Christ.
Practical ApplicationFor contemporary believers, the concept of tarrying can be applied in various aspects of life, such as prayer, decision-making, and spiritual growth. It serves as a reminder to seek God's guidance and wait for His direction, rather than rushing ahead with one's own plans. Tarrying encourages a posture of humility and dependence on God, fostering a deeper relationship with Him through trust and patience.
Strong's Hebrew
4102. mahah -- to linger, tarry... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to linger, tarry NASB Word Usage delay (2),
delayed (2), delaying (1), hesitated (1),
tarries (1), wait (2).
...Library
The Blood of the Covenant
... which it collects its sweets, so doth our soul gather dainty stores of the honey
of devotion from all sources, but that upon which she longesttarries in her...
Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification
... the veil, he made intercession for us. He nevertarries when the good of
his people calls for him. His love hath wings as well as...
Not Now, but Hereafter!
... plummet. It is mainly my business, today, to deal with those who may wickedly
continue in sin because their judgmenttarries. If...
Christ Exalted
... throne, and that when he has left his Church to sorrow for him, he has not left
us comfortless"he has promised to come to us"that while hetarries he is...
The Sound in the Mulberry Trees
... beseech you, go before the cloud. If Providencetarries, tarry till Providence
comes, never go before it. He goes on a fool's errand...
The Prayer of the Poor, and the Loving and Desiring to Die: and of...
... Lord my God, Jesu Christ, have mercy on me and vouchsafe to behold the grievous
yoke that is put upon my body, and thereforetarries not to cast down my soul....
The Desire of a Lover after God is Shown: and the Cursed Love of...
... life in heaviness, and my years in lamenting; for from my love I am put back, and
desire of death is withdrawn, and the medicine for wretchestarries; and in...
Of the Excellence of Ghostly Song: and that it Neither Can be Said...
... Therefore he is taken up thereto above all others; for in his mind melody abides
and sweet plenty of heattarries; so that not only shall he offer a marrow...
What the Oil in the Lamps Means.
... the oil of good works abundantly, and of prudence, being purged from all corruption
which would weigh us down; lest, while the Bridegroomtarries, our lamps...
When Clouds Obscure the Rising Sun,
... When day at noon should brightly smile; Up, then, my soul, it is not night,. The
glorytarries but a while. III. Wait till the hills that bar the west"....
Thesaurus
Tarries (2 Occurrences)...Tarries (2 Occurrences).
... For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall
his share be who
tarries by the baggage: they shall share alike." (WEB).
...Tarried (42 Occurrences)
Tarriest (1 Occurrence)
Baggage (15 Occurrences)
... For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be whotarries
by the baggage: they shall share alike." (WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV)....
Stays (21 Occurrences)
... For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be whotarries
by the baggage: they shall share alike." (See NAS RSV)....
Supplies (23 Occurrences)
... For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who
tarries by the baggage: they shall share alike." (See NIV)....
Alike (67 Occurrences)
... For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be whotarries
by the baggage: they shall share alike." (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS...
Battle (282 Occurrences)
... For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be whotarries
by the baggage: they shall share alike." (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS...
Resources
What does it mean to wait on the Lord? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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