Hebrews 10:37

For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

For {G1063} yet {G2089} a little {G3397} while {G3745}{G3745}, and he that shall come {G2064} will come {G2240}, and {G2532} will {G5549} not {G3756} tarry {G5549}.

For

“There is so, so little time!
The One coming will indeed come,
he will not delay.

For, “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.

For yet a very little while, He that cometh shall come, and shall not tarry.

Commentary

Hebrews 10:37 offers a profound message of hope and certainty, serving as a powerful anchor for believers enduring trials. It reassures them of the unwavering faithfulness of God and the imminent return of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah.

Context

This verse is part of a larger exhortation in Hebrews 10, where the author encourages perseverance and warns against apostasy. Having expounded on the superiority of Christ's new covenant and His perfect sacrifice, the writer shifts to practical application, urging believers to hold fast to their confession. It immediately follows the declaration, "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise" (Hebrews 10:36). The verse itself is a quotation, slightly adapted, from the prophet Habakkuk 2:3, originally speaking of a vision that would surely come to pass, though it seemed to tarry.

Key Themes

  • The Certainty of Christ's Return: The phrase "he that shall come" unequivocally refers to Jesus Christ, the Messiah, whose second coming is assured. This divine promise is the bedrock of Christian hope and endurance.
  • Divine Timeliness, Not Delay: The assurance "will not tarry" emphasizes that from God's perspective, Christ's return will occur precisely at the appointed time, without any actual delay. While it may seem long to human perception, God's timing is perfect, a concept also explored in 2 Peter 3:8-9.
  • Encouragement for Endurance: This promise serves as a vital encouragement for believers to remain steadfast in their faith, especially when facing persecution or temptation to abandon their Christian walk. It is a call to maintain patience and unwavering hope in the face of present difficulties.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase "he that shall come" is ho erchomenos (ὁ ἐρχόμενος), a common messianic title in the New Testament, signifying the one who is expected and destined to arrive. The phrase "will not tarry" translates ou chronisei (οὐ χρονίσει), literally meaning "will not delay" or "will not linger." It underscores the certainty and punctuality of Christ's return in God's perfect plan.

Practical Application

Hebrews 10:37 provides timeless encouragement for believers today. It reminds us:

  • To Live in Hope: Our ultimate hope is not in earthly circumstances but in the glorious return of our Lord. This hope fuels our perseverance.
  • To Persevere in Faith: Knowing that Christ will surely come motivates us to hold fast to our faith, to live by faith and not draw back from God's will, no matter the trials.
  • To Be Prepared: The certainty of His coming, even if the exact timing is unknown, calls believers to a state of watchful readiness, living lives that honor Him.

This verse assures us that God is faithful to His promises, and Christ's return is not a distant dream but a certain, timely event that should inspire steadfastness and joyful anticipation in all who believe.

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Cross-References

  • James 5:7

    Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

  • James 5:9

    Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

  • Habakkuk 2:3

    For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

  • Habakkuk 2:4

    Behold, his soul [which] is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

  • Luke 18:8

    I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

  • Isaiah 26:20

    ¶ Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.

  • Isaiah 60:22

    A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.