The Greek word chronízō, represented by G5549, means to take time, i.e. linger, delay, or tarry. It appears 6 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. The term is derived from χρόνος, highlighting its connection to the concept of time.
In the biblical narrative, G5549 is used to describe a period of waiting or a perceived delay. The people waiting for Zacharias wondered why he tarried so long in the temple Luke 1:21. The word carries significant eschatological weight in parables about the return of a master or bridegroom. In both Matthew and Luke, an evil servant wrongly assumes his lord delayeth his coming and falls into sinful behavior (Matthew 24:48, Luke 12:45). Similarly, in the parable of the ten virgins, the bridegroom tarried, causing all the virgins to slumber and sleep Matthew 25:5. Conversely, Hebrews offers a promise that the one who is to come "will not tarry" Hebrews 10:37.
Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of delaying or tarrying:
- G2064 érchomai (to come or go): This word is frequently paired with G5549 to describe the anticipated arrival that is being delayed, as in the servant's thought, "My lord delayeth his coming" Matthew 24:48.
- G4328 prosdokáō (to await): This term describes the state of active expectation during a delay. The people waited for Zacharias as he tarried in the temple Luke 1:21.
- G3573 nystázō (to slumber): This word illustrates a consequence of tarrying, as seen when the virgins slumbered while the bridegroom delayed Matthew 25:5.
- G3756 ou (no or not): This simple negative is crucial in Hebrews 10:37, where it provides the assurance that the one who is coming will "not tarry," directly negating the idea of delay.
The theological weight of G5549 is centered on the theme of waiting and divine timing, particularly in an eschatological context.
- The Test of Faithfulness: The delay of a returning master or bridegroom serves as a narrative device to test the faithfulness and preparedness of those waiting. The "evil servant" uses the delay as an excuse for wickedness Luke 12:45, and the virgins are caught unprepared when the bridegroom tarried Matthew 25:5.
- Perception of Delay: The use of G5549 often reflects a human perspective of time. The evil servant concludes his lord delayeth Matthew 24:48, and the people were concerned that Zacharias tarried so long Luke 1:21. This highlights the potential for doubt or wrong action when judging by human timetables.
- Promise of No Delay: The ultimate theological message counters the human feeling of delay with a divine promise. Hebrews 10:37 uses the term to give assurance that, from God's perspective, the coming one "will not tarry," reinforcing the certainty of his return regardless of the perceived passage of time.
In summary, G5549 chronízō is more than a simple reference to taking time. It is a key term in parables and prophecies that explore the tension between human expectation and divine sovereignty. It functions as a warning against unfaithfulness during periods of waiting, while also serving as a foundation for the promise that God's plan will unfold without ultimate delay. The word illustrates how a perceived delay can become a critical test of a person's heart and faith.
TRV