### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châkâh**, represented by `{{H2442}}`, conveys the act of waiting. Its definition includes to **await**, **long**, **tarry**, and **wait**. It appears **14 times** across **13 unique verses** in the Bible. The term implies more than passive idleness; it suggests a focused adherence to something or someone, an active and often prolonged state of expectation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H2442}}` is used in various contexts of anticipation. It is frequently used for waiting on God and His promises, as when the prophet is told to **wait** for a vision{H2377} that will surely come{H935} [[Habakkuk 2:3]]. In a display of trust, the psalmist declares, "Our soul{H5315} **waiteth** for the LORD{H3068}: he is our help{H5828} and our shield{H4043}" [[Psalms 33:20]]. The term can also carry a negative connotation, describing the impatience of those who "waited{H2442} not for his counsel{H6098}" [[Psalms 106:13]], or the sinister intent of robbers who **wait** for a man{H376} [[Hosea 6:9]]. It even describes the intense longing for death{H4194} by the afflicted [[Job 3:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of waiting and anticipation:
* `{{H6960}}` **qâvâh** (to expect; wait): This word is often used synonymously with **châkâh**, expressing an eager expectation. Isaiah uses both terms to express his steadfast faith: "And I will **wait** (châkâh) upon the LORD{H3068}... and I will **look** (qâvâh) for him" [[Isaiah 8:17]].
* `{{H4102}}` **mâhahh** (to tarry; delay): This term describes the act of lingering or delaying. It appears alongside **châkâh** in Habakkuk's prophecy, emphasizing that even if a divine promise seems to **tarry**, one must still **wait** for its fulfillment [[Habakkuk 2:3]].
* `{{H309}}` **ʼâchar** (to tarry; delay): Similar to mâhahh, this word also denotes a delay. In [[Habakkuk 2:3]], it is used to assure the waiting person that God's promised vision "will not **tarry**," contrasting the human perception of delay with the certainty of divine timing.
* `{{H2377}}` **châzôwn** (vision): This word provides the object of the waiting in prophetic contexts. The act of waiting is often directed toward the fulfillment of a divine **vision**, as seen in [[Habakkuk 2:3]], where the people are commanded to **wait** because the **vision** has an appointed time{H4150}.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2442}}` is significant, defining a key posture of faith.
* **Patient Trust:** The act of waiting is presented as a hallmark of the faithful. [[Isaiah 30:18]] states, "blessed{H835} are all they that **wait** for him," directly linking this posture to divine blessing. It is an expression of trust in God's character as a help{H5828} and a shield{H4043} [[Psalms 33:20]].
* **God's Reciprocal Waiting:** A profound theological concept is revealed in [[Isaiah 30:18]], where the LORD{H3068} Himself is said to **wait** (châkâh) so that He may be gracious{H2603} and have mercy{H7355}. This presents a dynamic relationship where humanity waits for God's mercy, and God waits to bestow it.
* **Waiting for an Unseen Promise:** Waiting is tied to a reality that is not yet seen. In [[Isaiah 64:4]], it is said that since the beginning of the world{H5769}, no eye{H5869} has seen{H7200} what God{H430} has prepared{H6213} for the one who **waiteth** for him, highlighting that faith is directed toward a future promise.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2442}}` moves beyond a simple definition of tarrying. It illustrates a dynamic posture of active and hopeful expectation, a core element of the biblical walk of faith. Whether it is a prophet waiting for a vision, a soul waiting for the LORD as its shield, or even God Himself waiting to show mercy, the word captures the profound relationship between divine promise and human trust. It teaches that true waiting is not idle, but a confident adherence to the certainty of God's timing and purpose.
TRV