a primitive root; to loiter (i.e. be behind); by implication to procrastinate; continue, defer, delay, hinder, be late (slack), stay (there), tarry (longer).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼâchar**, represented by `{{H309}}`, is a primitive root signifying the act of loitering or being behind. It appears **17 times** in **17 unique verses**. Its meaning encompasses concepts like to procrastinate, continue, defer, delay, hinder, be late, be slack, to stay, or to tarry longer.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H309}}` often carries a negative connotation of procrastination or disobedience. It is used to command against delaying one's obligations to God, such as in the instruction to not **defer** paying a vow [[Ecclesiastes 5:4]] or to not be **slack** in fulfilling it, as this would be considered sin [[Deuteronomy 23:21]]. Similarly, one must not **delay** offering the first of their ripe fruits [[Exodus 22:29]]. The word also describes hindering someone's progress, as when Abraham's servant urges Laban's household, "**Hinder me** not" [[Genesis 24:56]]. In a prophetic sense, it speaks to God's perfect timing, affirming that His salvation "shall not **tarry**" [[Isaiah 46:13]] and a divine vision "will not **tarry**" [[Habakkuk 2:3]], contrasting with human impatience.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concept of time and delay:
* `{{H4102}}` **mâhahh** (delay, linger, tarry): A close synonym used to describe hesitation or lingering, as when a divine vision is said to **tarry** [[Habakkuk 2:3]].
* `{{H2442}}` **châkâh** (await; long, tarry, wait): This word describes the proper response to a perceived delay, urging believers to **wait** for a vision that seems to tarry [[Habakkuk 2:3]].
* `{{H2363}}` **chûwsh** (hurry; (make) haste): As a direct antonym, this word is used in pleas for God to act quickly, such as "make **haste** unto me, O God" which is contrasted with "**make no tarrying**" `{{H309}}` [[Psalms 70:5]].
* `{{H5088}}` **neder** (a promise (to God); vow): The context for not delaying is often a **vow** made to God, making this term essential for understanding the weight of the command not to be **slack** `{{H309}}` in payment [[Deuteronomy 23:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H309}}` is significant, highlighting key principles of obedience and divine faithfulness.
* **Promptness in Covenants:** The repeated warnings against delaying or being **slack** in paying vows ([[Deuteronomy 23:21]], [[Ecclesiastes 5:4]]) or offerings [[Exodus 22:29]] establish a clear theological principle: obedience to God requires promptness, and procrastination is a **sin** `{{H2399}}`.
* **Divine Sovereignty in Time:** While humans are urged not to delay, God's timing is presented as perfect and sure. His salvation "shall not **tarry**" [[Isaiah 46:13]], and His vision "will not **tarry**" [[Habakkuk 2:3]]. This contrasts with human pleas for God not to **defer** [[Daniel 9:19]] or **tarry** [[Psalms 40:17]], affirming that what seems like a delay to man is part of God's appointed plan.
* **The Certainty of Judgment and Consequence:** The word is also used to guarantee judgment. God "will not be **slack** to him that hateth him" but will repay him to his face [[Deuteronomy 7:10]]. Human delay also has consequences, as seen when Amasa **tarried longer** than his appointed time [[2 Samuel 20:5]] and when Sisera's mother questioned why his chariot **tarried** in a moment of defeat [[Judges 5:28]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H309}}` is more than a simple word for being late. It functions as a critical term distinguishing human responsibility from divine sovereignty. For humanity, it is a warning against procrastination in sacred duties, where to **delay** is to disobey. For God, the promise not to **tarry** is an assurance of His faithfulness and the certain fulfillment of His promises and judgments according to His perfect, unhindered timeline. It illustrates the contrast between human failing and divine dependability.
TRV