### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H3186 (yâchar) is a primitive verb whose core meaning revolves around the concept of "delay" or "tarrying." It denotes a state of lingering, a postponement of action, or a failure to proceed promptly. The semantic range encompasses both an unintentional or necessary waiting period and a blameworthy procrastination. It can describe a simple act of remaining longer than expected or a significant deferment of an anticipated event. The nuance often implies a passage of time before an expected outcome or action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb yâchar appears in several significant contexts within the Hebrew Bible:
* In [[Genesis 43:10]], Jacob's sons lament, "For if we had not tarried, surely now we had returned a second time." Here, yâchar describes a delay in their journey, implying a missed opportunity or a sense of regret over lost time.
* [[Judges 5:28]] presents a poignant use of the word in the Song of Deborah: "Why is his chariot so long in coming? Why tarry the wheels of his chariots?" Sisera's mother anxiously questions the delay in her son's return, highlighting the emotional toll of an unexpected and prolonged wait. The Piel stem here emphasizes the intensity of the delay.
* [[2 Samuel 20:5]] illustrates a blameworthy delay: "And Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah, but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him." Amasa's failure to return promptly leads to dire consequences, underscoring the negative implications of procrastination in fulfilling a command.
* In [[Psalm 119:60]], the psalmist declares, "I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments." The negated form of yâchar here (Piel imperfect) emphasizes the psalmist's immediate and eager obedience, contrasting it with the spiritual danger of delaying in God's service.
* [[Isaiah 46:13]] speaks of divine certainty: "I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry." This powerful declaration affirms God's faithfulness and punctuality in fulfilling His promises; His salvation will come without delay.
* Perhaps the most theologically profound use is found in [[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." This verse presents a crucial paradox: from a human perspective, God's vision or promise may *seem* to tarry, yet from a divine perspective, it will *not* tarry but will arrive precisely at its appointed time. It is a call to patient faith in the face of perceived delay.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Antonyms/Contrasts:** The concept of yâchar is often contrasted with words denoting speed or haste, such as `{{H2543}}` (chûsh), "to make haste" (cf. [[Psalm 119:60]]), or `{{H4106}}` (mâhar), "to hasten, be quick."
* **Synonyms/Related Ideas:** While not always direct synonyms, other words express similar ideas of waiting or remaining: `{{H309}}` (âchar), "to remain behind, delay," is closely related. Concepts such as `{{H6960}}` (qâvâh), "to wait, hope," and `{{H3176}}` (yâchal), "to wait expectantly," relate to the human experience of waiting, often in anticipation of something that might yâchar.
* **Thematic Connections:** Patience, perseverance, divine timing, human impatience, procrastination, preparedness, and faithfulness are all concepts illuminated by the various uses of yâchar.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of yâchar is multifaceted. Primarily, it serves as a linguistic lens through which to understand the tension between human perception of time and God's sovereign timing. The divine assurance in [[Habakkuk 2:3]]—that though a vision may *seem* to tarry, it will *not* ultimately tarry—is a cornerstone for understanding patient faith. It teaches believers to trust in God's perfect schedule, even when His plans unfold differently or more slowly than human expectations. This passage underscores the call to persevere in waiting and not to lose hope in God's faithfulness.
Conversely, the negative implications of yâchar when applied to human actions (e.g., Amasa's delay in [[2 Samuel 20:5]] or the psalmist's resolve not to delay in obedience in [[Psalm 119:60]]) highlight the importance of promptness, obedience, and responsibility. Procrastination in spiritual matters or in fulfilling divine commands can have serious consequences.
Moreover, God Himself is presented as one who "will not tarry" in bringing His salvation and righteousness ([[Isaiah 46:13]]). This emphasizes His reliability, certainty, and active engagement in history, contrasting sharply with human unreliability or slowness. The concept of yâchar thus deepens our understanding of both divine attributes and human responsibility in the context of time and divine purpose.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H3186 (yâchar) signifies "to delay" or "to tarry." Its usage in the Old Testament ranges from simple descriptions of lingering to profound theological statements about divine timing. While it can describe blameworthy human procrastination (e.g., [[2 Samuel 20:5]]) and the importance of prompt obedience ([[Psalm 119:60]]), its most significant theological contribution lies in passages like [[Habakkuk 2:3]]. Here, yâchar illuminates the paradox of perceived human delay versus certain divine timing, calling for patient faith in God's appointed hour. Conversely, God's actions are affirmed as not tarrying, underscoring His unwavering faithfulness and the certainty of His promises ([[Isaiah 46:13]]). Thus, yâchar serves as a potent word for exploring themes of patience, trust, responsibility, and the sovereign unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
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