### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mâhahh**, represented by `{{H4102}}`, conveys a sense of hesitation or delay. It appears **9 times** across **9 unique verses** in the Bible. Based on the idea of questioning or being reluctant, its primary meaning is to **delay**, **linger**, **stay**, or **tarry**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H4102}}` often highlights a critical moment of inaction. When Lot **lingered** in Sodom, the angels had to lay hold of his hand to bring him out of the city, an act of mercy from the Lord [[Genesis 19:16]]. Jacob's sons reflect that if they had not **lingered**, they could have completed their journey to Egypt and returned much sooner [[Genesis 43:10]]. In a contrasting scene, the Israelites could not **tarry** when leaving Egypt because they were thrust out and had no time to prepare provisions [[Exodus 12:39]]. The word is also used prophetically, assuring that though a vision may seem to **tarry**, it will surely come and not be late [[Habakkuk 2:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context and consequences of delaying:
* `{{H309}}` **ʼâchar** (delay, tarry longer): This word is a close synonym for procrastination or loitering. It is used in Habakkuk to affirm that God's vision will not **tarry** [[Habakkuk 2:3]].
* `{{H2363}}` **chûwsh** (haste): As a direct antonym, this word means to hurry or be eager. The psalmist uses it to express righteous urgency, stating, "I made **haste**, and delayed not to keep thy commandments" [[Psalms 119:60]].
* `{{H2388}}` **châzaq** (seize, be strong): This word describes the forceful action taken in response to hesitation. Because Lot lingered, the angels **laid hold** upon his hand to rescue him [[Genesis 19:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4102}}` is significant, often contrasting human hesitation with divine purpose.
* **Reluctance versus Divine Intervention:** Lot's lingering in Sodom demonstrates human reluctance in the face of divine command. His hesitation required a direct, physical intervention to ensure his deliverance, highlighting God's mercy [[Genesis 19:16]].
* **Patience in Prophetic Fulfillment:** The word is used to address the human perception of divine timing. A vision from God may seem to **tarry**, but believers are instructed to wait for it, trusting in its certain fulfillment [[Habakkuk 2:3]].
* **The Virtue of Prompt Obedience:** Delaying is set in opposition to righteous action. The psalmist presents not delaying as a key aspect of keeping God's commandments [[Psalms 119:60]], while Isaiah uses the command to "**stay** yourselves" to describe a state of spiritual stupor and staggering [[Isaiah 29:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4102}}` is more than a simple reference to being late; it captures the critical nature of delay and hesitation. The word illustrates moments of human reluctance that require divine intervention, the tension between human perception and God's sovereign timing, and the spiritual importance of acting with prompt obedience. It reveals how a moment of lingering can have significant consequences, whether it allows an enemy to escape [[Judges 3:26]] or requires an act of God for salvation [[Genesis 19:16]].
TRV