### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mâchâr**, represented by `{{H4279}}`, is a word that points to a future time, typically **tomorrow**. It appears 52 times across 52 unique verses in the Bible. Its definition of "deferred" suggests a time that is not the present. It is used adverbially as **tomorrow**, but can also refer indefinitely to the **hereafter** or a **time to come**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4279}}` is used in several key contexts. It is frequently employed by God to specify the timing of His divine intervention, whether for deliverance or judgment. For instance, the LORD promises to deliver Israel **tomorrow** [[Judges 20:28]] and to do wonders among the people **tomorrow** [[Joshua 3:5]]. It is also used to set the time for plagues against Egypt, as in the warning, "**to morrow** will I bring the locusts" [[Exodus 10:4]]. The word is also used to instruct future generations, describing a time when children will ask about the meaning of past events, as seen in the phrase "when thy son asketh thee in **time to come**" [[Exodus 13:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the concept of time relative to **mâchâr**.
* `{{H4283}}` **mochŏrâth** (the morrow or (adverbially) tomorrow): This feminine form is used interchangeably with `{{H4279}}`. In the account of David and Uriah, David tells him he can depart "**to morrow**" `{{H4279}}`, and the text records that Uriah stayed that day and "the **morrow**" `{{H4283}}` [[2 Samuel 11:12]].
* `{{H3117}}` **yôwm** (a day): This word for "day" is often used in direct contrast to **mâchâr** to distinguish the present from the immediate future. This is seen in instructions like sanctifying the people "**to day** and **to morrow**" [[Exodus 19:10]] and in the proverb that warns against boasting of "**to morrow**" because you do not know what a **day** may bring forth [[Proverbs 27:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4279}}` centers on the relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
* **Divine Appointment:** God frequently uses **mâchâr** to declare His appointed times for salvation or judgment, demonstrating His control over events. He specifies "**to morrow** about this time" for key events, such as sending Saul to be anointed [[1 Samuel 9:16]] or delivering a prophecy of economic relief to Samaria [[2 Kings 7:1]].
* **A Call to Preparation:** The promise of God's action **tomorrow** consistently requires an immediate response from His people. Before the LORD performs wonders, Joshua commands the people, "Sanctify yourselves: for **to morrow** the LORD will do wonders among you" [[Joshua 3:5]]. This links future divine acts to present human holiness.
* **Warning Against Presumption:** The word is used to caution against human arrogance regarding the future. Proverbs warns directly, "Boast not thyself of **to morrow**" [[Proverbs 27:1]], while also condemning the act of delaying charity by saying "**to morrow** I will give" when the means are available now [[Proverbs 3:28]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4279}}` is far more than a simple marker for the next day. It is a crucial term for understanding divine timing, human responsibility, and the proper perspective on the future. It defines the point at which God's sovereign plan intersects with humanity's need for faith and immediate obedience. It illustrates how a single word can carry layers of meaning, from a specific appointment for battle [[Exodus 17:9]] to an indefinite "time to come" when future generations will seek understanding [[Deuteronomy 6:20]].
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