What does "tarry" mean? Definition and Etymology “Tarry” is an English term traditionally understood to mean “wait,” “remain,” or “stay in a place or state of expectation.” In many older Bible translations, “tarry” frequently appears in contexts recommending patient waiting, lingering, or pausing for divine direction. Though the Berean Standard Bible often renders this concept with words like “remain,” “wait,” or “stay,” the underlying idea remains the same: to linger with purpose or anticipation, particularly of God’s actions or promises. The Hebrew and Greek words behind this concept can encompass everyday acts of staying in a location, as well as the spiritual exercise of expectant waiting upon the Lord. In the Old Testament, synonyms in Hebrew include terms like יָשַׁב (yashab, “to sit” or “to dwell”) and קָוָה (qavah, “to wait” or “to hope”). In the New Testament, Greek words such as μένω (menō, “to remain” or “to abide”) can convey the same idea in contexts of remaining in fellowship with God or waiting on His will. Old Testament Usage 1. Temporal Waiting In the historical narratives of the Old Testament, “tarry” or its synonyms appear whenever someone lingered in a location or situation, waiting for a sign or for instructions. For example, Genesis 24:55 describes Rebekah’s family wanting her to wait “ten days or so” before leaving with Abraham’s servant—though in the this might be translated differently, the idea of pausing or staying is present. 2. Spiritual Waiting on God Passages like Psalm 27:14 express the importance of waiting upon the Lord: “Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!” Although the text does not use the English word “tarry,” it reflects the same posture of expectant patience that “tarry” traditionally conveys. This concept reappears throughout the Psalms and Prophets, emphasizing faith in God’s timing. 3. Cultural and Social Context In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality and travel norms often required waiting for the right conditions or for an adequate time of fellowship. This type of tarrying could be as simple as abiding with a host for a designated span or staying put until a journey was safe to resume. New Testament Usage 1. Lingering for Divine Purpose One of the most frequently cited passages illustrating this notion—though the phrases it as “remain” rather than “tarry”—is Luke 24:49: “And behold, I am sending the Promise of My Father upon you. But remain in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” The instruction to the disciples was to linger purposefully for the Holy Spirit’s arrival—a directive to stay and not proceed prematurely. 2. Abiding in Christ In John 15:4 Jesus teaches, “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you.” The principle ties closely to “tarry”—to abide and stay, investing time in a relationship with the Lord. Although “abide” is the more common modern translation, the core meaning of spiritual dwelling and patiently waiting applies. 3. Delay for a Greater Good The Gospel narratives sometimes feature Jesus Himself choosing to stay in a place longer. For instance, John 11:6 notes that upon hearing Lazarus was ill, Jesus “stayed two days longer in the place where He was.” This delay had a divine purpose—revealing God’s glory when Lazarus was ultimately raised. While “tarry” might not be the direct term in the, it illustrates a chosen pause in action for strategic, divine ends. Spiritual Significance 1. Dependence on God’s Timing To “tarry” in a biblical sense includes the willingness to wait on God’s plan and timing, rather than rushing ahead. This is seen throughout Scripture, where God’s people are called to trust Him, even when the outcome or timing is not immediately clear (Habakkuk 2:3: “For the vision awaits an appointed time…”). 2. Preparation and Expectancy When the New Testament believers obeyed Christ’s command to remain in Jerusalem (Luke 24:49) until the Holy Spirit came, they were actively preparing and expectantly praying (Acts 1:14). Their tarrying was neither passive nor impatient; it was a posture of readiness, culminating in the events of Pentecost and the birth of the early Church. 3. Prayerful Waiting In many Christian traditions, “tarrying” carries the connotation of prayerful waiting for the Holy Spirit’s movement or for a deeper outpouring of God’s presence. The early Church’s experience, echoed in Acts 2, highlights that miracles and transformation frequently follow earnest, faith-filled waiting (cf. Acts 2:4). Historical and Manuscript Context 1. Consistency in Early Manuscripts Though English translations vary in their use of “tarry,” manuscripts such as the earliest extant copies of the New Testament consistently convey the central idea of “remaining,” “waiting,” or “abiding.” Scholars like Dr. James White and Dr. Dan Wallace underscore the precision of these Greek manuscripts, noting minimal variants that would affect the meaning of a term like “tarry.” 2. Archaeological Evidence of Cultural Customs Archaeological findings in ancient Israel and the broader Mediterranean world shed light on travel, lodging, and hospitality practices that illuminate the biblical contexts in which tarrying was necessary. Inns and rest-stops along trade routes, along with surviving accounts of cultural expectations for visitors, confirm that waiting or lingering in place was integral to daily life, consistent with biblical depictions. Practical Applications 1. Cultivating Patience The biblical call to “tarry” can inspire believers today to cultivate patience in prayer and expectation. Just as individuals in Scripture awaited divine guidance, Christians may apply this principle by intentionally pausing before making significant decisions. 2. Active Faith Waiting in biblical terms is not passive. It entails focus, prayer, and readiness to respond once the answer comes. This kind of tarrying shapes character and demonstrates trust in God’s perfect timing. 3. Spiritual Renewal Times of spiritual tarrying—whether in corporate worship or private devotion—have historically been catalysts for personal transformation and revival. Believers across centuries have testified that lingering in God’s presence leads to renewed faith, insight, and spiritual power, echoing Pentecost’s pattern. Conclusion “Tarry,” as preserved in some older English translations and richly conveyed through modern equivalents in the Berean Standard Bible, encapsulates the act of waiting, remaining, or pausing in anticipation—often tied to God’s timing or preparation for His promise. This concept spans the Old and New Testaments, informing both the believer’s personal devotion and the communal life of those who trust in the steadfast, eternal God. Through tarrying, we see faith and expectancy merge, leading to profound spiritual growth, timely divine intervention, and an enduring example of dependence on the One who never fails to fulfill His word. |
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