The term "delayeth" is an archaic form of the verb "delay," which means to postpone or to cause something to be slower than expected. In the context of the Bible, the concept of delay often pertains to the timing of God's actions, the fulfillment of His promises, or the response of individuals to divine commands.

Biblical Context

1. Divine Timing: The Bible frequently addresses the theme of God's timing, which may appear as a delay from a human perspective. In 2 Peter 3:9 , it is written, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." This passage highlights that what may seem like a delay is actually an expression of God's patience and mercy.

2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Throughout Scripture, there are instances where prophecies or promises seem delayed. For example, the Israelites experienced a long wait for the promised Messiah. Galatians 4:4 states, "But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law." This indicates that God's timing is perfect, even if it appears delayed to human understanding.

3. Human Response: The Bible also addresses the human tendency to delay in responding to God's call. In Acts 24:25 , when Paul speaks to Felix about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix responds, "Go away for now. When I have a convenient time, I will call for you." This illustrates the danger of delaying one's response to God's message.

4. Parables and Teachings of Jesus: Jesus often used parables to teach about readiness and the dangers of delay. In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), the wise virgins are prepared for the bridegroom's arrival, while the foolish ones are not. The delay of the bridegroom serves as a warning to be vigilant and prepared for the Lord's return.

5. Moral and Spiritual Implications: Delay can have significant moral and spiritual implications. Proverbs 13:12 states, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." This proverb reflects the emotional and spiritual impact of delayed expectations and the joy of fulfillment.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the concept of delay in the Bible underscores the sovereignty and wisdom of God. His timing is not bound by human constraints, and what may seem like a delay is often an opportunity for growth, repentance, and deeper faith. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's perfect timing and to remain faithful and obedient, even when answers or fulfillments seem delayed.

The notion of delay also serves as a reminder of the urgency of spiritual readiness. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize the importance of being prepared for the Lord's return, living in a state of watchfulness and expectation. Delay, therefore, is not an excuse for complacency but a call to active faith and perseverance.

Our Lord Himself Spoke of his Return in the Language of Imminency.
... But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth His coming;
and shall begin to smite his fellow-servants, and to eat and drink with the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/1 our lord himself spoke.htm

Why was the Fact of Our Lord's Return Presented in the Language of ...
... But and if that servant say in his heart, My Lord delayeth His coming; and shall
begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/3 why was the fact.htm

Psalm XCVIII.
... It is in thy power in what way thou willest to await the coming of Christ. For this
reason He delayeth to come, that when He cometh He may not condemn thee. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xcviii.htm

Leadership for Service
... But if that servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall
begin to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink ...
/.../the social principles of jesus/chapter vii leadership for service.htm

The Great Preparatives for the Saints' Rest.
... Though the riotous world say, My Lord delayeth his coming; yet let the saints
lift up their heads, for their redemption draweth nigh. Alas! ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ii the great preparatives.htm

Motives from the Difficulties of the Work
... Like a sluggard in bed, that knows he should rise, and yet delayeth and would lie
as long as he can, so do we by duties to which our corrupt natures are averse ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/article 2.htm

Simon Cephas Said unto Him, Our Lord, is it to us that Thou Hast ...
... [2952] Verily I say unto you, He will set him [5] over all that he hath. [2953]
But if that evil servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his [6] coming ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xliii simon cephas said.htm

'Tis Patience must Support You. --Heb. x. 35-37.
... Contented patience stayeth On God's decree all-wise; Although His grace delayeth,
Scarce feels fatigue arise; With trust she bears her load, And joyfully ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/tis patience must support you heb.htm

Watching for the King
... over all his goods.48. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart,
My lord delayeth his coming; 49. And shall begin to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/watching for the king.htm

Second Sunday in Advent Behold the Fig-Tree and all the Trees ...
... Or ever of its foe aware,. So comes that day with silent speed. The Lord
in love delayeth long. The final day, and grants us space. ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/second sunday in advent behold.htm

Delayeth (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Delayeth (3 Occurrences). Matthew 24:48 But and if that
evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; (KJV WBS). ...
/d/delayeth.htm - 7k

Delayed (18 Occurrences)

/d/delayed.htm - 11k

Repaying (5 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 7:10 and repaying to those hating Him, unto their face, to destroy them;
He delayeth not to him who is hating Him -- unto his face, He repayeth to ...
/r/repaying.htm - 8k

Delaying (6 Occurrences)

/d/delaying.htm - 8k

Maidens (40 Occurrences)
... Luke 12:45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink ...
/m/maidens.htm - 18k

Delay (47 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 7:10 and repayeth them that hate him each to his face, to cause them
to perish: he delayeth not with him that hateth him, he will repay him to his ...
/d/delay.htm - 21k

Hating (95 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 7:10 and repaying to those hating Him, unto their face, to destroy them;
He delayeth not to him who is hating Him -- unto his face, He repayeth to ...
/h/hating.htm - 33k

Perish (186 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 7:10 and repayeth them that hate him each to his face, to cause them
to perish: he delayeth not with him that hateth him, he will repay him to his ...
/p/perish.htm - 38k

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