The term "elapse" refers to the passage or flow of time. While the specific word "elapse" is not directly found in the Bible, the concept of time passing is a significant theme throughout the Scriptures. The Bible often reflects on the transient nature of human life and the unfolding of God's divine plan over time.

Biblical Context

1. The Nature of Time: The Bible frequently addresses the fleeting nature of human life and the importance of recognizing the brevity of our days. In Psalm 90:10, Moses writes, "The length of our days is seventy years—eighty if we are strong—yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away." This verse highlights the swift passage of time and the need for wisdom in how we use it.

2. God's Eternal Nature: In contrast to the human experience of time, God is portrayed as eternal and unchanging. Psalm 90:2 declares, "Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God." This eternal nature of God provides a backdrop against which the elapse of human time is understood.

3. The Fulfillment of Prophecy: The Bible often speaks of time in relation to the fulfillment of God's promises and prophecies. Galatians 4:4 states, "But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law." This verse emphasizes the divine timing in the coming of Jesus Christ, illustrating how God's purposes unfold over time.

4. The Urgency of the Present: The New Testament frequently urges believers to make the most of their time in light of the coming of Christ. Ephesians 5:15-16 advises, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." This passage underscores the importance of living purposefully and wisely as time elapses.

5. The End Times: The Bible also speaks of the culmination of time in the eschatological sense. Revelation 10:6-7 describes an angel swearing by the eternal God that "there will be no more delay," signaling the imminent fulfillment of God's final purposes. This anticipation of the end of time as we know it is a recurring theme in biblical prophecy.

Theological Implications

The elapse of time in the biblical narrative serves to remind believers of the transient nature of earthly life and the eternal significance of God's kingdom. It calls for a life of vigilance, readiness, and faithful stewardship of the time given to us. The Scriptures encourage believers to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that while human time is limited, God's purposes are eternal and will ultimately be fulfilled in His perfect timing.(v. i.) To slip or glide away; to pass away silently; as time elapses; -- used chiefly in reference to time.1230. diaginomai -- to go through, to elapse
... to go through, to elapse. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: diaginomai Phonetic
Spelling: (dee-ag-in'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I pass, elapse time ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1230.htm - 6k5608. saphar -- to count, recount, relate
... sepher Definition to count, recount, relate NASB Word Usage assigned (1), count
(17), counted (6), counts (2), declare (6), declared (2), elapse (1), measuring ...
/hebrew/5608.htm - 6k

The Return of the Exiles
... The writings of Jeremiah were within their reach, and in these was plainly set forth
the length of time that should elapse before the restoration of Israel ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 45 the return of.htm

Whether the Time of Our Resurrection is Hidden?
... Civ. Dei xviii, 53), stated that from our Lord's Ascension to His last
coming 400 years would elapse, others 500, others 1,000. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the time of our 2.htm

The Poor Debtor.
... Four years would have to elapse before, under this system, he would get his
debt down to where it was when he was broken up in business. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/the poor debtor.htm

As we are About to Speak on the Subject of the Order of the Times. ...
... he remarks, I do not say that it is to be observed that the Lord's day should be
found, and the seven [1160] days of the moon which are to elapse, but that the ...
/.../anatolius/the paschal canon of anatolius of alexandria/section i as we are.htm

How Long Between?
... CHAPTER VII. HOW LONG BETWEEN? It is often asked what time must elapse between
the regenerating by the Spirit and the filling with the Spirit? ...
/.../macneil/the spirit-filled life/chapter vii how long between.htm

Chapter twenty-two
... The contrast was startling. It was brought about by a clever piece of staging that
allowed only a few moments to elapse between the slum and the palace scene. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twenty-two.htm

Last Journey of Jesus to Jerusalem.
... Galilee. The feast of Tabernacles fell at the autumnal equinox. Six months
still had to elapse before the fatal denouement. But ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxi last journey of.htm

Fate of the Enemies of Jesus.
... Herodias followed him in his misfortunes.[1] A hundred years, at least, were to
elapse before the name of their obscure subject, now become deified, should ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxvii fate of the.htm

My Second Year in Benares.
... A considerable time must elapse before the missionary, however zealous and able,
can acquire such an acquaintance with the language and people as will enable ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter ix my second year.htm

The Wicked Husbandmen.
... As some time must necessarily elapse before the young plants begin to bear fruit,
he may prosecute the other departments of his undertaking at leisure. ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xi the wicked husbandmen.htm

Elapse (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Elapse (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 44:26 After he is
cleansed, they shall reckon to him seven days. (See NAS). ...
/e/elapse.htm - 6k

Elapsed (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Elapse. Multi-Version Concordance
Elapsed (5 Occurrences). Acts 5:7 About three hours later ...
/e/elapsed.htm - 7k

Elam's (1 Occurrence)

/e/elam's.htm - 6k

Pass (1172 Occurrences)
... present transitorily. 5. (vi) To go by or glide by, as time; to elapse;
to be spent; as, their vacation passed pleasantly. 6. (vi ...
/p/pass.htm - 44k

Seventy (97 Occurrences)
... This is regarded as the period which would elapse till the time of the coming of
the Messiah, dating "from the going forth of the commandment to restore and ...
/s/seventy.htm - 47k

Tiberias (3 Occurrences)
... In his anxiety to win the favor of the Jews, Herod built for them "the finest synagogue
in Galilee"; but many years were to elapse before it should become a ...
/t/tiberias.htm - 15k

Tarsus (5 Occurrences)
... reaction in Southeastern Asia Minor and must have strengthened the Greek element
in Tarsus, but more than a century and a half were to elapse before the city ...
/t/tarsus.htm - 30k

Premillennial
... 52). This implies fairly that the apostle did not know that long ages would
elapse between his own day and Christ's advent. There ...
/p/premillennial.htm - 23k

Millennium
... 52). This implies fairly that the apostle did not know that long ages would
elapse between his own day and Christ's advent. There ...
/m/millennium.htm - 24k

Elapse: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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