Topical Encyclopedia The term "late" in the biblical context often refers to timing, delay, or the end of a period. It can be understood both literally and metaphorically, depending on the context in which it appears. The concept of lateness is significant in Scripture, as it often relates to themes of readiness, judgment, and the fulfillment of God's promises.1. Literal Use of "Late": In a literal sense, "late" can refer to the time of day or the end of a period. For example, in the parable of the workers in the vineyard, Jesus speaks of laborers who are hired "late in the day" (Matthew 20:6). This parable illustrates the generosity of God’s grace, as those hired late receive the same wage as those who worked all day, emphasizing the kingdom of heaven's values over worldly fairness. 2. Delay and Readiness: The concept of lateness is often associated with delay and the need for readiness. In the parable of the ten virgins, five are described as wise and five as foolish. The foolish virgins are unprepared when the bridegroom arrives late, and they miss the wedding feast (Matthew 25:1-13). This parable underscores the importance of spiritual vigilance and preparedness for the return of Christ, as the exact timing is unknown. 3. God's Timing: Scripture frequently addresses the idea that God's timing is perfect, even when it seems late 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 reassures believers that what may appear as a delay is actually an expression of God's patience and mercy. 4. The End Times: The term "late" can also relate to eschatological themes, referring to the "last days" or the end times. In 2 Timothy 3:1 , Paul warns, "But understand this: In the last days, terrible times will come." This reference to the "last days" serves as a call to discernment and faithfulness amidst challenges and moral decline. 5. Personal Reflection and Repentance: The notion of being "too late" is a sobering reminder of the urgency of repentance and faith. Hebrews 3:15 exhorts, "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion." This verse emphasizes the immediacy of responding to God's call, as delaying repentance can lead to spiritual hardening and missed opportunities for salvation. 6. Agricultural Imagery: In the agricultural context, "late" can refer to the latter rains, which are crucial for the harvest. James 5:7 encourages believers to be patient, "See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient until it receives the early and late rains." This imagery highlights the necessity of patience and trust in God's provision and timing. In summary, the concept of "late" in the Bible serves as a multifaceted theme that encompasses literal timing, spiritual readiness, divine patience, eschatological anticipation, and the urgency of repentance. It calls believers to trust in God's perfect timing and to remain vigilant and prepared for His purposes. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v.) Coming after the time when due, or after the usual or proper time; not early; slow; tardy; long delayed; as, a late spring.2. (v.) Far advanced toward the end or close; as, a late hour of the day; a late period of life. 3. (v.) Existing or holding some position not long ago, but not now; lately deceased, departed, or gone out of office; as, the late bishop of London; the late administration. 4. (v.) Not long past; happening not long ago; recent; as, the late rains; we have received late intelligence. 5. (v.) Continuing or doing until an advanced hour of the night; as, late revels; a late watcher. 6. (a.) After the usual or proper time, or the time appointed; after delay; as, he arrived late; -- opposed to early. 7. (a.) Not long ago; lately. 8. (a.) Far in the night, day, week, or other particular period; as, to lie abed late; to sit up late at night. Greek 3796. opse -- long after, late ... long after, late. Part of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: opse Phonetic Spelling: (op-seh') Short Definition: late, in the evening Definition: late, in the ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3796.htm - 6k 5302. hustereo -- to come late, be behind, come short 879b. aphustereo -- to be late, spec. to keep back 3703. opora -- late summer, ripe fruits 3797. opsimos -- the latter rain 3798. opsios -- evening 5352. phthinoporinos -- autumnal 5610. hora -- a time or period, an hour 2947. kulio -- to roll 4877. sunantesis -- meet. Strong's Hebrew 648. aphil -- late... late. Transliteration: aphil Phonetic Spelling: (aw-feel') Short Definition: late. Word Origin from the same as ophel Definition late NASB Word Usage late (1). ... /hebrew/648.htm - 6k 309. achar -- to remain behind, tarry 6412. paliyt -- escaped one, fugitive 865. ethmowl -- yesterday, recently, formerly 314. acharon -- coming after or behind 4456. malqosh -- latter rain, spring rain 3310. Yaphlet -- an Asherite 6405. pallet -- deliverance Library It was Late in the Afternoon when Diamond and his Mother and the ... The Late Work of God in North America Too Late Loved I Thee, O Thou Beauty of Ancient Days... Report of Mr. Geo. Borrow's Late Proceedings in Spain You May Object and Rejoin, Why was the Saviour Sent Forth So Late? ... A Further Thanksgiving to God for the Change in the Late ... Translation of a Paraphrase of Part of Chap. xxxi. Of Jeremiah, by ... Why the Son was Sent So Late. A Selection from the Notices by the Press of "The Life and Letters ... Virginity a Plant from Heaven, Introduced Late; the Advancement of ... Thesaurus Late (24 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (v.) Coming after the time when due, or after the usual or proper time; not early; slow; tardy; long delayed; as, a late spring. ... /l/late.htm - 14k Already (171 Occurrences) Lonely (14 Occurrences) It's (28 Occurrences) Rains (16 Occurrences) Remote (17 Occurrences) Deserted (54 Occurrences) Genealogy (29 Occurrences) Golgotha (4 Occurrences) Machpelah (6 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about being late or lateness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about punctuality? | GotQuestions.org What are the books of 1 Esdras and 2 Esdras? | GotQuestions.org Late: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Late (24 Occurrences)Matthew 14:15 Matthew 28:1 Mark 6:35 Mark 11:11 John 11:8 Acts 27:9 James 5:7 Jude 1:12 Revelation 2:19 Revelation 6:13 Exodus 9:32 Deuteronomy 11:14 Deuteronomy 32:17 Ruth 2:23 2 Samuel 11:2 Job 24:6 Psalms 127:2 Proverbs 23:30 Ecclesiastes 5:4 Isaiah 5:11 Joel 2:23 Amos 7:1 Micah 2:8 Habakkuk 2:3 Subtopics Related Terms |
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