The term "tarries" is derived from the verb "tarry," which means to delay or linger in a place. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to waiting or remaining in expectation of something or someone. The concept of tarrying is significant in various scriptural narratives and teachings, highlighting themes of patience, obedience, and divine timing.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the idea of tarrying is frequently associated with waiting for God's timing or instructions. For instance, in Genesis 19:16, Lot "tarried" when the angels urged him to leave Sodom, illustrating human hesitation in the face of divine urgency. The Berean Standard Bible translates this as, "But when he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and led them safely out of the city, because of the LORD’s compassion for them."

Another example is found in Exodus 24:14, where Moses instructs the elders to "tarry" while he ascends Mount Sinai to receive the tablets of the Law. This waiting period underscores the importance of patience and trust in God's plan.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, tarrying often relates to the anticipation of the Holy Spirit or the return of Christ. In Luke 24:49, Jesus instructs His disciples to "tarry" in Jerusalem until they are "clothed with power from on high." The BSB states, "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." This command emphasizes the necessity of waiting for divine empowerment before embarking on their mission.

The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:5 also illustrates the concept of tarrying. The bridegroom's delay tests the preparedness and patience of the virgins, serving as a metaphor for the Christian's readiness for Christ's return. The BSB reads, "When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep."

Theological Implications

Theologically, tarrying is often seen as a test of faith and obedience. It requires believers to trust in God's timing and purposes, even when immediate action seems preferable. This waiting period can be a time of spiritual growth and preparation, as seen in the lives of biblical figures who tarried in expectation of God's promises.

In the broader Christian life, tarrying can be understood as a call to remain steadfast and patient, trusting that God's plans will unfold in His perfect timing. It encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of watchfulness and readiness, as they await the fulfillment of God's promises and the return of Christ.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the concept of tarrying can be applied in various aspects of life, such as prayer, decision-making, and spiritual growth. It serves as a reminder to seek God's guidance and wait for His direction, rather than rushing ahead with one's own plans. Tarrying encourages a posture of humility and dependence on God, fostering a deeper relationship with Him through trust and patience.4102. mahah -- to linger, tarry
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to linger, tarry NASB Word Usage delay (2),
delayed (2), delaying (1), hesitated (1), tarries (1), wait (2). ...
/hebrew/4102.htm - 6k

The Blood of the Covenant
... which it collects its sweets, so doth our soul gather dainty stores of the honey
of devotion from all sources, but that upon which she longest tarries in her ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/the blood of the covenant.htm

Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification
... the veil, he made intercession for us. He never tarries when the good of
his people calls for him. His love hath wings as well as ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/our lords prayer for his.htm

Not Now, but Hereafter!
... plummet. It is mainly my business, today, to deal with those who may wickedly
continue in sin because their judgment tarries. If ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/not now but hereafter.htm

Christ Exalted
... throne, and that when he has left his Church to sorrow for him, he has not left
us comfortless"he has promised to come to us"that while he tarries he is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/christ exalted.htm

The Sound in the Mulberry Trees
... beseech you, go before the cloud. If Providence tarries, tarry till Providence
comes, never go before it. He goes on a fool's errand ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the sound in the mulberry.htm

The Prayer of the Poor, and the Loving and Desiring to Die: and of ...
... Lord my God, Jesu Christ, have mercy on me and vouchsafe to behold the grievous
yoke that is put upon my body, and therefore tarries not to cast down my soul. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xvi the prayer of.htm

The Desire of a Lover after God is Shown: and the Cursed Love of ...
... life in heaviness, and my years in lamenting; for from my love I am put back, and
desire of death is withdrawn, and the medicine for wretches tarries; and in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter viii the desire of.htm

Of the Excellence of Ghostly Song: and that it Neither Can be Said ...
... Therefore he is taken up thereto above all others; for in his mind melody abides
and sweet plenty of heat tarries; so that not only shall he offer a marrow ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter iv of the excellence.htm

What the Oil in the Lamps Means.
... the oil of good works abundantly, and of prudence, being purged from all corruption
which would weigh us down; lest, while the Bridegroom tarries, our lamps ...
/.../chapter iv what the oil in.htm

When Clouds Obscure the Rising Sun,
... When day at noon should brightly smile; Up, then, my soul, it is not night,. The
glory tarries but a while. III. Wait till the hills that bar the west". ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the apostolic church/when clouds obscure the rising.htm

Tarries (2 Occurrences)
...Tarries (2 Occurrences). ... For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall
his share be who tarries by the baggage: they shall share alike." (WEB). ...
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Tarried (42 Occurrences)

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Tarriest (1 Occurrence)

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Baggage (15 Occurrences)
... For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who tarries
by the baggage: they shall share alike." (WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV). ...
/b/baggage.htm - 13k

Stays (21 Occurrences)
... For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who tarries
by the baggage: they shall share alike." (See NAS RSV). ...
/s/stays.htm - 12k

Supplies (23 Occurrences)
... For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who
tarries by the baggage: they shall share alike." (See NIV). ...
/s/supplies.htm - 13k

Alike (67 Occurrences)
... For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who tarries
by the baggage: they shall share alike." (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS ...
/a/alike.htm - 25k

Battle (282 Occurrences)
... For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who tarries
by the baggage: they shall share alike." (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS ...
/b/battle.htm - 55k

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