Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "waiting" in the Bible often signifies a period of anticipation, patience, and trust in God's timing and promises. Throughout Scripture, waiting is portrayed as an essential aspect of faith and spiritual maturity, reflecting a believer's reliance on God's sovereignty and wisdom.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "wait" is "qavah," which conveys the idea of hope, expectation, and trust. One of the most notable examples is found in Isaiah 40:31: "But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint" . This verse highlights the strength and renewal that come from waiting on the Lord, emphasizing the spiritual benefits of patience and trust. The Psalms frequently address the theme of waiting on God. Psalm 27:14 encourages believers, "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD" . Here, waiting is associated with courage and strength, suggesting that it is an active, rather than passive, endeavor. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word "prosdechomai" is often used to describe waiting, which implies a sense of eager anticipation. Romans 8:25 states, "But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently" . This verse connects waiting with hope and patience, underscoring the forward-looking nature of Christian faith. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 illustrates the importance of being prepared while waiting for the bridegroom, symbolizing Christ. The wise virgins who were ready when the bridegroom arrived exemplify the vigilance and readiness expected of believers as they await Christ's return. Theological Implications Waiting in the biblical sense is deeply intertwined with faith and trust in God's plan. It requires believers to surrender their own timelines and desires, acknowledging that God's timing is perfect. This is evident in the account of Abraham and Sarah, who waited many years for the fulfillment of God's promise of a son (Genesis 21:1-2). Their journey of waiting was marked by moments of doubt and impatience, yet ultimately demonstrated God's faithfulness. The act of waiting also serves as a refining process, developing character and perseverance. James 1:3-4 states, "because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" . This passage suggests that waiting is instrumental in spiritual growth and maturity. Practical Application For believers today, waiting on the Lord involves prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a steadfast commitment to God's promises. It is a time to cultivate trust and deepen one's relationship with God, recognizing that His plans are for the ultimate good (Jeremiah 29:11). Waiting is not merely a passive state but an active engagement in faith, characterized by hope and expectation for God's intervention and guidance. In summary, the biblical concept of waiting is a multifaceted theme that encompasses trust, hope, and spiritual growth. It is a vital aspect of the Christian journey, encouraging believers to rely on God's perfect timing and to remain faithful amidst uncertainty. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Wait.Greek 3114. makrothumeo -- to persevere, to be patient ... Word Origin from makros and thumos Definition to persevere, to be patient NASB Word Usage delay long (1), have patience (2), patient (6), patiently waited (1). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3114.htm - 7k 4328. prosdokao -- to await, expect 1247. diakoneo -- to serve, minister Strong's Hebrew 6960a. qavah -- to wait for... waits (1), expect (1), expected (3), hope (3), hoped (1), hopefully wait (1), hoping (1), look (1), look eagerly (1), looked (2), wait (22), waited (7), waited ... /hebrew/6960a.htm - 5k 2442. chakah -- to wait, await 4723. miqveh -- a hope 2342a. chul -- to whirl, dance, writhe 5975. amad -- to take one's stand, stand 693. arab -- to lie in wait 5117. nuach -- to rest 1961. hayah -- to fall out, come to pass, become, be 3176. yachal -- to wait, await Library Third Sunday in Advent and it Shall be Said in that Day, Lo, this ... Psalm XL. Psalm CXXX. Jesus at the Bier Heralds of the Morning Heralds of the Morning. The Lord's Descent from Heaven. A Father's Love for his Boy. Marcion's Christ not the Subject of Prophecy the Absurd ... Psalm XXV. Thesaurus Waited (72 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Waited (72 Occurrences). Matthew 8:15 He touched her hand and the fever left her: and then she rose and waited upon Him. (WEY NAS). ... /w/waited.htm - 26k Patiently (25 Occurrences) Companies (38 Occurrences) Wait (223 Occurrences) Arimathea (4 Occurrences) Naaman (19 Occurrences) Saveth (36 Occurrences) Honour (475 Occurrences) Stationed (49 Occurrences) Musician (112 Occurrences) Resources Who was Simeon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about the pre-existence of souls? | GotQuestions.org Why did Noah release a raven? Why did he later release a dove (Genesis 8)? | GotQuestions.org Waited: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Waited (72 Occurrences)Matthew 8:15 Mark 1:13 Mark 1:31 Mark 10:45 Mark 15:43 Luke 1:21 Luke 2:38 Luke 4:39 Luke 23:51 John 12:2 Acts 3:5 Acts 10:7 Acts 10:24 Acts 17:16 Acts 20:5 Acts 27:29 Acts 28:6 Hebrews 6:15 Hebrews 11:10 1 Peter 3:20 Genesis 8:10 Genesis 8:12 Genesis 40:4 Genesis 49:18 Judges 3:25 Judges 3:26 1 Samuel 1:23 1 Samuel 13:8 1 Samuel 25:9 1 Kings 1:4 1 Kings 20:38 2 Kings 5:2 2 Kings 7:9 1 Chronicles 6:32 1 Chronicles 6:33 1 Chronicles 9:18 2 Chronicles 7:6 2 Chronicles 17:19 Nehemiah 12:44 Job 6:19 Job 15:22 Job 29:21 Job 29:23 Job 30:26 Job 32:4 Job 32:11 Job 32:16 Psalms 25:5 Psalms 25:21 Psalms 33:20 Psalms 33:22 Psalms 38:15 Psalms 40:1 Psalms 56:6 Psalms 106:13 Psalms 119:95 Psalms 119:166 Psalms 130:5 Isaiah 5:4 Isaiah 8:17 Isaiah 25:9 Isaiah 26:8 Isaiah 33:2 Isaiah 38:13 Jeremiah 8:15 Jeremiah 13:16 Lamentations 2:16 Lamentations 4:19 Ezekiel 19:5 Jonah 4:5 Micah 1:12 Zechariah 11:11 Subtopics Related Terms |