The term "tarrieth" is an archaic English word derived from the verb "tarry," which means to delay or linger. In the context of the Bible, "tarrieth" is often used in older translations to describe a period of waiting or remaining in a place longer than expected. This term is not commonly found in modern translations, but it holds significance in understanding the patience and timing in biblical narratives.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Waiting on the Lord: The concept of tarrying is frequently associated with waiting on God's timing. In the Scriptures, believers are often encouraged to wait patiently for the Lord's guidance and intervention. This waiting is not passive but involves active faith and trust in God's promises. For example, Psalm 27:14 states, "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!"

2. Examples in Scripture:
· Abraham and Sarah: One of the most notable examples of tarrying in the Bible is the account of Abraham and Sarah, who waited many years for the fulfillment of God's promise of a son. Their account illustrates the importance of faith and patience, as they eventually received Isaac as the child of promise (Genesis 21:1-3).
· The Disciples in Jerusalem: In the New Testament, Jesus instructed His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:4 records, "And while they were gathered together, He commanded them: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift the Father promised, which you have heard Me discuss.'"

3. Spiritual Implications: Tarrying often involves a period of spiritual growth and preparation. It is during these times of waiting that believers are refined and strengthened in their faith. The act of tarrying can lead to a deeper relationship with God, as it requires reliance on His timing and wisdom.

4. Symbolism of Tarrying: In a broader sense, tarrying can symbolize the Christian life as a journey of faith. Believers are called to live in anticipation of Christ's return, tarrying in the world while maintaining their hope and readiness for His second coming. This is reflected in the parable of the ten virgins, where the wise virgins are prepared for the bridegroom's delayed arrival (Matthew 25:1-13).

Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, tarrying underscores the sovereignty of God and the necessity of human patience. It challenges believers to trust in God's perfect timing and to remain steadfast in their faith, even when answers or deliverance seem delayed. The act of tarrying is a testament to the enduring hope and expectation that characterize the Christian walk.

In summary, while the term "tarrieth" may not appear frequently in contemporary translations, its underlying concept remains a vital aspect of biblical teaching. It calls believers to a posture of waiting, trusting, and preparing for the fulfillment of God's promises in His appointed time.

'A Dew from the Lord'
... 'The remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the Lord,
that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men.'"Micah 5:7. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a dew from the lord.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... Why did He not come? Tender hearted as He always was, what could have made Him
thus unkind? Why tarrieth He so? Why is He so long in coming? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

27TH DAY. Everlasting Espousals.
... "The Bridegroom tarrieth;" but see that thou dost not slumber and sleep! Surely
there is much all around demanding the girded loins and the burning lamps. ...
/.../macduff/the faithful promiser/27th day everlasting espousals.htm

Indwelling Sin
... albeit that it is weakened and kept under by the dominion of the new-born nature
which God doth infuse into our souls, doth not cease, but still tarrieth in us ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/indwelling sin.htm

The Chosen People
... the promise was theirs, "The remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people
as a dew from the Lord, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 2 the chosen people.htm

Our Knocking
... Like the dew on the grass, He 'tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of
men.' Before we call, He answers; and to say to people, 'Pray!' 'Seek!' 'Knock ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/our knocking.htm

At the Front or the Base
... BASE. 'As his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part
be that tarrieth by the stuff.'"1 Samuel 30:24. David's ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/at the front or the.htm

Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity. Therefore Take no Thought, Saying ...
... The trial for thy good is meant. What we have won with pains we hold more fast,.
What tarrieth long is sweeter at the last. Be thou content. ...
/.../lyra germanica the christian year/fifteenth sunday after trinity therefore.htm

Grace Abounding
... unsought grace had first been bestowed. Sovereign grace waiteth not for man,
neither tarrieth for the sons of men. The love of God goes ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/grace abounding.htm

True Sabbath Observance
... God 'tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men,' in giving His
greatest gift. No prayers besought Heaven for a Saviour. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/true sabbath observance.htm

Tarrieth (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tarrieth (5 Occurrences). Matthew 24:48 But if that
evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord tarrieth; (ASV). ...
/t/tarrieth.htm - 7k

Waiteth (15 Occurrences)
... Micah 5:7 And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew
from the LORD, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor ...
/w/waiteth.htm - 10k

Tarriest (1 Occurrence)

/t/tarriest.htm - 6k

Delay (47 Occurrences)
... "To delay" (chronizo) is used transitively in Matthew 24:48 (the Revised Version
(British and American) "My lord tarrieth") and in Luke 12:45. ...
/d/delay.htm - 21k

Divideth (20 Occurrences)
... fire. (KJV WBS). Psalms 68:12 Kings of armies flee, they flee; And she that
tarrieth at home divideth the spoil. (ASV DBY JPS). Isaiah ...
/d/divideth.htm - 12k

Tarry (62 Occurrences)

/t/tarry.htm - 25k

Stuff (49 Occurrences)
... but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be
that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike. (KJV). ...
/s/stuff.htm - 23k

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