What does Hebrews 10:37 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 10:37 states, “For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” This verse suggests a sense of anticipated closure and fulfillment regarding the return of Christ. Literally, it is an assertion of the certainty and imminence of Jesus' second coming.

The phrase "yet a little while" is an encouragement to the faithful that, though they are currently experiencing hardship, the time remaining before the resolution of their trials is short.

The repetition of “will come” emphasizes the assurance that Christ's return is definite, and "will not tarry" reinforces the concept that once the appointed time arrives, there will be no delay.

On a deeper level, this verse speaks to the enduring faith and patience required from believers as they await salvation and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and consequently, were considering falling away from their Christian faith to return to Judaism.

The exact historical setting of the book is uncertain, but it was likely composed before the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 A.D.

This verse reflects the expectation of early Christians that Jesus Christ would return soon, something they believed was imminent within their own lifetimes. The author of Hebrews uses such assurances to encourage the readers to persevere in their faith.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse has been interpreted through various lenses.

Pre-millennialists believe that this verse points to a concrete future event that will physically manifest on Earth.

Amillennialists, on the other hand, may interpret it as a symbolic or spiritual return rather than a literal one.

The verse also provides an eschatological outlook, relating to the branch of theology concerned with the final events in the history of the world or humankind. This addresses the idea of divine timing, God operates on a timeline that is perfect and not subject to human understanding or impatience.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Hebrews 10:37 can inspire individuals to maintain hope and steadfast faith in their lives, especially during periods of difficulty or delay.

It also encourages believers to live in expectation of Jesus’ second coming, which promotes ethical living and spiritual preparedness.

The anticipation of Christ's return should motivate believers to engage in actions and behaviors that reflect their faith and the teachings of Jesus.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 9:28: "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."
• 2 Peter 3:8-9: "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

• Revelation 22:20: "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly.

Amen.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text for Hebrews 10:37 include:

• "μικρόν" (mikron), often translated as "a little while," conveys a diminutive or short quantity of time.
• "ὁ ἐρχόμενος" (ho erchomenos), "he that shall come" or "the coming one," a participle used to describe one who is to arrive or appear, often associated with the Messiah.
• "οὐ μὴ χρονίσει" (ou me chronisei), "will not tarry," indicates no delay; the double negative "οὐ μὴ" in Greek is a strong affirmation that something will surely not happen.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this verse to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, one might find parallels in the anticipation of savior-like figures or events that bring resolution or salvation.

For instance, in Zoroastrianism, there is the expectation of the coming of a Saoshyant, a world savior.

Similarly, in Buddhism, there is the figure of Maitreya, the future Buddha who will come to renew the teachings and bring about a golden age.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives generally do not comment directly on religious beliefs regarding eschatological events.

Science, which is based on observable and testable phenomena, does not engage with or provide tools to validate or refute the concept of divine timing or the Second Coming of Jesus, as these beliefs are rooted in faith and theology rather than empirical evidence.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Hebrews 10:37 vary in their interpretation.

Some experts focus on the comforting inevitability of Christ's return as a means of encouraging perseverance.

Matthew Henry's commentary views it as a call to patience and faith during afflictions, knowing that God will fulfill His promise in due time.

The ESV Study Bible notes that the reference to "a little while" reflects the New Testament understanding of the kingdom of God as already inaugurated but not yet consummated, with the return of Christ being imminent from the standpoint of divine providence.