Hebrews 10:37
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Hebrews 10:37
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
Chapter Context
Hebrews 10 is a homiletical epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, sacrifice, worship. Written during before Jerusalem's destruction (c. 60-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Jewish Christians faced persecution pressure to return to Judaism's legal protections.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-39: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Hebrews and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Hebrews 10:37
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
Analysis
For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. This verse quotes Habakkuk 2:3-4 (though adapted), providing prophetic assurance of Christ's coming. "For yet a little while" (eti gar mikron hoson hoson, ἔτι γὰρ μικρὸν ὅσον ὅσον) emphasizes the brevity of remaining time. The doubled hoson hoson (ὅσον ὅσον, "how much how much") intensifies the shortness—a very, very little while. From God's eternal perspective, even centuries are momentary (2 Peter 3:8). The suffering that seems endless to believers is actually brief compared to eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17).
"He that shall come will come" (ho erchomenos hēxei, ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἥξει) refers to Christ's second coming. Ho erchomenos (ὁ ἐρχόμενος, "the Coming One") was a Messianic title. The promise is absolute—He will come. His coming is not uncertain possibility but guaranteed certainty. What seems delayed from human perspective is precisely on schedule from God's perspective.
"And will not tarry" (kai ou chroniei, καὶ οὐ χρονίσει) means will not delay, won't be late. God's timing is perfect—never early, never late. What appears as delay to impatient believers is actually divine patience providing opportunity for repentance (2 Peter 3:9). When the appointed time arrives, Christ will come immediately without further delay.
Historical Context
Habakkuk prophesied during Judah's final years before Babylonian exile. When he questioned why God allowed wickedness, God answered that judgment was coming—though it seemed delayed, it would certainly arrive at the appointed time. The prophet's experience paralleled the early Christians'—they saw wickedness, experienced suffering, wondered why God delayed judgment, yet were called to trust His perfect timing.
Early Christians expected Christ's imminent return (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, James 5:8-9). When decades passed without His coming, some mocked (2 Peter 3:3-4) and others wavered. The author reminds them that God's timeline differs from human impatience. What seems delayed is actually perfect timing. Christ will come exactly when the Father has appointed (Acts 1:7, Matthew 24:36).
Reflection
- How does confidence in Christ's certain return affect your patience in current suffering and trials?
- What is the proper balance between living as though Christ might return today and planning wisely for potential years ahead?
- How can you maintain urgent evangelism and holy living while also patiently enduring prolonged trials?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 26:20, 60:22, Luke 18:8, 2 Peter 3:8, Revelation 22:20