[Greek] βραδύνω (bradynō), [Latin] tardare: to be slow, to be tardy, to delay, to hesitate, to be slack, to tarry, to retard; 1Tim.3:15, 2Pet.3:9
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to make slow, to delay, to loiter, and to slack. Sophocles’ Oedipus at Colonus 1628 states “Oedipus, why do you delay our going? Too long you have been lingering.” Aeschylus’ Seven Against Thebes 623 states “He has the wisdom of an old man, but his body is at its prime; his eyes are quick, and he does not delay for his spear to seize what is left exposed by the shield.” Aeschylus’ Suppliant Women 730 states “Yet in the event that we should be slow in bringing aid, it would be better not to forget for a moment the means of help you have here at hand. Courage!” Sophocles’ Electra 1501 states “You bandy words, and our going is delayed. Move forward!”
Old Testament: This term means to loiter, to procrastinate, to remain (be behind), to hinder, to defer, to hesitate, to linger, and to be reluctant. And the young man deferred not to do the right thing (Gen.34:19). They shall not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits and of thy liquors (Exo.22:29). He tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed them (2Sam.20:5). For if we had not delayed, surely by now we could have returned twice (Gen.43:10). See, I am going to wait at the fords of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me (2Sam.15:28). Those who linger long over wine, those who go to taste mixed wine (Pro.23:30).
New Testament: This term means to be delayed, to be late, and to delay. In 1Timothy, Paul writes to Timothy, intending to visit him in Ephesus. Paul sends this letter to Timothy beforehand to remind him of his important task to preserve sound Christian conduct in the Ephesian Church. Paul gives Timothy this great responsibility. In 2Peter the author is writing to the Christian faithful in the midst of false teachers who deny the second coming of Christ. These false teachers argue that the promised return of Christ has not been realized. The author provides encouragement that the delay of the Lord’s coming is not a failure to fulfill His Word but rather a sign of His patience. God is giving time for repentance for the final judgment.
Scripture:
“But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth.” 1Tim.3:15
Paul was intended to visit Timothy in Ephesus. Peter sent this letter to Timothy beforehand. In the event that Paul is delayed, Paul points out Timothy’s responsibility to guide and lead the Church.
“The Lord does not delay His promise, as some regard ‘delay,’ but He is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2Pet.3:9
The false teachers tried to justify their immorality by fomenting discouragement among the Christians who were waiting for the return of the Lord. The writer of 2Pet. seeks to encourage these Christians who are still waiting for the return of the Lord.
For all those times when God seems to be tardy in answering our prayers: A Prayer/Poem About Unanswered Prayers:
Waiting on the Lord
When prayers aren’t answered
Quickly or right away,
Just ask the Lord to reveal to you,
The reason for His delay.
If the answer for that request
Just seems to take too long
Just lift up your hands
And praise Him
With a glorious new song.
Just wait on the Lord
And try to be still
‘Cause your request may not be
In God’s will.
If that is the case
Just praise Him again
He won’t steer you wrong
‘Cause He’s your friend.
Maybe you’ll learn patience,
A little trust too.
Or maybe your motives
You’ll need to review.
Ask Him for an answer
The way He sees fit.
But don’t you lose hope
And don’t you quit.
The answer can revealed
In a miraculous way.
So be prepared to listen
To what He has to say.
The answer will bring Him
Honor and glory.
And then you’ll be able to tell
Your story.
Minister to those
Who did lose hope.
Who were looking for answers
On how to cope.
By unknown
Bradycardia: This a medical condition when the heart rate is too slow.
Conclusion:
Tardy, tarry, bradycardia, work
In the Greek Hellenistic era, it was interesting to discover the more nuanced meanings of this term. Such examples include loitering and slacking. When one is bandying words by pointlessly and rudely arguing, one is actually delaying.
In the Old Testament, there are more nuanced meanings of this term. Essentially, all these meaning come from an aspect of delaying. Such examples include loitering, deferring, hesititating, and being reluctant.
Although Paul may be delayed, he gives Timothy the authority and responsibility for leading the Church. In 2Peter the Christians actually believed that they would see Jesus return in their lifetimes. The writer wrote this letter to provide encouragement for these Christians. The Lord is waiting in order to allow for all come to repentance.
Coronavirus update: I can imagine many of us are wondering: “God, why can’t you end this pandemic! Why aren’t you answering our prayers! Why is it taking so long to get back to work!” For many of us (including me), this situation can be very difficult to deal with.) However, we must never hesitate in our prayers.
Far from that ivory tower, my life also has also been been continually shaped and formed by seemingly unanswered prayers. Warning! (proceed slowly with caution ☺): shameless book plug! https://leoninepublishers.com/bookstore/single-with-god.html
“We must mark God’s providence leading us; and if providence tarries, tarry till providence comes.” Charles Spurgeon
“March on. Do not tarry. To go forward is to move toward perfection. March on and fear not the thorns nor the sharp stones on life’s path.” Kahil Gibran