What does Hebrews 10:37 mean?
What is the meaning of Hebrews 10:37?

In just a little while

- This phrase communicates nearness from God’s perspective, urging believers to live with eager expectation. James 5:8 reminds us, “The Lord’s coming is near.” Paul echoes the urgency in Romans 13:11, calling us to wake from slumber because salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

- God’s “little while” does not contradict His patience; rather, it calls us to readiness. Peter balances the thought in 2 Peter 3:8–9, explaining that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, yet He remains “patient … not wanting anyone to perish.”


He who is coming

- The identity is unmistakably Jesus Christ. Acts 1:11 assures us that the same Jesus who ascended will return in like manner. Revelation 1:7 says, “Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him.”

- Jesus Himself promised, “I will come again and receive you to Myself” (John 14:3). Hebrews 9:28 ties His return to our final salvation: “He will appear a second time … to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.”


Will come

- The certainty of Christ’s return rests on God’s unbreakable word. Every promise in Him is “Yes” and “Amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

- Because the King is faithful, His coming is not speculative optimism but guaranteed reality. Titus 2:13 calls it our “blessed hope,” anchoring endurance during trials.


Will not delay

- The line quotes Habakkuk 2:3, assuring that God’s appointed time never runs late. When His redemptive timetable reaches fullness, Christ will appear precisely on schedule—no sooner, no later. Galatians 4:4 shows this principle in His first advent: “When the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son.”

- While we may perceive delay, God ties apparent slowness to mercy (2 Peter 3:9). What seems postponed is actually perfect timing for His sovereign purposes and our good.


summary

Hebrews 10:37 compresses a grand promise into a single sentence: Christ’s return is imminent, certain, and perfectly timed. The phrase “in just a little while” spurs watchful living; “He who is coming” centers our hope on Jesus; “will come” guarantees fulfillment; “and will not delay” assures that God’s schedule is flawless. Holding fast to this promise fuels perseverance, holiness, and confident anticipation until the day our Lord appears.

Why is patience emphasized in Hebrews 10:36 for receiving God's promises?
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