The term "meantime" refers to the intervening period between two events or points in time. In the context of the Bible, it often signifies a period of waiting, preparation, or transition, where faith and patience are tested. This concept is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating the importance of trusting in God's timing and purposes.

Biblical Examples and Themes

1. Noah and the Flood: In Genesis, Noah and his family experienced a significant "meantime" while waiting for the floodwaters to recede. After the rain stopped, they remained in the ark for several months before the earth was dry enough to exit. This period was a time of trust and reliance on God's promise of deliverance. Genesis 8:10-11 states, "So he waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. And behold, the dove returned to him in the evening with a freshly plucked olive leaf in its beak. So Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth."

2. The Israelites in the Wilderness: The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is another significant "meantime" in biblical history. This 40-year period in the wilderness was a time of testing, learning, and preparation for entering Canaan. Deuteronomy 8:2 reflects on this period: "Remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments."

3. David's Anointing and Kingship: David was anointed as king by the prophet Samuel long before he actually ascended to the throne of Israel. During this "meantime," David faced numerous challenges, including fleeing from King Saul. This period was crucial for David's development as a leader and a man after God's own heart. 1 Samuel 16:13 records his anointing: "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward."

4. The Intertestamental Period: The 400 years between the Old and New Testaments, known as the Intertestamental Period, is a significant "meantime" in biblical history. During this time, there was no prophetic voice in Israel, yet God was preparing the world for the coming of Jesus Christ. Galatians 4:4 speaks to the fulfillment of this waiting period: "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law."

5. The Church Age: Christians today live in the "meantime" between Christ's ascension and His promised return. This period is characterized by the Great Commission, where believers are called to spread the Gospel and live in anticipation of Christ's second coming. Acts 1:11 provides assurance of His return: "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven."

Spiritual Lessons

The concept of "meantime" in the Bible teaches believers the value of patience, faith, and obedience. It is a reminder that God's timing is perfect, and His plans are for the ultimate good of those who love Him. Romans 8:28 assures us, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." During these periods, believers are encouraged to remain steadfast, trusting in God's promises and His sovereign control over all circumstances.1. (n.) Alt. of Meanwhile.

2. (adv.) Alt. of Meanwhile.

In the Meantime, Augustine, with the Help of King Ethelbert...
... BOOK II CHAP. II. IN the meantime, Augustine, with the help of King Ethelbert?
IN the meantime, Augustine, with the help of King ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap ii in the meantime.htm

In the Meantime, the Number of the Christians Being Now Very Large ...
... Book II. Chapter XXIX. In the meantime, the number of the Christians
being now very large? In the meantime, the number of the ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xxix in the meantime.htm

In the Meantime in the East, after the Example of the West...
... Book II. Chapter XLII. In the meantime in the East, after the example of
the West? In the meantime in the East, after the example ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xlii in the meantime.htm

But in the Meantime Let us Grant, in Submission to Your Ideas...
... Book I. 38 But in the meantime let us grant, in submission to your ideas?
But in the meantime let us grant, in submission to your ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/38 but in the meantime.htm

Meantime, However, O You who Wonder and are Astonished at the ...
... Book II. 13 Meantime, however, O you who wonder and are astonished at the
doctrines of the learned? Meantime, however, O you who ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/13 meantime however o you.htm

That in the Meantime He Ordered a Council to be Convened at Tyre ...
... Book IV. Chapter XLI."That in the meantime he ordered a Council to be convened
at Tyre, because of Controversies raised in Egypt. ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xli that in the meantime.htm

"In the Meantime, those Bishops with whom Martin Would not Hold ...
... Dialogues of Sulpitius Severus. Chapter XII. "In the meantime, those bishops
with whom Martin would not hold communion went in terror? ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xii in the meantime.htm

In the Meantime, Archbishop Justus was Taken up to the Heavenly ...
... BOOK II CHAP. XVIII. IN the meantime, Archbishop Justus was taken up to
the heavenly kingdom? IN the meantime, Archbishop Justus ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xviii in the meantime.htm

In the Meantime, the Arians, not Secretly, as Before...
... Book II. Chapter XL. In the meantime, the Arians, not secretly, as before?
In the meantime, the Arians, not secretly, as before ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xl in the meantime.htm

In the Meantime, those Jews, Who, as we have Said Above...
... Book II. Chapter IX. In the meantime, those Jews, who, as we have said
above? In the meantime, those Jews, who, as we have said ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter ix in the meantime.htm

Meantime (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Alt. of Meanwhile. 2. (adv.) Alt. of Meanwhile.
Multi-Version Concordance Meantime (2 Occurrences). ...
/m/meantime.htm - 7k

Meanwhile (38 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The intervening time; as, in the meantime (or
mean time). 2. (adv.) In the intervening time; during the interval. ...
/m/meanwhile.htm - 17k

Mean (93 Occurrences)
... (n.) A part, whether alto or tenor, intermediate between the soprano and base; a
middle part. 17. (n.) Meantime; meanwhile. 18. (n.) A mediator; a go-between. ...
/m/mean.htm - 40k

Demetrius (3 Occurrences)
... as king. In the meantime, a quarrel had arisen between Ptolemy Philometor
and Euergetes Physkon (Livy Epit. 46; Diod. Sic. fr xi ...
/d/demetrius.htm - 17k

Meant (28 Occurrences)

/m/meant.htm - 14k

Nero
... (3) In the meantime she had caused Seneca to be recalled from banishment and had
entrusted to him the education of Nero for imperial purposes. ...
/n/nero.htm - 41k

Second (2060 Occurrences)
... 2:1). That is, he had been with them, but there had been such a profound disturbance
in their relations that he dared not risk a return meantime; instead, he ...
/s/second.htm - 96k

Kingdom (409 Occurrences)
... Decline and Fall. 1. Loss of Independence: Meantime Pul or Pulu had founded the
second Assyrian empire under the name of Tiglath-pileser III. ...
/k/kingdom.htm - 101k

Whiles (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Meanwhile; meantime. 2. (n.) sometimes; at times.
3. (conj.) During the time that; while. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/w/whiles.htm - 9k

Festus (14 Occurrences)
...Meantime King Agrippa and Bernice had arrived in Caesarea, and to these Festus
gave a brief explanation of the circumstances (Acts 25:13-21). ...
/f/festus.htm - 15k

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