The word “tarry” appears often in older Bible translations such as the King James Version. It is not a word we use very much today, so many people wonder what it means.
In the Bible, “tarry” usually means:
- To wait
- To remain
- To stay in one place
- To delay for a purpose
“Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem…” — Luke 24:49 (KJV)
The idea of tarrying is closely connected to trusting God and waiting patiently for His timing.
What Does “Tarry” Mean in the Bible?
The word “tarry” means:
- To stay where you are
- To wait patiently
- To remain until something happens
👉 In many Bible passages, God tells people to tarry because He is preparing them for something greater.
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart.” — Psalm 27:14
Dictionary Definition of Tarry
Modern definition:
Tarry = to delay, remain, or wait
Older Bible translations often use “tarry” where newer translations say:
- Wait
- Stay
- Remain
For example:
“Tarry ye here” (KJV) becomes “Stay here” (NIV)
Famous Bible Verses with the Word “Tarry”
✝️ Luke 24:49
“Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” — KJV
Jesus told His disciples to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit.
👉 Tarry here means:
- Stay
- Wait patiently
- Trust God’s timing
⏳ Habakkuk 2:3
“Though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come.” — KJV
This verse teaches that even if God’s promise seems delayed, it will happen in His time.
🙏 Matthew 26:38
“Tarry ye here, and watch with me.” — KJV
Jesus told His disciples to stay with Him while He prayed in the garden.
🌿 Exodus 24:14
“Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you.” — KJV
Moses told the elders to remain and wait.
Spiritual Meaning of Tarrying
In the Bible, tarrying often teaches us to:
- Wait on God
- Be patient
- Trust His timing
- Stay faithful during delays
👉 Tarrying is not wasting time. 👉 It is preparing while you wait.
“Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength.” — Isaiah 40:31
Why God Sometimes Makes Us Wait
God’s delays are often part of His plan.
He may ask us to wait because:
- He is preparing us
- He is teaching us faith
- The timing is not yet right
- Something better is coming
“There is a time for everything.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1
Bible Verses About Waiting on God
- “Wait for the LORD.” — Psalm 27:14
- “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.” — Isaiah 40:31
- “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently.” — Psalm 37:7
- “The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him.” — Lamentations 3:25
- “Trust in the LORD with all your heart.” — Proverbs 3:5
- “Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
- “My soul waits for the Lord.” — Psalm 130:5
- “Though it tarry, wait for it.” — Habakkuk 2:3
- “Commit your way to the LORD.” — Psalm 37:5
- “The vision awaits its appointed time.” — Habakkuk 2:3
Difference Between Tarry and Delay
| Tarry | Delay |
|---|---|
| Purposeful waiting | Uncertain waiting |
| Trusting God | Frustration |
| Staying faithful | Feeling stuck |
| Expecting God to move | Fear of nothing happening |
👉 Tarrying in the Bible always has purpose.
Lessons We Learn from Tarrying
1. God’s Timing Is Better Than Ours
Waiting does not mean God has forgotten you.
2. Faith Grows While We Wait
Tarrying strengthens trust.
3. God Works in the Waiting
Even when we cannot see it.
4. Waiting Often Leads to Blessing
The disciples waited—and received the Holy Spirit.
“Tarry… until ye be endued with power.” — Luke 24:49
How to Tarry Biblically
Pray while you wait
Stay connected to God.
Keep trusting
Do not lose faith.
Stay obedient
Continue doing what is right.
Be patient
God’s answer may take time.
Remember God’s promises
He is faithful.
FAQ: Tarry Meaning in the Bible
What does “tarry” mean in the Bible?
It means to wait, remain, or stay.
What is the spiritual meaning of tarry?
It means trusting God’s timing.
Why did Jesus tell the disciples to tarry?
Because they needed to wait for the Holy Spirit.
Is tarry the same as delay?
Not exactly. Tarrying has a purpose.
What Bible verse says “though it tarry”?
Habakkuk 2:3. – “Though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come.”
Final Reflection
The meaning of “tarry” in the Bible reminds us that waiting is not weakness. God often does His greatest work while we wait.
“Though it tarry, wait for it.” — Habakkuk 2:3
If God is asking you to wait today, trust Him. His timing is always right.
