Hebrews 10:37: “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.”
In just a little while
Here we read about the imminence of the event being described. The author of Hebrews is quoting from Habakkuk 2:3, which speaks of the certainty and timing of God’s promises.
God is the One who is utterly reliable and true. His promises will never fail. He is utterly trustworthy. “Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will never pass away” Jesus said (Mat 24:35).
This phrase “in just a little while” reminds us of the early Christian belief in the imminent return of Christ, a very frequent theme (over 100 occurrences) In the New Testament.
This is an urgent message for these readers. This urgency is meant to encourage them to remain steadfast in their faith and to live in anticipation of Christ’s return.
He who is coming
This affirms the certainty of Christ’s return—not as a distant hope, but as a divine promise fulfilled in God’s own time. Certainly not in thousands of years but within the generation of these people.
Jesus Christ is the central figure of Christian eschatology. The expectation of His return is a foundational Christian doctrine. This phrase connects to other New Testament passages such as Mat 24:30 and Rev 1:7, which describe the imminent return of Jesus in glory.
The anticipation of his coming served as a source of hope and motivation for these first century believers to persevere in their faith.
will come
The certainty of Christ’s return is underscored here for the readers of this letter. The use of “will come” affirms the promise made by Jesus himself in John 14:3, where he assured his disciples of his return. This assurance was meant to provide comfort and encouragement to these believers who were facing trials and persecution. Their faithfulness will be rewarded.
and will not delay
This phrase reinforces the idea that God’s timing is perfect and that his promises will be fulfilled quickly. God’s plan unfolds according to his divine schedule. In 2 Peter 3:9 the apostle explains that the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, but is patient, allowing time for repentance. The assurance that he “will not delay” serves to strengthen the resolve of these believers to remain vigilant and faithful.
God’s timing is not procrastination, but purposeful. He does not deceive or delay out of indifference; He acts when it is most fitting for His people.
Jesus had told his disciples he would come within their generation (Mat 10:23, 16:27-28, 24:14, 24:34).
Rev 22:12. “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds: Reinforces the promise of Jesus’ return and the rewards He brings.
Matthew 24:44. Encourages readiness for the unexpected timing of Christ’s return.
James 5:8. Urges believers to be patient and stand firm because the Lord’s coming was near.
2000 years?
Application
• For Early Christians: This was a message of hope amid suffering. The destruction of Jerusalem (AD 70) may have been the fulfilment of this “little while,” marking divine judgment on unbe-lief and deliverance for the faithful.
• For Modern Believers: The call remains to live enduring trials through faith. It challenges be-lievers to live faithfully—loving, serving, and standing firm. We know that since Christ’s return is certainly past we rejoice in in God’s economy.
Key Insight:
The “little while” is not about how long it would be, but about God’s faithfulness. He has come. He did not delay—he came on time as He promised and right on time.
Ian Thomson 