Hebrews 10:37 — “For, ‘In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse brings a strong word of encouragement to weary believers: Jesus is coming back, and He won’t be late. The writer is quoting from the Old Testament (primarily from Habakkuk 2:3) to remind readers that the return of Christ is certain—and it’s close.
The phrase “in just a little while” doesn’t mean soon in our sense of time, but rather that, in the scope of eternity, His coming is near. The phrase “he who is coming” clearly refers to Jesus, who promised He would return. “Will not delay” means that God’s timing is perfect. He won’t forget His promise, and He won’t be slow in keeping it.
This verse is meant to inspire hope and endurance. Even when life is hard and it feels like relief is far off, believers can cling to the certainty that Christ is coming again, and when He does, everything will be made right.
Historical Context
The early Christians lived with eager expectation of Jesus’ return. Many of them were suffering for their faith. They were enduring persecution, loss, and pressure to give up. To those people, the promise of Christ’s return wasn’t just theology—it was their anchor.
The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers who were tempted to turn back, discouraged by delay and hardship. This verse points them forward. The return of Christ is not some distant dream—it’s the finish line, and it’s coming.
The quote originally from Habakkuk spoke to people waiting on God’s justice in difficult times. Now the writer of Hebrews takes that same message and applies it to those waiting on Jesus.
Theological Implications
This verse reminds us of key truths:
- Jesus will return. His second coming is not symbolic—it’s real, bodily, and certain.
- God’s timing is perfect. Though it may feel slow to us, He is never late.
- Waiting is part of the Christian life. Faith means trusting God while we wait for His promises to be fulfilled.
This verse teaches us to look forward—not just to survive the present, but to live in light of what’s ahead.
Literary Analysis
The verse is short and poetic, using repetition and promise to create a powerful effect. It begins with “For,” showing it’s a reason for the previous statement (verse 36: endure to receive the promise).
The phrase “he who is coming” is messianic—it’s not just a title, it’s a description of movement. Jesus is not passive—He is coming. The words “will not delay” emphasize certainty. This is not a possibility or a hope—it’s a guaranteed event.
The tone shifts from endurance to expectation—from surviving the moment to focusing on the promise.
Biblical Cross-References
- Habakkuk 2:3 – “Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”
- Revelation 22:12 – “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me…”
- James 5:7-8 – “Be patient… the Lord’s coming is near.”
- 2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise…”
- John 14:3 – “I will come back and take you to be with me…”
These verses show the consistent message of Scripture: Jesus is returning, and we’re called to wait with faith and readiness.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse is a clear reminder that we are living in the in-between—after Jesus came the first time, but before He comes again. That can be hard. The world feels broken. Suffering is real. And sometimes it seems like He’s delayed.
But this verse says: He is coming, and He’s not late.
This truth helps us live with hope, urgency, and faith. It shapes how we endure trials, make decisions, and love others. We don’t live for this world—we live for the one to come.
And when Jesus comes, it will all be worth it.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
A loving God doesn’t leave His people without hope. He promises to come back for them. He doesn’t forget, He doesn’t abandon, and He doesn’t break His word.
God’s timing is motivated by love—He delays judgment so that more people can repent (see 2 Peter 3:9), but He will not delay forever. His return will come at the right moment, and His people will not be disappointed.
This verse shows that God’s love carries us through the wait and assures us that the wait will end with joy.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the One who is coming. This verse points directly to His second coming, when He will return in glory to bring final salvation to His people and judgment to the world.
- Hebrews 9:28 – “Christ… will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
- Matthew 24:30 – “They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven…”
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 – “The Lord himself will come down from heaven… and we will be with the Lord forever.”
The Christian hope is not just in what Jesus did, but in what He will do. And He will come again.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the promise of Christ’s return encourage you in difficult times?
- What does it look like to “wait” well for Jesus?
- Are there areas in your life where you’re tempted to doubt God’s timing?
- How does the reality of Jesus’ return shape your priorities and choices today?
- How can you encourage someone who feels like God is taking too long to answer?