χρονίζω (chronizō)
chronizō
to delay
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb chronizō means to take one’s time, to linger, or to delay an action. It describes a situation where a person stays in a place or postpones a decision longer than expected. In the New Testament, this word appears only five times, primarily in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, with one occurrence in Hebrews.
Its meaning is concrete and situational. In Luke 1:21, the angel tells Zechariah he must wait outside because he has delayed his duties inside the temple. In Luke 12:45 and Matthew 24:48, a wicked servant thinks his master is taking too long to return, so he begins to act recklessly. The word captures the human tendency to assume there is plenty of time before accountability arrives.
Translators usually render chronizō as "delay" or "tarry." This reflects its straightforward sense: not a spiritual metaphor, but a practical reality of waiting. The word reminds readers that time passes whether we expect it to or not, and that prolonged delay can lead to poor choices if one loses sight of the ultimate purpose.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chronizō describes the simple act of taking time or delaying an action. It captures the human experience of waiting for something that feels like it is arriving later than expected. In the New Testament, this term appears in contexts where people must wait for a master’s return or a priest’s duty to conclude. It reminds us that time passes whether we are ready for it or not.
When we find ourselves in seasons of waiting, it is easy to assume that delay means absence. The biblical examples show how this assumption can lead to poor choices or spiritual slumber. Yet, the promise remains that God will come and will not wait. This assurance invites us to trust His timing rather than rushing ahead with our own plans.
Waiting is a part of every faith journey. It tests our patience and deepens our reliance on divine guidance. Instead of growing restless, we can view these moments as opportunities to stay alert and faithful. The hope of Christ’s return encourages us to live with purpose, knowing that every delay serves a greater plan.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Delays2×
- will delay.1×
- delaying1×
- As was tarrying1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χρονίζει2×
- χρονίσει.1×
- χρονίζοντος1×
- χρονίζειν1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 24:48
But if that evil servant should say in his heart, ‘My lord is delaying his coming,’
This verse highlights how the assumption of delay can lead a servant to act recklessly, showing the danger of losing sight of accountability.
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Luke 12:45
But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My lord delays his coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink and to be drunken,
Here, the delay of the master’s coming is directly linked to the servant’s moral decline, illustrating how prolonged waiting can tempt one into sin.
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Hebrews 10:37
“In a very little while, he who comes will come and will not wait.
This quotation from Habakkuk contrasts human impatience with God’s certainty, affirming that He will come and will not wait.