Divine Delays: χρονίζω (Strong’s G5549: chronizō) Reveals God’s Perfect Timing

Strong’s G5549: A verb meaning “to spend or take time, delay, tarry,” derived from χρόνος (chronos). Used in contexts of spiritual watchfulness and divine timing, especially regarding the Messiah’s return. The word emphasizes intentional delay that serves God’s purposes rather than mere procrastination.

U- Unveiling the Word

χρονίζω carries profound theological significance in its portrayal of divine timing and patience. The word doesn’t simply denote casual delay, but rather a purposeful taking of time that aligns with God’s sovereign plan. In the New Testament, it often appears in parables about the Messiah’s return, teaching believers about spiritual vigilance and faithful waiting. The early church understood this concept deeply, as they anticipated the Messiah’s second coming. Today, this word continues to remind us that God’s timing is perfect, even when it differs from our expectations. It teaches us that apparent delays in divine response are never without purpose but are integral to His redemptive plan.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χρονίζω, chronizō, (kron-ID-zo)
• Detailed pronunciation: kron (as in “crown”) – ID (as in “lid”) – zo (as in “zoo”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: χρόνος (chronos) – time
• Suffix: -ίζω (-izō) – denominative verb suffix indicating “to make” or “to do”

D – Defining Meanings

• To spend time
• To delay
• To tarry
• To take time
• To linger

For compound words:
The base noun χρόνος provides the core meaning of “time,” while the -ίζω suffix transforms it into a verb meaning “to make time” or “to spend time”

Translation Options:

• “to delay” – emphasizes the temporal aspect
• “to tarry” – captures the intentional nature of the delay
• “to take time” – reflects the deliberate process

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μέλλω (mellō) (mel-LO) – to be about to, intend – See G3195
• βραδύνω (bradynō) (brad-OO-no) – to delay, be slow – See G1019
• ὑστερέω (hystereō) (hoo-ster-EH-o) – to come late, be lacking – See G5302

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive
• Person: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (Present), Perfective (Aorist)

The word follows regular -ω verb conjugation patterns. For example:

• Present: χρονίζω (I delay)
• Future: χρονίσω (I will delay)
• Aorist: ἐχρόνισα (I delayed)

Related words:

• χρόνος (chronos) – noun form
• χρόνιος (chronios) – adjective form

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

χρονίζω appears consistently across lexical sources as a verb denoting purposeful delay or spending time. BDAG emphasizes its usage in eschatological contexts, particularly in parables about the Messiah’s return. Thayer’s highlights the word’s development from simple temporal delay to theological significance. LSJ provides classical examples showing its broader cultural usage. Vine’s connects it to patient waiting in faith, while Moulton and Milligan’s papyri evidence reveals its common usage in everyday life. Strong’s emphasizes its connection to χρόνος, underlining the temporal aspect. LEH provides valuable insight into its Septuagint usage, showing continuity between Old and New Testament concepts of divine timing.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance: “But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master [chronizō] is staying away a long time,'” – Matthew 24:48

Additional References:
Matthew 25:5
Luke 1:21
Luke 12:45
Hebrews 10:37

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χρονίζω transcends mere temporal delay, embodying the concept of God’s perfect timing in His redemptive plan. This word teaches us that what we perceive as divine delays are actually precise moments in His eternal purpose. It reminds us that our Messiah’s timing is never late but always perfectly aligned with His Father’s will. The good news shines through this word as it assures us that God’s apparent delays are filled with purpose and promise, working together for our good and His glory. It encourages patient faith and active watching, knowing that our King Jesus will return at exactly the right moment.

D – Did You Know?

1. χρονίζω gives us the English prefix “chrono-” found in words like chronology and chronometer
2. In ancient Greek medical texts, it was used to describe the progression of diseases over time
3. The word appears in several important parables about spiritual readiness and the Messiah’s return

Strong’s G5549: A verb meaning “to spend or take time, delay, tarry,” derived from χρόνος (chronos). Used in contexts of spiritual watchfulness and divine timing, especially regarding the Messiah’s return. The word emphasizes intentional delay that serves God’s purposes rather than mere procrastination.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: divine timing, delay, waiting, patience, Messiah’s return, eschatology, spiritual watchfulness, Greek verbs, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​