What was Tarry?

In 1 Samuel 14, the word “tarry” does not refer to a person or place, but rather is an English verb meaning to wait, to delay, or to stay behind temporarily. In the context of 1 Samuel 14, “tarry” is used in the account of Jonathan, the son of Saul, when he and his armor-bearer act in bold faith while the rest of Israel‘s army delays action against the Philistines.

The Hebrew word translated as “tarry” in this context is יָשַׁב (yashav), meaning “to sit,” “dwell,” or “remain.” This term often conveys a sense of remaining in place rather than moving forward. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, both positively and negatively, depending on the context.

In 1 Samuel 14:9, Jonathan says to his armor-bearer:

“If they say to us, ‘Wait there [tarry] until we come to you,’ we will stay where we are and not go up to them.” (NIV)

Here, “tarry” carries the implication of pausing action, remaining passive, or holding back—in contrast to stepping forward in bold faith.

Biblical Context and References

1 Samuel 14 presents a striking narrative during the reign of King Saul, when the Philistines were oppressing Israel. Jonathan, full of faith in God‘s power, takes a daring initiative by suggesting to his armor-bearer that they confront the Philistine outpost, trusting that “nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6).

Jonathan proposes a sign: if the Philistines say “come up to us,” they will take that as God‘s sign to engage in battle. But if they say “tarry” (i.e., wait or stay there), then they will remain. When the Philistines call them up, Jonathan and his armor-bearer strike down about twenty men, sparking a great confusion and panic among the Philistine forces, leading to a major Israelite victory (1 Samuel 14:13–23).

Cross-references include:

• Exodus 24:14 – “Tarry ye here for us” while Moses goes up the mountain.

• Ruth 3:13 – Boaz says to Ruth, “Tarry this night,” as he arranges redemption.

• Luke 24:49 – Jesus tells His disciples to “tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem” until the Holy Spirit comes.

Explanation of What Happened

The moment in 1 Samuel 14:9 is a pivotal pause—a decision point. Jonathan gives his armor-bearer a test: whether they should “tarry” or advance depends on how the Philistines respond. In this case, “tarrying” represents holding back, not acting presumptuously, and waiting for God’s clear signal.

Ultimately, they do not tarry. The Philistines call them up, and Jonathan interprets it as the Lord’s permission. His faithful action results in divine intervention—panic sent by God (v.15), and Saul’s army regains courage to fight.

“Tarry,” then, becomes a moment of discernment, a pause before decisive action—waiting not out of fear, but out of faith and sensitivity to God‘s will.

Meaning for Today’s Christians

The word tarry teaches believers the importance of waiting on God in obedience and discernment. Jonathan was willing to tarry if necessary—he was not impulsive, but also not passive. Christians are called to wait upon the Lord (Isaiah 40:31), but also to act when God leads.

In a world that often prizes haste, “tarrying” in the Lord’s presence—through prayer, stillness, and listening—is countercultural. However, it is often in these moments that God gives clarity, courage, and the green light to move forward.

On the other hand, we are not to tarry in fear or doubt when God has clearly spoken. Jonathan shows the balance: wait for the Lord’s signal, then move with bold faith.

Connection to Jesus and the Gospel

Jesus Himself modeled both action and waiting. He often tarried in prayer (Mark 1:35), withdrew to desolate places, and waited for the Father’s timing. Before ascending to heaven, He told His disciples to “tarry in Jerusalem” until they were empowered by the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4). Their obedience to tarry led to the outpouring of Pentecost.

The gospel itself is a call to respond at the right time (2 Corinthians 6:2: “now is the day of salvation”), but it also invites believers to tarry in trust, knowing the full redemption is yet to come. Like Jonathan, we are called to be discerning in our faith—waiting when God says wait, and stepping out when He says go.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. The Wisdom of Waiting

Waiting on God is a theme throughout Scripture. Abraham waited for a son, David waited to become king, and the prophets waited for the Messiah. Tarrying is often not wasted time—it is preparation and testing of trust.

2. Faith in Action

Jonathan’s readiness to act—once God gives a sign—demonstrates that faith waits, but it also moves. Obedience is not merely passive; it is alert and ready.

3. Discerning God’s Will

The choice to tarry or go requires spiritual discernment. Believers today must learn to recognize God’s timing and voice through Scripture and the Holy Spirit.

4. Victory Belongs to the Lord

Whether we tarry or move, ultimate success comes from God (1 Samuel 14:23). Jonathan‘s trust was not in numbers or strength, but in the God who saves.

Reflection Questions

1. Are there areas in your life where God is asking you to “tarry”—to wait and seek Him before moving?

2. Do you tend to rush ahead of God’s timing, or are you hesitant to move even when He has made His will clear?

3. How can you develop greater discernment in knowing when to tarry and when to act in faith?

4. In what ways are you relying on God for victory rather than your own resources?

5. How does the pattern of waiting and moving in Scripture shape your view of obedience and trust?

Tarrying may seem passive, but in the biblical sense, it is often an act of faithful waiting—a posture of listening to God, discerning His will, and trusting His timing. The example of Jonathan in 1 Samuel 14 reminds us that those who wait on the Lord will not be put to shame (Psalm 25:3).