What is the meaning of by and by in the Bible?

Answer

The phrase “by and by” is found in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. Originally used by Geoffrey Chaucer, it acquired its modern definition by the 16th century. This expression gained popularity through Shakespeare’s works, the King James Bible, and various other texts from that period. “By and by” is an adverbial phrase that means “after a while” or “soon.”

“By and by” is utilized in the gospels of the KJV Bible translation. For instance, in Mark 6:25, Herodias demands the head of John the Baptist on a platter. The KJV translates Herodias’s words as, “I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.” Modern translations replace “by and by” with “right now” or “at once.” The essence remains that Herodias desired her request to be promptly fulfilled.

The KJV translation of the Parable of the Sower also employs the phrase “by and by” to describe the seed that falls on the road. As this seed lacks roots, it “dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.” Modern translations explain that, since the seeds lack roots, “when trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.”

This phrase is also used in describing the signs of the end times in Luke 21. In verse 9, it states, “But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.” Wars, earthquakes, persecution, famines, and catastrophic events are indeed indicators that the end of time will arrive, but not immediately. Instead of succumbing to fear, believers are encouraged to “stand firm” «In your patience possess ye your souls. », (Luke 21:19). Our faith in Christ enables us to stand firm «which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; »

, (Hebrews 6:19). As Peter instructed, we are to be alert, sober-minded, prayerful, and loving of others (1 Peter 4:7-8).

For Christians, the eventual end of time is comforting, as the well-known hymn describes it. Penned by Sanford Fillmore Bennett in 1868, the lyrics of the hymn “In the Sweet By and By” capture the happiness and hope that the future holds for believers:

There’s a land that is fairer than day,

And through faith, we can envision it from afar;

For the Father awaits over the way

To prepare a dwelling place for us there.

Refrain:

In the sweet by and by,

We shall reunite on that beautiful shore;

In the sweet by and by,

We shall reunite on that beautiful shore.

We shall sing on that beautiful shore

The harmonious songs of the blessed;

And our spirits shall no longer grieve,

Not a single sigh for the gift of peace.