The phrase “by and by” appears several times in the King James Version of the Bible. It is an archaic phrase that means “soon” or “in a short while.” Here is an overview of where this phrase appears in the Bible and what it means in each context:
Matthew 13:21
Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
In this verse, Jesus is telling the parable of the sower. He says that some people receive the word of God with joy, but they have no firm root in themselves. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, “by and by” they fall away. So in this context, “by and by” means they fall away quickly or soon after the trouble arises.
Mark 6:25
And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.
Here, “by and by” is used in the request of Herodias to king Herod. She wanted him to execute John the Baptist promptly or without delay.
Luke 17:7
But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?
Jesus is teaching his disciples about humility and service. He asks them rhetorically which master would tell his servant to first fix him something to eat, after working hard all day. Instead, the master would say to prepare his own meal “by and by” or shortly. The phrase indicates that the servant should be allowed to take a quick break and get some food before serving the master.
Luke 21:9
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.
As Jesus describes future signs and events leading to the destruction of the temple, he tells his disciples that when they hear of wars, uprisings and revolutions, they should not be afraid. These things are going to happen, but the end is not coming immediately. “By and by” in this case means not right away.
John 13:36
Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.
After telling his disciples of his impending death, Jesus says that Peter cannot follow him now to where he is going, but will follow him later on. The word “afterwards” uses the Greek phrase “meta tauta” which is literally “after these things.” So again there is a sense of something happening fairly soon or in a short period of time.
1 Timothy 4:16
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Paul instructs Timothy to pay close attention to his life and teaching. By persisting in these things he will save himself and his hearers. The Greek phrase translated “shalt save” is “soseis” which has the sense of making safe or rescuing. Doing this will result in salvation soon or in a proximate timeframe.
So in summary, “by and by” in the King James Version refers to something happening promptly, soon, in a short while, or without delay. Modern translations use phrases like “immediately,” “quickly,” “at once,” “shortly” or “without delay” to convey the same meaning. The timing is not necessarily immediate, but within a fairly short, definable period.
Theological Significance
While this phrase only occurs a handful of times, it does provide some key theological insights:
- Trials and persecution will reveal the genuineness of shallow spiritual roots and commitment. When hard times come, false believers will fall away quickly (Matthew 13:21).
- God honors persistent faith and doctrine more than half-heartedness. Pursuing godliness with endurance leads to salvation for ourselves and others under our influence (1 Timothy 4:16).
- The return of Christ and final judgment, while certain, may not occur immediately. God operates on His own timetable (Luke 21:9).
- Jesus’ followers must wait patiently, but will join Him in glory soon. Our life on earth is short compared to eternity (John 13:36).
- God answers prayers and honors requests in His perfect timing. Waiting on Him requires faith (Mark 6:25).
So while “by and by” may seem like a minor linguistic observation, it sheds light on God’s timely ways of working and relating to His people. He acts purposefully and promptly, though sometimes not as quickly as we would like. But God always keeps His promises and believers must persist in faith, knowing that in a little while we shall see Him face to face.
Examples in Other Bible Versions
Here are some examples of how other Bible translations render the “by and by” passages:
- Matthew 13:21 (NIV): But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
- Mark 6:25 (ESV): And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”
- Luke 17:7 (NASB): But which of you, having a slave plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come immediately and sit down to eat’?
- Luke 21:9 (NET): When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for these things must happen first, but the end will not come at once.”
- John 13:36 (NLT): Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?” And Jesus replied, “You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.”
- 1 Timothy 4:16 (CSB): Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Word Study on “By and By”
The Greek phrase translated as “by and by” is either a form of the words “eutheos” (εὐθέως) or “tachu” (ταχύ).
Eutheos means straightway, immediately, at once. For example:
But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her (Mark 1:30, KJV).
Tachu means quickly, speedily, without delay. For instance:
And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy (Matthew 28:8, KJV).
One key theological point is that God’s timing and perspective is different than ours. 2 Peter 3:8 reminds us that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. So “soon” to us may still be some years, while “long-delayed” to us may only seem like a short time to an eternal God.
Ultimately, the timing of God’s plans and promises are in His wise hands. We must trust in His understanding and sovereignty, while also heeding Jesus’ repeated command to “watch” for His return.
Usage in Other Places
The phrase “by and by” occurs in some other places in the King James Bible besides the six occurrences examined above. Here are two other examples:
Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:60-62, KJV)
Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is…lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. (Mark 13:33, 36-37, KJV)
In both cases, the sense seems to be acting promptly and making swift choices to follow Jesus, rather than delaying with unimportant distractions. Time is short and the coming of the kingdom demands an urgent response.
Summary
In the King James Version, “by and by” means soon, promptly, quickly, without unnecessary delay. It conveys a sense of urgency and priority. Modern translations render it “immediately,” “quickly,” “at once,” etc. While not necessarily an instantaneous timing, it happens within a fairly short defined period.
This phrase sheds light on the need for persistence, God’s perfect timing, and the importance of watching expectantly for Jesus’ return. Believers must trust in God’s wisdom and sovereignty when things don’t happen as quickly as we like. His timing is perfect and for our good, even when it feels delayed.
As we walk with Christ, let us determine to serve him faithfully in the time allotted, whether he comes sooner or later than we expect. Our duty is simply to be ready whenever our Master calls us home.