Why Should Christians Know the Meaning Behind the Word Imminent in the Bible?
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Imminent is one of those big words with a simple meaning. If you do a quick internet search for “imminent meaning,” you’ll see a definition pop up from Merriam-Webster that says, “ready to take place: happening soon.”
But let’s dig a little deeper. Let’s go back a little further. Webster’s Dictionary 1828 gives us a fuller meaning of the word. We find this description:
“IM’MINENT, adjective [Latin imminens, from immineo, to hang over; in and minor, to threaten. See Menace.]
Literally, shooting over; hence, hanging over; impending; threatening; near; appearing as if about to fall on; used of evils; as imminent danger; imminent judgments, evils or death.”
That pumps up the suspense of the word, doesn’t it? It makes the reader feel a little more on edge, a little less secure. Perhaps even a bit fearful of what’s to come. But is this how we should be feeling? Is it Biblical? Let’s dive into the word and see what we can find.
What Is the Usual Meaning of the Word Imminent?
Going back to the modern Merriam-Webster dictionary, we find a second entry on the word. As Britt Mooney explains, imminent is “often used of something bad or dangerous seen as menacingly near. Imminent disaster.”
Imminent is a word used to describe an (often negative) event that will absolutely happen and happen soon. But the event in question doesn’t have to be negative. It could just as easily describe the imminent arrival of grandparents bearing gifts and baked goods. Or something amazing and glorious like Jesus’ return.
Where Do We See the Word Imminent in the Bible?
The answer depends on which English translation of the Bible you are using. Many translations do not ever use the word imminent. The meaning may be there, but a different word is used. Several translations use imminent once or twice. I found five uses of the word in the New English Translation (NET), each in the Old Testament. They include:
These verses talk about imminent war, destruction, judgment, retribution, or death. In two cases, the word is used in a section heading, not the text of a verse.
A search using The Voice translation yielded 11 results—five in the Old Testament and six in the New Testament. They include:
- 2 Samuel 12:27
- Job 15:23
- Job 18:12
- Psalm 13:5
- Isaiah 21:15
- Mark 13:28
- Mark 14:10
- Luke 21:20
- John 5:25
- John 13:32
- Hebrews 2:5
These verses talk about imminent victory, collapse, deliverance, threat of battle, summer (in context, the return of Jesus), betrayal, destruction, new day, great day of darkness, and astounding glory. Only eight of these verses use the word imminent. The other instances include the idea of something being imminent.
What Does Imminent’s Meaning Tell Us about Jesus’ Return?
The Bible clearly states that Jesus is coming back to this earth. His return is imminent. We don’t know when it’s happening, but there is no doubt it is happening. And soon.
Revelation 22 alone says, “I am coming soon!” three times. One of these instances is Revelation 22:20. It reads, “The one who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” (NET)
In all my years of living, I’ve never heard “Jesus is coming back soon” as much as I’ve heard it in the last few years. Just this month, I’ve had and heard multiple discussions on Jesus’ return. I’ve heard the words “Jesus is coming soon!” several times. My parents’ generation talked about it in the 1960s and 70s, but the current generation is saying things like, “We thought it was soon then, just look at today. It isn’t going to be much longer!”
I think every generation has had this conversation. And why shouldn’t they? When Jesus walked this earth, His own words suggested His return would be soon. He tells His followers to be ready. To wait and watch for His return. Luke 12:35-36, 40 says, “Get dressed for service and keep your lamps burning; be like people waiting for their master to come back from the wedding celebration so that when he comes and knocks, they can immediately open the door for him … You also must be ready because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Does Jesus’ Imminent Return Mean We Should Panic?
If we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we absolutely should not panic. Titus 2:13 says, “we wait for the happy fulfillment of our hope in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20 reminds us, “Our citizenship is in heaven—and we also eagerly await a savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” The return of Jesus is something we get to anticipate, look forward to, and be excited about. When I was a kid, I used to say, “I can’t wait until I die so I can go to heaven and be with Jesus.” My poor grandma hated it when I said that. But the truth remains: I can’t wait to be with Jesus. Over the years, I’ve adapted my saying a bit, and today, it sounds more like, “I can’t wait until Jesus comes back!” Oh, what a day that will be!
I won’t lie; some scary things will happen before Jesus returns. Some have happened already, and others have yet to take place. But even in this, Jesus doesn’t leave us to fear the unknown. In Matthew 24:3, Jesus’ disciples ask Him, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” The rest of the chapter is His answer. I encourage you to read it for yourself. I’ll share just a snippet of it here:
“Jesus answered them, ‘Watch out that no one misleads you. For many will come in my name, saying, “I am the Christ,” and they will mislead many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. Make sure that you are not alarmed, for this must happen, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these things are the beginning of birth pains.’” (Matthew 24:4-8 NET)
Jesus mentions other things that will happen. Persecution like the world has never seen will take place. The gospel will be preached to all nations before the end comes—Jesus wants everyone to have the chance to know Him. False messiahs and prophets will appear and deceive people. People will experience suffering like they’ve never experienced before, yet God will cut those days short out of His mercy. When we see the things mentioned in Matthew 24 and other places in Scripture happening, we know the return of Christ is near.
How is it possible to not be afraid of what’s to come? Simply put, our Lord. He is with us. Hebrews 13:5b-6 says, “He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you. Therefore, we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (HCSB)
Instead of fearing the future, we can focus on accomplishing the task Jesus gave us before He left this earth. Matthew 28:18-20 says:
“Then Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (NET)
How Do We Wisely Live Knowing that Jesus’ Return Is Imminent?
We must be wise as we await Jesus’ return. James 5:7-8 encourages us to be patient while awaiting the Lord’s return, looking to the farmers as our example. They patiently wait for rain and look for their harvest to be ready. We’re told to “Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.”
One of the mistakes people can make when thinking about Jesus’ imminent return is to stop living our lives. Some people withdraw from society, thinking it doesn’t matter what they do because Jesus will be here soon. However, those are not the instructions God gives us. Yes, we are to watch and wait, but while doing so, there is work to be done. As we saw in the verses above, we have the Great Commission to complete. This is a commission for all of us, not just for people who are missionaries or pastors by profession. Jesus left all of us the task of telling others about Him and teaching them how to follow and obey Him. Remember, one of the things that will happen before Jesus comes back is that the gospel will be preached to all nations (Matthew 24:14), and we have a role to play in that!
Another idea of how we can live wisely knowing that Jesus’ return is imminent is found in Hebrews 10:24-25:
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (NLT)
We’re living in hard days. Harder days are yet to come. But Jesus! His return is imminent. He is coming back soon, and that will change everything. While we wait and watch for His return, we live life. We do the things He has called us to do. We meet with other believers and encourage them. We love people and tell them about our amazing Jesus, who came to earth as a baby, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose in victory over the grave, sin, and death. He is seated at the right hand of God, interceding for us.
Do you know Him? Do you know this Jesus who will one day stand up and return to this earth in glory? Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (NIV). If you want to follow Jesus, there are no magic words to say. Just talk to Him like you would talk to a friend and tell Him you believe in Him and want to follow Him. If you’re uncertain and would feel more comfortable reading a prayer to Him, you can pray this prayer:
God, I believe in You. I believe in Your Son, Jesus. I believe that Jesus came to earth as a human baby and died on the cross for my sins. I’m so sorry for my sin that has separated me from You. Thank You for sending Jesus to pay the penalty for my sin. Thank You for forgiving me. Jesus, I want to follow You for the rest of my days, and when You return to this earth in glory, I’ll be ready and waiting. I love you, God! Amen.
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