Strong’s Greek 3635, ὀκνέω, portrays inward reluctance that produces outward delay. The verb pictures a person who, though aware of what ought to be done, holds back—whether from uncertainty, fear, inconvenience, or simple lethargy. Its edge is moral: delay at a moment calling for decisive action.

New Testament Usage: Acts 9:38

“Please come to us without delay” (Acts 9:38).

The disciples at Joppa have just lost Tabitha. Knowing Peter is close at hand in Lydda, they “send two men” and beg him not to ὀκνήσῃς. The scene underscores several truths:
• The early church sensed that apostolic presence mattered.
• Love for the saints erased normal travel hesitations (the thirty-five kilometer trek was urgent, not leisurely).
• Miraculous ministry often hinges on prompt obedience; Peter’s readiness leads to Tabitha’s resurrection (Acts 9:40).

Old Testament Greek Parallels (Septuagint)

The verb is scattered through the Greek Old Testament, and every appearance highlights the spiritual peril of hesitation:
• Deuteronomy 23:21 “you shall not delay (οὐκ ὀκνήσεις) to pay” a vow.
• Ecclesiastes 5:4 “do not delay (μὴ ὀκνήσῃς) to fulfill it.”
• Sirach 5:7 “Do not delay (μὴ ὀκνήσῃς) to turn to the Lord.”

In each text, the covenant community is warned that procrastination toward God’s requirements is sin.

Historical and Cultural Setting

Travel in the first-century Mediterranean was slow, costly, and risky. A messenger’s request to “come without delay” pushed against normal social expectations of hospitality, route planning, and personal safety. The disciples’ language therefore conveys absolute urgency and confidence that Peter would put kingdom priorities above personal convenience.

Theological Themes

1. Prompt Obedience. Scripture consistently presents immediate response as the fruit of genuine faith (Genesis 22:3; Matthew 4:20; Acts 16:10).
2. Compassion in Action. The plea “without delay” ties mercy to swiftness. True compassion alleviates suffering sooner, not later.
3. Divine Readiness. God Himself “does not delay” to fulfill His word (Habakkuk 2:3). Believers reflect His character when they act without hesitation.

Ministry Significance

• Shepherding. Elders and pastors are often summoned into crisis; Acts 9:38 models how availability and speed can open the door for God’s extraordinary intervention.
• Intercession. The two unnamed messengers become an example of faith-filled advocacy, urging leaders into strategic moments.
• Mission. Hesitation can cost lives eternally. Evangelistic witness requires the same urgency seen in Joppa (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Practical Lessons for Today

• When spiritual opportunity arises, delay is disobedience in disguise.
• Urgent pleas from fellow believers warrant rearranged schedules.
• Ministry leaders cultivate trust when their first impulse is to go, not to weigh excuses.
• Congregations should intercede “without delay” when crises surface, believing God still raises what appears lost.

Illustrative Biblical Echoes

Lot “lingered” in Sodom until angels pulled him out (Genesis 19:16). Israel “tarried” at Kadesh and forfeited immediate entry into the land (Deuteronomy 1:26-32). By contrast, Abraham “rose early” to obey (Genesis 22:3), and the Macedonian vision led Paul to leave “at once” for Europe (Acts 16:10). Acts 9:38 aligns Peter with the latter pattern.

Related Words and Concepts

• βραδύνω (be slow) – descriptive slowness versus decisive delay.
• ἀναβάλλομαι (put off) – intentional postponement.

Though distinct, each warns that time lost in kingdom service cannot be retrieved.

Summary

Strong’s 3635 confronts the chronic human tendency to hesitate before duty. Through a single, vivid cameo in Acts 9:38, Scripture urges every believer: when God’s call is clear, do not delay.