Strong’s 3764 expresses the decisive phrase “not yet,” marking an event, condition, or understanding that remains incomplete until God’s appointed moment. Each use in Scripture highlights a divinely ordered delay, underscoring the sovereign timing that governs revelation, redemption, and empowerment.

Occurrences and Contexts

1. John 7:39 – “For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.”
2. John 19:41 – “Now there was a garden in the place where Jesus was crucified, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid.”
3. John 20:9 – “For they still did not understand from the Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.”
4. Acts 8:16 – “…because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.”

The Spirit and the Glory of Christ

John 7:39 binds the giving of the Spirit to the glorification of Jesus. The “not yet” guards the sequence of redemptive history: first the crucifixion-resurrection-ascension, then Pentecost. The delay highlights that the Spirit’s outpouring rests on Christ’s finished work (John 16:7; Acts 2:33). For ministry, this underscores that spiritual power flows from the exalted Christ, not human initiative.

A Tomb Untouched

In John 19:41 the phrase secures the prophetic picture of Messiah wrapped in purity—no previous body had defiled the tomb (Isaiah 53:9). “Not yet” preserves both historical credibility (a known, unused tomb) and typological resonance (Numbers 19:2; Hebrews 9:14), pointing to the spotless sacrifice. Pastors can anchor confidence in the bodily resurrection on this concrete detail.

Progressive Illumination

John 20:9 shows the disciples caught in a “not yet” of understanding. Though Scripture foretold the resurrection, comprehension awaited the living Christ’s instruction (Luke 24:45). The verse reassures believers that ignorance can turn to insight as Christ opens minds, encouraging patience with spiritual growth in discipleship contexts.

Samaritan Pentecost

Acts 8:16 demonstrates the gospel’s expansion. The Samaritans believed and were baptized, but the Spirit “had not yet” fallen until apostolic hands were laid on them. The interval validated the unity of church and apostles (Ephesians 2:20). Historically, the episode curbed schism; devotionally, it teaches that authentic revival aligns with apostolic doctrine and God’s timetable.

Already and Not Yet

Throughout Scripture the kingdom is present yet future (Luke 17:21; Revelation 11:15). Strong’s 3764 sharpens this tension: promises given, fulfillment pending. It invites believers to live in hopeful obedience—salvation accomplished (John 19:30), consummation awaited (Romans 13:11-12).

Historical Reception

• Early Fathers such as Irenaeus saw John 7:39 as proof that Pentecost is tethered to Christ’s exaltation, refuting claims of a Spirit independent of the Son.
• Augustine linked the Samaritans’ delay to the church’s catholic unity, contending against Donatist separatism.
• Reformers cited John 20:9 when emphasizing Scripture’s sufficiency: the text was clear; human perception was “not yet.” Illumination, not new revelation, was needed.

Ministry Application

1. Timing: God’s purposes unfold on schedule; leaders must trust divine sequence rather than press for premature outcomes.
2. Purity: The unused tomb calls believers to moral integrity as fitting vessels for resurrection power.
3. Patience in Teaching: Like the disciples, congregations may require time and experience before doctrines crystallize.
4. Dependence on the Spirit: Acts 8 propels churches to seek Spirit empowerment that affirms sound doctrine and unity.

Summary

Strong’s 3764 encapsulates the divinely ordained interval between promise and fulfillment. Each appearance magnifies the precision of God’s plan, inviting the church to wait in faith, walk in purity, and witness in Spirit-empowered confidence until every “not yet” becomes “now.”