What is the biblical meaning of "and it came to pass"?

Few phrases in the Bible are as familiar—or as easily overlooked—as the oft-repeated "and it came to pass." Appearing hundreds of times throughout both the Old and New Testaments, these simple words may seem like a routine narrative device, a way of moving the story forward. But is there more to this phrase than meets the eye? What does "and it came to pass" mean in its biblical context, and why is it used so frequently?

The Origins of "And It Came to Pass"

The phrase "and it came to pass" is a translation of the Hebrew words "וַיְהִי" (vayehi) in the Old Testament and the Greek phrase "καὶ ἐγένετο" (kai egeneto) in the New Testament. Both phrases serve as narrative markers, indicating the progression of time or the occurrence of events. In English translations such as the King James Version (KJV), the phrase is preserved almost verbatim, giving it a rhythmic and almost poetic quality. More modern translations may replace it with alternatives like "then," "now it happened," or "later."

Yet, the frequency and consistency of "and it came to pass" in older translations have made it a recognizable part of biblical language—almost a signature of sacred storytelling. Its presence signals to the reader that a transition is occurring, that the narrative is about to unfold or take a significant turn.

Literary Function: More Than Filler

At first glance, "and it came to pass" may seem like little more than filler—a phrase to pad the text or ease the flow of storytelling. However, in biblical literature, nothing is wasted. Every word, every phrase, is chosen with intention. The use of "and it came to pass" accomplishes several key literary functions.

First, it serves as a temporal marker, indicating a shift in time or the start of a new scene. For example, in Genesis 39:7, we read, "And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph…" The phrase signals that something noteworthy is about to occur.

Second, it acts as a narrative hinge, connecting previous events to what follows. It reminds the reader that the story is unfolding in sequence, that God’s purposes are being worked out in the flow of time. The phrase is especially common in historical and prophetic books, where the succession of events is crucial to the message being conveyed.

Third, it creates a sense of inevitability and fulfillment. When the Bible says "and it came to pass," there is a subtle reminder that what was foretold or anticipated has now taken place. This is particularly evident in prophetic passages, where promises or warnings are followed by their realization: "And it came to pass, as he spake unto us, so it was…" (2 Samuel 7:28).

Theological Significance: God’s Sovereignty in History

Beyond its literary function, "and it came to pass" carries deep theological weight. In the biblical worldview, history is not a random sequence of events. Rather, it is the unfolding of God’s sovereign plan for creation, redemption, and restoration. The phrase "and it came to pass" becomes a refrain that underscores the faithfulness and reliability of God’s word.

When the Bible uses this phrase, it is often to show that what God has promised or decreed has come to fruition. It is a subtle but powerful affirmation that God is active in human history, that His purposes are being accomplished even through ordinary or unexpected means. Each "and it came to pass" is a reminder that God’s promises do not fail; what He has spoken will be fulfilled in due time.

For example, in the story of the Exodus, the repeated use of "and it came to pass" tracks the unfolding of God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt. Each step, from the plagues to the crossing of the Red Sea, is marked by this phrase, reinforcing the idea that God’s hand is guiding the course of events. Similarly, in the New Testament, the phrase is used to signify the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the Messiah—Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, and resurrection.

Symbolism and Repetition: The Rhythm of Divine Storytelling

The frequent repetition of "and it came to pass" gives the biblical narrative a distinct rhythm. This repetition is not accidental; it reflects the oral traditions from which much of scripture emerged. In an age before widespread literacy, repetition helped listeners remember and internalize the story.

But repetition also serves a symbolic purpose. It is as if the biblical writers are inviting us to see the connection between the mundane and the miraculous, between the flow of everyday life and the workings of divine providence. By interspersing the narrative with this recurring phrase, the Bible reminds us that every moment—ordinary or extraordinary—is part of a larger tapestry woven by God.

Moreover, the phrase offers comfort and assurance to readers. Life can be unpredictable, filled with twists and turns. Yet, "and it came to pass" suggests that seasons change, troubles end, and new chapters begin. It is a gentle reminder that nothing is permanent except God’s faithfulness.

Examples Across the Bible

The phrase "and it came to pass" appears in a wide range of biblical contexts, from the earliest stories in Genesis to the prophecies of Revelation. In the Old Testament, it is used to introduce major events—such as the Great Flood (Genesis 7:10), the birth of Isaac (Genesis 21:1-2), and pivotal moments in the lives of the patriarchs and kings. In the New Testament, it marks the unfolding of the gospel story, including the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:6), the miracles He performed, and key moments in the early church.

Every time the phrase is used, it signals to the reader that a significant development has occurred. Whether it is the fulfillment of a promise, the arrival of a new era, or the resolution of a conflict, "and it came to pass" is the Bible’s way of highlighting the hand of God in the affairs of humanity.

Lessons for Today: Embracing the Journey

What can modern readers learn from the biblical use of "and it came to pass"? First, it encourages patience and trust in the unfolding of life’s events. Just as biblical stories unfolded over years, sometimes generations, so too do our own stories take time to reach their fulfillment. The phrase reminds us to trust God’s timing, even when the outcome is not immediately apparent.

Second, "and it came to pass" reassures us that challenges are temporary. The difficulties and sorrows we face are part of a larger narrative, one that ultimately bends toward hope and redemption. The phrase speaks hope into our struggles: what you are facing now will not last forever; it, too, will pass.

Finally, the phrase calls us to recognize the presence of God in the ordinary. Not every moment is marked by miracles or revelations, but every moment is significant in God’s story. "And it came to pass" invites us to see the sacred in the everyday, to trust that God is at work even when we cannot see the full picture.