### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb βραδύνω (G1019), transliterated as *bradýnō*, derives from the adjective βραδύς (`{{G1018}}`), meaning "slow." Consequently, βραδύνω inherently conveys the sense of being slow, delaying, tarrying, or lingering. Its semantic range encompasses both an intentional act of postponement and an unintentional state of slowness or lack of promptness. It can describe a physical delay in movement or arrival, as well as a temporal delay in the fulfillment of a promise or expectation. The core idea is a deviation from an expected or desired speed, resulting in a prolonged duration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term βραδύνω appears in the New Testament in two significant contexts, each shedding light on its nuanced meaning:
1. **1 Timothy 3:15**: "but if I `{{G1019}}` tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth."
In this passage, the apostle Paul uses βραδύνω to refer to his own potential delay in returning to Timothy in Ephesus. The context is practical and administrative, concerning the proper conduct and order within the local church. Paul anticipates a possible extension of his absence and, therefore, provides Timothy with clear instructions regarding leadership qualifications and the nature of the church. Here, "tarry" signifies a temporal delay in Paul's physical presence, implying a longer period of Timothy's independent oversight.
2. **2 Peter 3:9**: "The Lord is not `{{G1019}}` slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
This occurrence is profoundly theological. Peter addresses scoffers who question the delay of Christ's promised second coming (the *parousia*), interpreting it as a sign of God's indifference or inability. Peter emphatically refutes this accusation, stating that the Lord is *not* "slack" or "slow" concerning His promise. The perceived "delay" is not due to divine negligence or forgetfulness, but rather to God's immense μακροθυμία (`{{G3115}}`, longsuffering, patience) and His redemptive will. God's desire is that all should have the opportunity to repent and be saved, and thus, the "delay" is an act of divine grace, extending the time for salvation.
### Related Words & Concepts
βραδύνω is inherently linked to its root, βραδύς (`{{G1018}}`, "slow"). Its semantic field includes concepts of time, patience, and expectation.
* **Antonyms**: Words denoting speed, swiftness, or immediacy, such as ταχύς (`{{G5036}}`, "quick, swift").
* **Synonyms/Related Concepts**:
* Delay/Waiting: ἀναμένω (`{{G377}}`, "to await"), προσδοκάω (`{{G4328}}`, "to expect").
* Patience/Longsuffering: μακροθυμία (`{{G3115}}`, "longsuffering, patience"), which is explicitly contrasted with "slackness" in 2 Peter 3:9.
* Concepts of divine timing, human impatience, eschatological hope, and the nature of God's promises are all closely intertwined with the usage of βραδύνω.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of βραδύνω primarily rests on its usage in 2 Peter 3:9. This verse provides a crucial theological explanation for the apparent delay of Christ's return, a question that troubled early Christians and continues to be pondered today.
The "slackness" or "delay" attributed to God by scoffers is utterly denied. Instead, what humans perceive as delay, God intends as an extension of His grace. This transforms a potential stumbling block into a profound revelation of God's character:
1. **God's Impeccable Faithfulness**: The Lord is not unfaithful to His promises. His timing is perfect, though often beyond human comprehension.
2. **God's Infinite Patience (μακροθυμία)**: The perceived "delay" is a manifestation of divine patience, allowing more time for repentance and salvation. It underscores God's deep desire for humanity's reconciliation with Him.
3. **God's Redemptive Purpose**: The ultimate goal of this "delay" is not indifference but the salvation of souls. God "is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" [[2 Peter 3:9]]. This highlights God's universal love and salvific intent.
Thus, βραδύνω, in this context, becomes a lens through which to understand the benevolent nature of God's sovereignty over time and His profound commitment to human redemption.
### Summary
The Greek verb βραδύνω (G1019) signifies "to delay," "to be slow," or "to tarry." While it can describe a practical, temporal delay, as seen in Paul's potential absence from Timothy [[1 Timothy 3:15]], its most profound usage is found in 2 Peter 3:9. Here, it addresses the perceived "delay" of Christ's second coming, emphatically refuting the notion that God is "slack" or indifferent concerning His promises. Instead, this apparent delay is revealed as a demonstration of God's boundless patience (μακροθυμία, `{{G3115}}`) and His gracious will that all might come to repentance. βραδύνω, therefore, serves to underscore the faithfulness, patience, and redemptive purpose of God, contrasting human impatience with divine timing and love.
TRV