from the same as μακροθυμώς; to be long-spirited, i.e. (objectively) forbearing or (subjectively) patient:--bear (suffer) long, be longsuffering, have (long) patience, be patient, patiently endure.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb μακροθυμέω (makrothyméō - `{{G3114}}`) is a compound word derived from μακρός (makros), meaning "long," and θυμός (thymos), meaning "passion," "anger," or "spirit." Literally, it signifies "to be long-spirited" or "to have a long temper." This core meaning extends into two primary semantic ranges:
1. **Forbearance/Longsuffering (objective):** This refers to patience in the face of provocation, injury, or opposition. It describes a disposition that is slow to anger, refrains from retaliation or punishment, and endures offenses without immediate outburst or retribution. It implies a deliberate and often prolonged restraint of wrath, even when justified.
2. **Patient Endurance (subjective):** This aspect emphasizes steadfastness and perseverance in enduring difficult circumstances, trials, or suffering over an extended period. It is the ability to bear up under hardship without losing hope, giving up, or succumbing to despair.
While often translated as "patience," μακροθυμέω and its noun form μακροθυμία (`{{G3115}}`) are distinct from ὑπομονή (hypomonē - `{{G5281}}`). μακροθυμέω primarily denotes patience *with people* or *in the face of provocation*, whereas ὑπομονή generally refers to endurance *under circumstances* or *trials*. However, there is some conceptual overlap and they are occasionally found together, complementing each other.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb μακροθυμέω appears 10 times in the New Testament, with significant usage reflecting both divine and human attributes.
* **God's μακροθυμία:**
* A prominent theme is God's divine patience and forbearance towards humanity. He is depicted as "longsuffering" towards sinners, providing ample time for repentance before judgment. [[Romans 2:4]] states that God's kindness, forbearance, and patience are intended to lead people to repentance.
* [[1 Peter 3:20]] highlights God's patience during the days of Noah, waiting for humanity to respond before bringing the flood.
* Most powerfully, [[2 Peter 3:9]] declares, "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." This verse underscores that God's μακροθυμία is rooted in His redemptive purpose and His desire for salvation.
* **Human μακροθυμία:**
* **In Christian Character:** μακροθυμέω is presented as an essential virtue for believers, particularly in their relationships with others. [[1 Corinthians 13:4]] famously declares that "Love is patient" (ἀγάπη μακροθυμεῖ), identifying patience as a foundational characteristic of divine love.
* [[Ephesians 4:2]] exhorts believers to walk "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love." This emphasizes the relational aspect of patience within the community of faith.
* **In Ministry:** Paul instructs Timothy to preach the word "with all patience and teaching" in [[2 Timothy 4:2]]. This implies enduring opposition, misunderstandings, and the slow process of spiritual growth in others, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the truth.
* **In Expectation of Christ's Return:** [[James 5:7-8]] urges believers to "be patient" (μακροθυμήσατε) until the coming of the Lord, using the analogy of a farmer patiently waiting for the precious fruit of the earth. This connects μακροθυμέω to eschatological hope and perseverance in the face of delayed expectations.
The Septuagint (LXX) frequently uses μακροθυμέω and its cognates to translate the Hebrew phrase אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם ('erekh 'appayim - `{{H750}}`), meaning "slow to anger," a characteristic consistently attributed to Yahweh (e.g., [[Exodus 34:6]], [[Numbers 14:18]], [[Psalm 103:8]]). This strong Old Testament foundation provides crucial context for its New Testament theological depth.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **μακροθυμία (makrothymia - `{{G3115}}`):** The noun form, meaning "longsuffering" or "patience." It is listed as a fruit of the Spirit in [[Galatians 5:22]] and a virtue to be put on by believers in [[Colossians 3:12]] and [[2 Peter 1:6]]. This noun often appears where the verb could also be implied.
* **ὑπομονή (hypomonē - `{{G5281}}`):** While also translated as "patience," this word more specifically denotes endurance, steadfastness, or perseverance under trials, suffering, or adverse circumstances. It focuses on remaining firm and resilient. Though distinct, μακροθυμία and ὑπομονή are often complementary, as seen in [[Colossians 1:11]] which speaks of "all endurance and patience with joy."
* **πραΰτης (praÿtēs - `{{G4236}}`):** Gentleness or meekness. This quality is often associated with μακροθυμία because a gentle spirit is less prone to quick anger and more capable of patient forbearance.
* **Divine Attributes:** μακροθυμέω is inextricably linked to other divine attributes such as God's mercy (ἔλεος - `{{G1656}}`), kindness (χρηστότης - `{{G5544}}`), and grace (χάρις - `{{G5485}}`). These qualities collectively describe God's benevolent disposition towards humanity, particularly in the face of sin.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μακροθυμέω is profound and multifaceted:
* **Revelation of God's Character:** Foremost, μακροθυμέω reveals a core aspect of God's nature. His longsuffering is not a sign of weakness or indifference, but an active, purposeful restraint of His righteous judgment, motivated by His profound love and desire for humanity's salvation. It underscores His boundless grace and mercy, providing the necessary space for repentance.
* **Basis for Salvation:** God's μακροθυμία is the very reason humanity has an opportunity for salvation. If God were not patient, immediate judgment would fall upon sin, leaving no room for redemption. His patience is therefore a foundational element of His redemptive plan.
* **Essential Christian Virtue and Christlikeness:** For believers, μακροθυμέω is an indispensable virtue, a hallmark of authentic *agape* love, and a key aspect of growing into Christlikeness. It enables Christians to bear with one another's faults, forgive offenses, and endure persecution or opposition without retaliation or despair. It is a practical outworking of the command to love one's neighbor.
* **Empowered by the Holy Spirit:** As μακροθυμία (the noun form) is listed as a fruit of the Spirit, the ability to exercise μακροθυμέω is not merely a human effort but a divine enablement. It demonstrates the Holy Spirit's transformative work in the life of a believer, shaping their character to reflect God's own patience.
* **Hope and Eschatology:** The call to patient endurance (μακροθυμέω) in the New Testament is often linked to the expectation of Christ's return. Believers are encouraged to patiently await the Lord's coming, trusting in His perfect timing and His ultimate vindication, even amidst present suffering or delayed promises.
### Summary
The Greek verb μακροθυμέω (makrothyméō - `{{G3114}}`) fundamentally means "to be long-spirited," encompassing both the objective quality of forbearance (slowness to anger and restraint from punishment) and the subjective quality of patient endurance (steadfastness in the face of trials). Rooted in the Old Testament concept of God being "slow to anger," its primary theological significance in the New Testament is its revelation of God's character. He is μακροθυμέω towards humanity, demonstrating His merciful patience to provide time for repentance and salvation, as highlighted in [[2 Peter 3:9]]. For believers, μακροθυμέω is a non-negotiable virtue, a defining characteristic of Christlike love ([[1 Corinthians 13:4]]), and a vital component of enduring in faith and ministry ([[Ephesians 4:2]], [[2 Timothy 4:2]]). Empowered by the Holy Spirit, this divine attribute, when manifested in believers, enables them to bear with others, forgive offenses, and patiently await the Lord's return, reflecting God's own gracious disposition to a world in need of His enduring love.
TRV