ἀνέχομαι

anéchomai /an-ekh'-om-ahee/ Ask about this word
Meaningmiddle voice from ἀνά and ἔχω; to hold oneself up against, i.e. (figuratively) put up with
KJV usagebear with, endure, forbear, suffer.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word anéchomai, represented by G430, means to hold oneself up against, or figuratively to put up with. It is often translated as bear with, endure, forbear, or suffer. Appearing 17 times across 14 unique verses, this word describes an active and often difficult patience in the face of provocation, weakness, or hardship.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G430 is used in several distinct contexts. Jesus uses it to express his frustration with a "faithless and perverse generation," asking, "how long shall I suffer you?" Matthew 17:17. Conversely, it is presented as a key Christian virtue, with believers commanded to be "forbearing G430 one another G240 in G1722 love G26" Ephesians 4:2 and to connect this forbearance with forgiveness Colossians 3:13. The word can also describe a negative tolerance, such as when the time comes when people will not endure sound doctrine 2 Timothy 4:3 or when the Corinthian church is chided for how easily they bear with those who preach a false gospel 2 Corinthians 11:4.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the concept of enduring and suffering:

  • G5281 hypomonḗ (cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy): This noun often describes the character quality that G430 puts into action. Believers are praised for their patience G5281 and faith G4102 in the tribulations they endure G430 2 Thessalonians 1:4.
  • G3115 makrothymía (longanimity, i.e. (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude): Frequently translated as longsuffering, this word is explicitly paired with forbearing G430 as a foundational element of a life lived in humility and meekness Ephesians 4:2.
  • G1375 diōgmós (persecution): This term often defines the specific hardship that requires endurance. The church in Thessalonica is commended for their faith and patience G5281 in all their persecutions G1375 that they endure G430 2 Thessalonians 1:4.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G430 is significant for understanding Christian life and character.

  • Mutual Forbearance: The word establishes a core principle for community life. Believers are called to actively forbear one another as a practical expression of love and as a necessary precursor to forgiveness Colossians 3:13.
  • Perseverance in Hardship: The act of enduring is directly tied to a believer's response to suffering for their faith. Paul states that when "being persecuted G1377, we suffer it G430" 1 Corinthians 4:12, framing endurance as a conscious response to opposition.
  • Discerning Patience: The use of G430 demonstrates that not all endurance is virtuous. While believers are to bear with each other's faults, Paul warns against using that same patience to suffer those who bring them into bondage, devour them, or preach another Jesus 2 Corinthians 11:20.

Summary

In summary, G430 is a dynamic term that goes beyond passive tolerance. It signifies an active choice to "hold up against" a difficult person or situation. From Christ's suffering of human faithlessness to a vital command for believers to practice mutual forbearance, anéchomai is crucial for understanding Christian perseverance, the nature of love within the church, and the wisdom required to know what to endure.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 15 occurrences, inflected in 9 grammatical forms.

  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 2nd Plural 4×
  • Future Middle Deponent Indicative 1st Singular 3×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Middle Indicative 1st Singular 1×
  • Future Middle Deponent Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Imperfect Middle Indicative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Present Middle Indicative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 1st Plural 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Future
Action yet to take place.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Middle Deponent
Middle in form but active in meaning.
Passive Deponent
Passive in form but active in meaning.
Middle Or Passive
Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 14 verses across 11 books. Most frequent in 2 Corinthians (4 verses).

1
Matthew
1
Mark
1
Luke
1
Acts
1
1 Corinthians
4
2 Corinthians
1
Ephesians
1
Colossians
1
2 Thessalonians
1
2 Timothy
1
Hebrews

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