### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **anochḗ**, represented by `{{G463}}`, refers to **forbearance**, signifying self-restraint or tolerance. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. This term specifically describes God's deliberate holding back of judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G463}}` highlights a key aspect of God's character. In [[Romans 3:25]], it is through the **forbearance** of God that sins committed in the past were passed over, setting the stage for His righteousness to be declared through Christ as a propitiation. Similarly, [[Romans 2:4]] questions whether one might despise the riches of God's goodness, **forbearance**, and longsuffering, noting that this divine patience is intended to lead a person to repentance.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the meaning of forbearance:
* `{{G3115}}` **makrothymía** (longsuffering): Often paired with forbearance, this word describes longanimity or fortitude, emphasizing the duration of God's patience [[Romans 2:4]].
* `{{G5544}}` **chrēstótēs** (goodness): This term for moral excellence or kindness appears alongside forbearance, highlighting the benevolent nature behind God's restraint [[Romans 2:4]].
* `{{G3929}}` **páresis** (remission): Defined as praetermission or toleration, this word is directly linked to God's forbearance in relation to sins that are past [[Romans 3:25]].
* `{{G3341}}` **metánoia** (repentance): This is the intended result of God's forbearance, a compunction for guilt that leads to a reversal of decision [[Romans 2:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G463}}` is centered on God's redemptive plan.
* **Temporary Restraint of Judgment:** God's forbearance is shown in His passing over of **sins** that were **past**, demonstrating a divine self-restraint that allowed for His plan of salvation to unfold [[Romans 3:25]].
* **Purposeful Call to Change:** The forbearance of God is not an endorsement of sin but an active grace. It is an expression of His **goodness** and **longsuffering**, designed to lead people to **repentance** [[Romans 2:4]].
* **Demonstration of Righteousness:** God's forbearance is exercised in conjunction with His justice. He **set forth** Christ as a **propitiation** to declare His **righteousness** for the **remission** of sins that occurred during this period of divine patience [[Romans 3:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G463}}` **anochḗ** is a concise yet profound term describing God's purposeful self-restraint. It is not mere tolerance but a deliberate withholding of judgment for past sins, a characteristic that displays the riches of His goodness and is ultimately intended to demonstrate His righteousness and draw humanity to repentance.
TRV