### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἀνοχή (anoche), transliterated as "anoche," derives from the verb ἀνέχομαι (anechomai, `{{G430}}`), which means "to hold up, endure, bear with, or suffer." Consequently, ἀνοχή conveys the sense of a "holding back," a "suspension," or a "cessation." In its theological application, particularly in the New Testament, it signifies divine "forbearance" or "self-restraint." This is not a passive tolerance or an indifferent overlooking, but an active, deliberate, and purposeful withholding of deserved judgment or punishment. It implies a temporary delay, a patient enduring, or a suspension of immediate action, without negating the ultimate demand for justice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀνοχή appears exclusively in Paul's Epistle to the Romans, occurring only twice:
1. **[[Romans 2:4]]**: "Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?"
Here, ἀνοχή is presented as one of the "riches" of God's character, alongside His "goodness" (ἀγαθότης, `{{G19}}`) and "longsuffering" (μακροθυμία, `{{G3115}}`). This triad describes the divine patience extended to humanity. God's forbearance in this context refers to His patient restraint from immediately executing judgment upon those who persist in sin. The purpose of this divine attribute is explicitly stated: it is intended to lead individuals to repentance, highlighting God's redemptive purpose even in His patience.
2. **[[Romans 3:25]]**: "whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins previously committed."
This verse provides a crucial theological insight into God's justice and the necessity of Christ's atonement. Paul explains that God's righteousness was "demonstrated" (ἔνδειξις, `{{G1732}}`) through Christ's propitiatory sacrifice. The reason for this demonstration is that, in the preceding era (the Old Testament period), God, "in His forbearance," had "passed over" (παρέρχομαι, `{{G3928}}`, meaning to pass by or disregard temporarily) the sins committed. This "passing over" was not an act of condoning sin or a cancellation of the debt, but a temporary suspension of the full penalty. It was a holding back of wrath, anticipating the future, definitive satisfaction of divine justice through the cross of Christ. The forbearance allowed God to maintain His holy character while patiently awaiting the perfect sacrifice that would fully vindicate His righteousness.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Longsuffering (μακροθυμία, `{{G3115}}`):** Often used in conjunction with ἀνοχή, as seen in [[Romans 2:4]]. While ἀνοχή emphasizes the active *restraint* from punishment, μακροθυμία highlights the *patience* in enduring provocation and waiting for a response. They are complementary aspects of God's divine patience and slowness to anger.
* **Goodness (ἀγαθότης, `{{G19}}`):** The underlying benevolent disposition from which God's forbearance springs. His goodness motivates His patient restraint.
* **Propitiation (ἱλαστήριον, `{{G2435}}`):** In [[Romans 3:25]], Christ's propitiatory sacrifice is the means by which God's past forbearance is retroactively justified and His righteousness fully demonstrated. The cross shows that God's forbearance was not a compromise of justice but a temporary measure until justice could be fully satisfied.
* **Patience (ὑπομονή, `{{G5281}}`):** While related to enduring, ὑπομονή typically refers to steadfastness under trials or afflictions, often applied to human perseverance. ἀνοχή specifically denotes divine restraint concerning sin.
* **Mercy (ἔλεος, `{{G1656}}`):** Though intertwined, forbearance is distinct from mercy. Mercy is compassion shown to the miserable, often leading to relief from suffering. Forbearance is a temporary withholding of deserved judgment, allowing for a window of opportunity.
### Theological Significance
The concept of ἀνοχή (anoche) is profoundly significant for understanding the character of God and the nature of salvation.
1. **Divine Attribute**: It reveals God as a Being of immense patience and self-control, who deliberately chooses to delay the execution of deserved wrath. This forbearance is not a sign of weakness or indifference, but an active manifestation of His goodness and a testament to His desire for humanity's repentance.
2. **Necessity of Atonement**: [[Romans 3:25]] is pivotal. It addresses a critical theological problem: how could God be just if He had "passed over" sins throughout the Old Testament period without a full payment? The answer lies in His forbearance, which was a temporary suspension of judgment, not a cancellation of the debt. This temporary measure *required* the future, definitive payment of sin's penalty through Christ's atoning sacrifice. The cross thus demonstrates that God is both "just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" [[Romans 3:26]].
3. **Purposeful Delay**: God's forbearance is always teleological; it has a purpose. In [[Romans 2:4]], it is to lead people to repentance. In [[Romans 3:25]], it was to bridge the gap between the Old Covenant and the New, allowing for the demonstration of His righteousness through Christ's propitiation. It is a period of grace, offering opportunity before judgment.
### Summary
ἀνοχή (anoche) signifies God's divine "forbearance" or "self-restraint," a deliberate and temporary withholding of deserved judgment or punishment. Appearing twice in Paul's Epistle to the Romans, it illuminates key aspects of God's character and the economy of salvation. In [[Romans 2:4]], it is presented as an expression of God's abundant goodness and longsuffering, designed to lead humanity to repentance. More profoundly, in [[Romans 3:25]], it explains how God righteously "passed over" sins committed prior to Christ's advent. This "passing over" was a temporary suspension of judgment, not a condoning of sin, which ultimately required the propitiatory sacrifice of Jesus Christ to fully satisfy the demands of divine justice. Thus, ἀνοχή underscores God's patient wisdom and His unwavering commitment to both His holy righteousness and His redemptive purposes.
TRV