### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **tropophoréō**, represented by `{{G5159}}`, is defined as to "endure one's habits" and is translated as "suffer the manners." It is derived from the words τρόπος and φορέω. This specific term is quite rare, appearing only **2 times** within **1 unique verse** in the entire biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G5159}}` is found in [[Acts 13:18]], which recounts God's relationship with Israel during their time in the wilderness. The verse states that for "about the time of forty years," God "suffered he their manners in the wilderness." This context frames `{{G5159}}` as an act of divine endurance, where God patiently bore with the behavior and habits of the people of Israel during a prolonged period of testing and wandering.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words from its single biblical context help illuminate its meaning:
* `{{G5063}}` **tessarakontaetḗs** (of forty years of age): This word specifies the duration of God's endurance, fixing the event to the **forty years** of wandering. It is also used in Acts to describe Moses' age at a key point in his life [[Acts 7:23]].
* `{{G5550}}` **chrónos** (a space of time or interval): This term establishes the general context of a **time** period. It is used broadly in scripture to denote significant intervals, such as "the fulness of the time" for Christ's arrival [[Galatians 4:4]].
* `{{G2048}}` **érēmos** (desert, desolate, solitary, wilderness): This sets the location for the action. The **wilderness** is a significant place of trial and revelation throughout scripture, as seen when Jesus was tempted [[Matthew 4:1]] or when John the Baptist cried out [[John 1:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5159}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful application. It highlights the divine attribute of long-suffering.
* **Divine Forbearance:** The primary theological point is God's patient endurance. In stating that God "suffered their manners" [[Acts 13:18]], the word emphasizes His capacity to bear with human weakness and rebellion over an extended period.
* **A Period of Testing:** The context of **forty years** in the **wilderness** is crucial. This was a time meant to test Israel, and `{{G5159}}` reveals God's side of that relationship—He was patiently forbearing with them throughout the trial.
* **Historical Remembrance:** The use of the word in Acts serves as a historical reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, even when their "manners" were difficult to endure.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G5159}}` is a term with very limited usage, its appearance in [[Acts 13:18]] provides a profound insight into the character of God. It encapsulates the entire forty-year wilderness experience from a divine perspective, defining it as an act of enduring the challenging habits of His people. The word powerfully conveys a message of divine patience and long-suffering in the face of human fallibility.
TRV