### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G5159 (tropophoréō) is a compound verb formed from `{{G5158}}` (tropos), meaning "manner, way, custom, character," and `{{G5409}}` (phoreō), meaning "to bear, carry, wear," often with the implication of continuous or habitual action, signifying a more intense or prolonged bearing than `{{G5342}}` (pherō). Therefore, G5159 literally signifies "to bear or carry someone's manners or habits." Its core meaning revolves around the concept of enduring, tolerating, or putting up with the characteristic behaviors, dispositions, or customs of others over an extended period. The nuance of φορέω suggests a deliberate, sustained act of patience in the face of potentially difficult or challenging conduct. Due to its singular occurrence in the New Testament, its semantic range is narrowly defined by its specific biblical context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G5159 (tropophoréō) appears only once in the New Testament, in Paul's sermon at Antioch of Pisidia:
* [[Acts 13:18]]: "And for about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness." (ESV, translating ἐτροποφόρησεν as "put up with their ways"). The King James Version renders it as "suffered He their manners."
In this context, Paul is recounting God's faithfulness to Israel, specifically during their forty years in the wilderness after the Exodus. The "ways" or "manners" of the Israelites refer to their persistent rebellion, murmuring, idolatry, and disbelief, which are amply documented throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Numbers 14, Psalm 78, Nehemiah 9). The use of G5159 here powerfully conveys the immense patience and long-suffering of God. Despite the constant provocation and spiritual infidelity of His chosen people, God did not immediately abandon or destroy them but continued to provide for them, guide them, and bear with their stubbornness. This single occurrence highlights a profound aspect of divine character: God's enduring forbearance towards His often disobedient people.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding G5159 is enriched by examining its constituent parts and conceptually related terms:
* `{{G5158}}` (tropos): This noun, meaning "manner, way, custom, character," is fundamental to G5159, defining *what* is being endured—the characteristic behaviors or dispositions.
* `{{G5409}}` (phoreō): This verb, meaning "to bear, carry, wear (habitually)," emphasizes the sustained and continuous nature of the endurance. It suggests a deliberate and ongoing act, rather than a momentary one.
* `{{G3115}}` (makrothymia): "Long-suffering, patience." This is a strong conceptual synonym, as God's act of tropophoréō is a supreme demonstration of His makrothymia. It speaks of a patient bearing of wrongs or provocations without retaliation.
* `{{G430}}` (anechō): "To endure, bear with, put up with." This verb shares a similar semantic range, often used in the context of bearing with others' weaknesses or difficult behaviors (e.g., [[Colossians 3:13]]). G5159 specifies the *type* of thing being endured (manners/habits).
* `{{G5281}}` (hypomonē): "Endurance, steadfastness." While hypomonē often refers to enduring trials or persecutions, the concept of steadfastness in the face of difficulty is broadly related to the act of tropophoréō.
* Old Testament parallels: The concept of God's enduring patience with Israel is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, particularly in passages describing the wilderness wanderings, such as [[Nehemiah 9:16-17]] and [[Psalm 78:38-40]], which beautifully articulate God's compassion and forbearance despite Israel's stubbornness.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of G5159 in [[Acts 13:18]] carries profound theological weight, primarily revealing the character of God.
1. **Divine Forbearance and Patience:** The most prominent theological implication is the revelation of God's immense μακροθυμία `{{G3115}}` (long-suffering) and patience. Despite the repeated rebellion, complaining, and unfaithfulness of the Israelites over forty years, God did not abandon them. His tropophoréō demonstrates a divine attribute that goes beyond mere tolerance; it is an active, sustained bearing with His people's sinful "manners" rooted in His covenant faithfulness and love. This patience is not weakness but a powerful demonstration of His control and His desire for humanity's repentance and restoration.
2. **Grace and Mercy:** God's act of tropophoréō is an act of pure grace. The Israelites did not deserve His continued provision and guidance; their actions warranted judgment. Yet, God's enduring patience manifests His mercy, providing opportunities for repentance and demonstrating His commitment to His promises even when His people fail. This sets a precedent for God's dealings with humanity throughout history, culminating in the ultimate demonstration of grace in Christ.
3. **Model for Believers:** While the verse describes God's action, it implicitly serves as a powerful model for Christian conduct. If God, in His perfect holiness, bore with the sinful manners of His people, how much more should believers be called to bear with one another's imperfections, weaknesses, and challenging behaviors? This concept underpins calls to unity, forgiveness, and mutual forbearance within the Christian community (e.g., [[Ephesians 4:2]], [[Colossians 3:13]]). It underscores the necessity of patience and love in relationships, reflecting the divine character.
4. **The Nature of Human Sin:** The necessity of God's tropophoréō also highlights the persistent and pervasive nature of human sin and rebellion against a holy God. It demonstrates that humanity, left to its own devices, consistently falls short and provokes divine displeasure, yet God's enduring love transcends this reality.
### Summary
G5159 (tropophoréō) is a unique and potent Greek verb, meaning "to bear with or endure the manners, habits, or characteristic behaviors of others over a prolonged period." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 13:18]] is profoundly significant, describing God's enduring patience and forbearance with the Israelites during their forty years of rebellion in the wilderness. This word powerfully reveals God's character as one of immense μακροθυμία `{{G3115}}` and grace, demonstrating His steadfast commitment to His covenant people despite their persistent unfaithfulness. Theologically, tropophoréō underscores divine mercy and provides a compelling model for believers to exercise patience and long-suffering in their relationships, reflecting the very nature of God.
TRV