The Hebrew word ʼârêk, represented by H750, describes the quality of being long. It appears 15 times in 15 unique verses. While it can be used in a literal sense, its primary application in scripture is figurative, denoting patience, being long-suffering, or, most frequently, being "slow to anger."
The most prominent use of H750 is to describe a core attribute of God. In a foundational declaration of His own character, the LORD proclaims Himself to be "longsuffering" Exodus 34:6. This description is echoed throughout the scriptures, with writers affirming that God is "slow to anger" (Psalms 103:8, Joel 2:13, Nehemiah 9:17). This quality is so well-known that Jonah cites it as the reason for his flight to Tarshish, stating, "I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger" Jonah 4:2. Beyond its divine application, the word is used in wisdom literature to commend patience in humans, noting that one who is "slow to anger is better than the mighty" Proverbs 16:32. In a purely physical sense, it describes a "longwinged" eagle in a parable from Ezekiel Ezekiel 17:3.
Several related words help to clarify and expand upon the meaning of H750:
- H639 ʼaph (anger, wrath): This word, literally meaning "nostril" or "nose," is almost always paired with H750 to form the idiom "slow to anger." It conveys the idea of slow, controlled breathing in contrast to the rapid, heated breathing of passion and ire.
- H7116 qâtsêr (short, hasty): This serves as a direct antonym. Proverbs 14:29 contrasts the one who is "slow to wrath" H750 with the one who is "hasty of spirit" H7116, linking impatience to folly.
- H7307 rûwach (spirit): This word is used to describe the seat of patience or impatience. Being "patient in spirit" Ecclesiastes 7:8 is contrasted with being "proud in spirit," indicating that patience is an internal virtue.
- H7349 rachûwm (compassionate): This attribute is frequently mentioned alongside God being "slow to anger," highlighting that His patience stems from a merciful nature (Psalms 103:8, Joel 2:13).
- H2587 channûwn (gracious): Similar to compassion, God's graciousness is a quality consistently listed with His being "slow to anger" (Exodus 34:6, Nehemiah 9:17, Jonah 4:2).
The theological weight of H750 is significant, primarily in defining God's character and His interaction with humanity.
- Divine Character: The attribute of being "slow to anger" is a self-revelation of God Exodus 34:6. It is a foundational aspect of His covenant relationship, often paired with his mercy H2617, compassion H7349, and grace H2587.
- Patience and Justice: God's slowness to anger is not an indication of weakness or an overlooking of sin. Nahum 1:3 balances this attribute by stating that the LORD, while "slow to anger," is also "great in power" H3581 and "will not at all acquit the wicked." Likewise, Numbers 14:18 notes that though He is "longsuffering," He visits the "iniquity of the fathers upon the children."
- A Model for Wisdom: The Book of Proverbs presents this divine quality as a virtue for humans to emulate. Being "slow to anger" is a mark of "great understanding" Proverbs 14:29 and has the power to "appease strife" Proverbs 15:18. It is presented as a strength superior to that of a "mighty" warrior who takes a city Proverbs 16:32.
In summary, H750 ʼârêk is a vital descriptor that moves from the literal meaning of "long" to the profound theological concept of patience and long-suffering. It is overwhelmingly used to define the merciful and just character of God, who is slow to execute wrath. This same quality is then presented in scripture as a pinnacle of human wisdom, promoting peace and demonstrating greater strength than physical might.
TRV