### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]]).
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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