Lexical Summary bradunó: To delay, to be slow, to tarry Original Word: βραδύνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hesitate, delay, tarry. From bradus; to delay -- be slack, tarry. see GREEK bradus HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1019 bradýnō – loiter, be unduly slow. "The word implies, besides delay, the idea of lateness with reference to an appointed time" (M. Vincent). See 1021 (bradys). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom bradus Definition to retard, to be slow NASB Translation am delayed (1), slow (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1019: βραδύνωβραδύνω; (βραδύς); to delay, be slow; 1. rarely transitive, to render slow, retard: τήν σωτηρίαν, the Sept. Isaiah 46:13; passive ὁδός, Sophocles El. 1501 (cf. O. C. 1628). Mostly 2. intransitive, "to be long, to tarry, loiter (so from Aeschylus down): 1 Timothy 3:15; unusually, with the genitive of the thing which one delays to effect, 2 Peter 3:9 τῆς ἐπαγγελίας (A. V. is not slack concerning his promise) i. e. to fulfil his promise; cf. Winer's Grammar, § 30, 6 b. (Sir. 32:22 (Sir. 35:22.) The verb translated “to delay” or “to be slow” appears only twice in the Greek New Testament. In both contexts it addresses the tension between expectation and apparent postponement—once describing a possible human postponement and once denying any divine procrastination. The word therefore bridges two spheres: the pragmatic organization of church life and the eschatological hope of Christ’s return. Occurrences in the New Testament • 1 Timothy 3:15 – Paul writes, “in case I am delayed, you will know how to conduct yourself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth”. Contextual Nuances 1. Human Delay (1 Timothy 3:15) Paul anticipates a visit to Ephesus but recognizes circumstances may thwart his immediate plans. His potential delay underscores the necessity of written instruction so that faithful conduct in the church does not depend on an apostle’s physical presence. The term here carries no moral censure; it is simply a recognition of limitation and contingency. 2. Divine Non-Delay (2 Peter 3:9) Peter directly refutes the charge that God is dragging His feet concerning the Parousia. What seems sluggish to scoffers is actually longsuffering mercy. The verb becomes a rhetorical pivot: perceived “slowness” is reinterpreted as purposeful patience aimed at global repentance. Theological Implications • Sovereignty and Patience – The contrast between the two usages reminds readers that God’s timetable differs from human expectation. Whereas human plans may be thwarted, divine purpose is never tardy; it operates from omniscient patience rather than impotence or forgetfulness. Ministry and Discipleship Applications • Instruction in Absence – Leaders, like Paul, must equip congregations through clear doctrine and established order so that the body thrives even when direct oversight is hindered. Sound teaching mitigates the disruptive effects of unforeseen delays. Historical Usage in the Early Church Early Christian writers such as Justin Martyr and Irenaeus allude to the Lord’s longsuffering as evidence of His goodness toward humanity. By the third century, Tertullian appealed to 2 Peter 3:9 to defend the delay of the Parousia against ridicule. The verb’s presence in these debates shows its importance in forming a theology of time: God’s redemptive calendar is measured not by human impatience but by His redemptive purpose. Conclusion Though occurring only twice, this verb highlights two complementary lessons: believers must plan responsibly amid life’s uncertainties, and they must trust unwaveringly in the certainty of God’s promise despite apparent postponements. Properly understood, the term trains the church to labor faithfully, wait expectantly, and proclaim boldly until the purposes behind every divine “delay” are consummated in Christ’s return. Englishman's Concordance 1 Timothy 3:15 V-PSA-1SGRK: ἐὰν δὲ βραδύνω ἵνα εἰδῇς NAS: but in case I am delayed, [I write] so KJV: if I tarry long, that INT: if moreover I should delay that you might know 2 Peter 3:9 V-PIA-3S Strong's Greek 1019 |
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