Lexical Summary bradutés: Slowness, delay Original Word: βραδύτης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance slackness, slownessFrom bradus; tardiness -- slackness. see GREEK bradus HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1022 bradýtēs – slowness. See 1021 (bradys). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom bradus Definition slowness NASB Translation slowness (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1022: βραδύτηςβραδύτης (on accent cf. Alexander Buttmann (1873) Ausf. Spr. ii., p. 417f; (Chandler §§ 634, 635; Winer's Grammar, 52f (52))), βραδυτητος, ἡ, (βραδύς), slowness, delay: 2 Peter 3:9. (From Homer down.) Topical Lexicon Biblical Settingβραδύτητα appears once in the New Testament, in Peter’s second epistle. The context is an apologetic defense of God’s faithfulness amid scoffers who ridicule the promised return of Christ (2 Peter 3:3-4). Peter answers that what looks like delay is not divine ineptitude but a deliberate display of mercy. “The Lord is not slow concerning His promise, as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) Theological Significance 1. Proof of Divine Forbearance The apparent postponement of judgment highlights God’s heart: He “wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). βραδύτητα, therefore, is not apathy but the outworking of a redemptive purpose. 2. Vindication of Prophecy The Old Testament repeatedly stresses the certainty, yet possible postponement, of God’s acts (Habakkuk 2:3). Peter assures believers that prophecy remains reliable even when fulfillment spans generations. 3. Catalyst for Repentance Romans 2:4 affirms that God’s “kindness, tolerance, and patience” lead sinners to repentance. βραδύτητα sets an interval in which the gospel may bear fruit before final judgment (2 Peter 3:15). 4. Eschatological Perspective “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years” (2 Peter 3:8). βραδύτητα teaches believers to measure time by God’s eternal calendar, not by human impatience. It guards against date-setting and cultivates expectant vigilance (Matthew 24:42). Historical Background By the early 60s, some Christians felt tension between the initial expectation of Christ’s imminent return and the passing of decades. Skeptics mocked the promise, interpreting history’s continuity as evidence against divine intervention. Peter, writing shortly before his martyrdom (2 Peter 1:14), confronts this cultural climate. He cites the Flood (2 Peter 3:6) to prove that God has intervened decisively in the past and will do so again. Practical Ministry Applications • Evangelism: Every day of apparent delay widens the window for proclaiming the gospel. Workers are urged to see βραδύτητα as an invitation, not a hindrance. • Pastoral Encouragement: Believers burdened by persecution or injustice can rest in the assurance that God’s timing is perfect; vengeance belongs to Him (Romans 12:19). • Discipleship and Holiness: The same chapter that mentions βραδύτητα commands holy conduct and godliness (2 Peter 3:11-14). Waiting is active, not passive. • Perseverance in Prayer: Intercession gains urgency and hope, knowing the Lord’s patience extends the season of grace. Related Concepts and Cross-References • Patience (μακροθυμία) – 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 3:15 Summary βραδύτητα encapsulates the paradox of a God who seems slow yet never late. His deliberate postponement of judgment magnifies mercy, validates prophecy, and summons the church to faithful mission and holy expectation until the Day of the Lord arrives. Forms and Transliterations βραδυτητα βραδυτήτα βραδυτῆτα βραδύτητα braduteta bradutēta bradyteta bradytêta bradytēta bradytē̂taLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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