Lexical Summary makrothumós: Long-suffering, patient Original Word: μακροθυμός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance patiently. Adverb of a compound of makros and thumos; with long (enduring) temper, i.e. Leniently -- patiently. see GREEK makros see GREEK thumos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3116 makrothymṓs (an adverb) – patiently; literally, showing passion that is under control (used only in Ac 26:3). See 3115 (makrothymia). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from makrothumos (patient); from makros and thumos Definition with forbearance, patiently NASB Translation patiently (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3116: μακροθύμωςμακροθύμως, adverb, with longanimity (Vulg.longanimiter, Hebrews 6:15), i. e. patiently: Acts 26:3. Topical Lexicon Definition and Conceptual Scope Strong’s Greek 3116, μακροθύμως, voices the idea of deliberate, steadfast patience that remains unmoved in the presence of provocation, delay, or complexity. While the term itself is found only once in the Greek New Testament, its cognate family (μακροθυμία, μακροθυμέω, μακρόθυμος) permeates both Testaments, describing the resolute calm that refuses to surrender to impulsive anger or discouragement. Biblical Occurrence Acts 26:3 records Paul’s respectful appeal before Agrippa: “Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.” (Berean Standard Bible). Paul employs the adverb to request the very virtue he habitually exhibits—an unwavering composure anchored in truth and empowered by the Spirit. Old Testament Foundations The Septuagint repeatedly chooses cognate forms to translate Hebrew עֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם (“slow to anger”), a celebrated attribute of God (Exodus 34:6; Psalm 103:8). Thus, when the New Testament uses μακροθυμία language, it taps into a rich stream of revelation portraying God as the One who withholds judgment to extend mercy and secure repentance (Joel 2:13; Nahum 1:3). Christological Revelation of Patience Jesus Christ embodies divine longsuffering. He bears with the dullness of the disciples (Mark 9:19), endures contradiction from sinners (Hebrews 12:3), and delays final judgment that more might be saved (2 Peter 3:9). His meek silence before false accusers (Matthew 26:62–63) reveals the incarnate pattern to which believers are conformed. Apostolic Teaching on Longsuffering Though Acts 26:3 contains the lone instance of μακροθύμως, its sister noun and verb pervade Paul’s letters. Believers are urged to “walk worthy … with all humility and gentleness, with patience” (Ephesians 4:1–2), to “put on … compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12), and to “preach the word … with great patience and instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). Such exhortations root pastoral ministry in the same quality Paul courteously requested from Agrippa. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Preaching and Teaching: Sound exposition requires calm endurance with varied congregational maturity levels. Historical Interpretation and Theological Reflection Early Fathers such as Tertullian extolled patience as “the very marrow of faith,” contending that martyrdom itself is merely the climax of a life of forbearance. Reformers highlighted divine patience as a ground for assurance, while Puritans treated longsuffering as both a moral duty and a comfort in affliction, appealing to James 5:7–11. Classic hymnody (“God moves in a mysterious way”) celebrates trust that waits serenely upon providence. Spiritual Formation and Personal Discipleship Regular meditation on God’s longsuffering toward oneself generates gratitude that blossoms into patience toward others (Matthew 18:23–35). Practices include: Corporate Worship and Community Life Gathered worship rehearses divine forbearance through readings of salvation history, encouraging congregations to imitate that patience in interpersonal relationships (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Eschatological Perspective Believers “patiently wait for it” (Romans 8:25) as creation groans. Divine longsuffering delays consummation so that the full number of the elect may enter (2 Peter 3:15). The church, therefore, endures tribulation with hope, assured that “He who is coming will come and will not delay” (Hebrews 10:37). Pastoral Counseling and Conflict Resolution Counselors guide parties to acknowledge God’s patience with their own failings, disarming resentment and fostering reconciliation (Ephesians 4:31–32). Patience becomes a measurable goal: responding to provocation without retaliation, granting space for growth. Mission and Evangelism Missionaries model longsuffering amid cultural barriers, persecution, and slow fruit. Hudson Taylor’s decades-long labor in China stands as a historical illustration of Acts 26:3 lived out on a global stage. Summary Strong’s 3116, though a single word in Acts 26:3, shines a floodlight on the biblical virtue of longsuffering—an attribute of God, fulfilled in Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and essential for every aspect of gospel ministry until faith becomes sight. Forms and Transliterations μακροθυμως μακροθύμως makrothumos makrothumōs makrothymos makrothymōs makrothýmos makrothýmōsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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