Strong's Greek: 3241 -- (Not Used)zzz

Lexical Summary

(Not Used): (Not Used)

(Not Used)
Part of Speech:
Transliteration: (Not Used)
(Not Used)

Topical Lexicon

Root Background and Semantic Field

The verb behind Strong’s Greek 3241 belongs to a family of words that conveys the idea of stretching something out so that it becomes longer in space or time. In classical usage it could describe the lengthening of physical objects, the prolonging of life, or the extension of a period for deliberation or mercy. This same semantic field appears often in the Septuagint, where the translators used the verb to render Hebrew roots meaning “prolong, extend, draw out.”

Absence from the New Testament Canon

Although 3241 never appears in the Greek New Testament, its theological idea—God’s deliberate “lengthening” of days, seasons, or opportunities—permeates both Testaments. Passages such as 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise… but is patient with you,” echo the Old-Testament theme that God extends time so that He might accomplish gracious purposes.

Old Testament and Septuagint Usage

1. Prolonging Life for Obedience
• Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land…”
• Deuteronomy 5:33 – obedience “that you may live and that it may go well with you, and that you may prolong your days.”

Here the Septuagint often uses 3241’s cognate to promise that covenant faithfulness leads to an extended lifespan.

2. Lengthening of Mercy and Judgment
• Isaiah 48:9 – “For the sake of My name I delay My wrath.”
• Jeremiah 15:15 – a plea that God “prolong” patience before executing judgment.

In these cases, the verb underscores God’s sovereign control over the timetable of judgment.

3. Expansion of Space or Boundaries
• Genesis 26:22 – Isaac names Rehoboth because the LORD “has made room for us,” a spatial extension mirroring the same concept.

Theological Significance

1. Covenant Blessing

The promise of “lengthened days” functions as tangible evidence of divine favor. By extending life, God demonstrates His commitment to His people (Deuteronomy 30:20).

2. Divine Longsuffering

Old-Testament narratives show God “prolonging” opportunities for repentance (2 Chronicles 36:15-16). Peter builds on this: “Regard the patience of our Lord as salvation” (2 Peter 3:15). Though the specific verb changes, the theme remains identical—God stretches the timeline so more may be saved.

3. Eschatological Delay

Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25) hinges on a “delayed” bridegroom. While the verb 3241 is not used, the storyline embodies the same dynamic: a purposeful extension that tests faithfulness.

Comparative New-Testament Vocabulary

• makrothumia (long-suffering) – 2 Peter 3:9
• anechomai (bear with) – Colossians 3:13
• hupomone (endurance) – Romans 5:3-4

These terms fill the conceptual niche left vacant by 3241, showing that the NT conveys the same reality with different words.

Historical Reception in Church Teaching

Early Christian writers frequently adapted Septuagint language when exhorting believers:

– Irenaeus applied the “prolonging of days” promise to eternal life in Christ.

– Chrysostom linked God’s “lengthening” patience with evangelistic urgency, warning that the extended day of grace will not last forever.

Practical Ministry Applications

1. Encouraging Honor in the Home

Ephesians 6:2-3 uses the fifth commandment to remind believers that respecting parents still carries the promise of “well-being and long life on the earth.”
2. Motivating Repentance and Evangelism

Since God presently lengthens the day of salvation, churches are urged to seize the extended window for gospel witness (2 Corinthians 6:2).
3. Cultivating Patience

Believers imitate God’s character by “lengthening” their own patience toward others (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

Related Biblical Themes and Cross References

Prolonged life: 1 Kings 3:14; Psalm 91:16

Extended mercy: Nehemiah 9:30; Romans 2:4

Delayed judgment: Revelation 2:21

Enduring faith: Hebrews 10:36

Summary

While Strong’s Greek 3241 never surfaces in the New Testament text, the biblical account repeatedly highlights the divine act of lengthening—of life, of mercy, and of opportunity. This extension is both a gracious gift inviting repentance and a sober reminder that the extra time God grants must be used for obedience, holy living, and proclamation of the gospel before the day of grace reaches its appointed end.

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts