463. anoché

Lexicon

anoché: Forbearance, tolerance, patience

Original Word: ἀνοχή
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: anoché
Pronunciation: an-okh-AY
Phonetic Spelling: (an-okh-ay')
Definition: Forbearance, tolerance, patience
Meaning: forbearance, suspense or delay (of punishment), patience.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

forbearance.

From anechomai; self-restraint, i.e. Tolerance -- forbearance.

see GREEK anechomai

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 463 anoxḗ (from 430 /anéxomai, "bear up") – properly, divine forbearance (patient endurance). 463 /anoxḗ ("divine forbearance") occurs twice in the NT, both times of God (Ro 2:4, 3:25) whose mercy holds up (holding unnecessary judgment back.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from anechó
Definition
a delaying, forbearance
NASB Translation
forbearance (1), tolerance (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 463: ἀνοχή

ἀνοχή, ἀνοχῆς, ἡ (compare ἀνέχομαι τίνος, under the word ἀνέχω, p. 45), toleration, forbearance; in this sense only in Romans 2:4; Romans 3:26 (25). (In Greek writings a holding back, delaying, from ἀνέχω to hold back, hinder.) (Cf. Trench, § liii.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb ἀνέχω (anechō), meaning "to hold up" or "to endure."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἀνοχή, the concept of divine forbearance is present in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם (erek appayim), often translated as "slow to anger" or "long-suffering," captures a similar idea. This term is used in passages such as Exodus 34:6, where God is described as "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth" (BSB). Another related Hebrew term is חֶסֶד (chesed), which denotes God's steadfast love and mercy, often linked with His patience and forbearance.

Usage: The word ἀνοχή is used in the New Testament to describe God's forbearance or patience, particularly in the context of His withholding immediate judgment to allow time for repentance.

Context: The Greek term ἀνοχή appears in the New Testament in contexts that emphasize God's merciful patience and restraint. It is notably used in Romans 2:4, where the Apostle Paul speaks of God's kindness, forbearance, and patience as an opportunity for repentance. The passage reads: "Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" (BSB).

In this context, ἀνοχή is part of a triad of divine attributes—kindness, tolerance, and patience—that highlight God's gracious character. The term underscores the idea that God's delay in executing judgment is not due to indifference or weakness but is a deliberate act of mercy, providing humans with the opportunity to turn from sin and seek reconciliation with Him.

The concept of ἀνοχή is closely related to the broader biblical theme of divine patience. Throughout Scripture, God is depicted as long-suffering, willing to endure human rebellion and sinfulness for the sake of eventual redemption. This forbearance is not infinite, however, and the New Testament also warns of a coming day of judgment when God's patience will give way to justice.

In theological discussions, ἀνοχή is often associated with the doctrine of common grace, which refers to the grace of God that is extended to all people, regardless of their spiritual state. This grace manifests in various forms, including the postponement of judgment, allowing time for individuals to respond to the gospel.

Forms and Transliterations

ανοχη ανοχή ἀνοχῇ ανοχης ανοχής ἀνοχῆς anoche anochē anochêi anochē̂i anoches anochês anochēs anochē̂s

Englishman's Concordance

Romans 2:4 N-GFS
GRK: καὶ τῆς ἀνοχῆς καὶ τῆς
NAS: of His kindness and tolerance and patience,
KJV: and forbearance and
INT: and the forebearance and the

Romans 3:26 N-DFS
GRK: ἐν τῇ ἀνοχῇ τοῦ θεοῦ
INT: in the forbearance of God

Strong's Greek 463
2 Occurrences

ἀνοχῇ — 1 Occ.
ἀνοχῆς — 1 Occ.