The term "forbeareth" is derived from the verb "forbear," which means to refrain or abstain from something, to hold back, or to exercise self-control. In the context of the Bible, forbearance is often associated with patience, restraint, and mercy, reflecting a godly character trait that believers are encouraged to cultivate.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Divine Forbearance: God's forbearance is a significant theme in Scripture, highlighting His patience and mercy towards humanity. Despite human sinfulness, God often withholds immediate judgment, giving people time to repent. Romans 2:4 states, "Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" This verse underscores the purpose of God's forbearance as an opportunity for repentance and transformation.

2. Human Forbearance: Believers are called to emulate God's forbearance in their interactions with others. This involves exercising patience and restraint, especially in the face of provocation or wrongdoing. Ephesians 4:2 encourages believers to live "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love." Here, forbearance is linked with love and humility, essential virtues in Christian community life.

3. Forbearance in Relationships: The concept of forbearance is crucial in maintaining healthy relationships, whether within the family, church, or broader society. Colossians 3:13 advises, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." This passage highlights the connection between forbearance and forgiveness, suggesting that patience and restraint are necessary for reconciliation and peace.

4. Forbearance and Self-Control: Forbearance is closely related to self-control, a fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 . The ability to forbear is a sign of spiritual maturity, reflecting a life led by the Holy Spirit. It involves controlling one's impulses and emotions, choosing to respond with grace rather than reacting in anger or frustration.

5. Forbearance in Wisdom Literature: The wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly Proverbs, often extols the virtue of forbearance. Proverbs 19:11 states, "A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense." This proverb suggests that forbearance is a mark of wisdom and understanding, enabling one to rise above petty grievances and maintain harmony.

Theological Implications

Forbearance is a reflection of God's character and an essential aspect of Christian discipleship. It requires a deep trust in God's justice and timing, recognizing that vengeance belongs to the Lord (Romans 12:19). By practicing forbearance, believers demonstrate their reliance on God's sovereignty and their commitment to living out the gospel in everyday interactions.

In summary, forbearance is a multifaceted biblical concept that encompasses divine patience, human restraint, and the pursuit of peace and reconciliation. It is a virtue that believers are called to develop, reflecting the character of Christ in a world often marked by impatience and conflict.2310. chadel -- forbearing, lacking
... he that forbears, frail, rejected. From chadal; vacant, ie Ceasing or destitute --
he that forbeareth, frail, rejected. see HEBREW chadal. 2309, 2310. ...
/hebrew/2310.htm - 6k

That the Soul Shineth of Itself is Equally Manifest
... It can forbear to love while God loveth. It can love while God forbeareth.
It can love a wicked man, wickedly and in his wickedness. ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/85 that the soul shineth.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... Consider, God is all this while waiting your leisure: his patience beareth: his
long-suffering forbeareth: his mercy entreateth you: Christ offereth you his ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

A Plain Description of the Essence and Attributes of God, Out of ...
... (6.) Patience, whereby God willingly forbeareth to punish the wicked, so long as
it may stand with his justice, and until their sins be ripened (2 Peter 3:9 ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/a plain description of the.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... suffering, and the like. These are all in a day of trial out of place, order,
and exercise, where hope forbeareth to work. I never saw ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Forbeareth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Forbeareth (2 Occurrences). Numbers 9:13 But the
man that is clean, and is not in a journey, and forbeareth...
/f/forbeareth.htm - 7k

Forbearing (10 Occurrences)

/f/forbearing.htm - 9k

Forbearest (2 Occurrences)

/f/forbearest.htm - 6k

Peoples (305 Occurrences)
... Numbers 9:13 But a man that is clean, and is not on a journey, and forbeareth to
hold the passover, that soul shall be cut off from among his peoples; because ...
/p/peoples.htm - 37k

Presented (114 Occurrences)
... Numbers 9:13 But a man that is clean, and is not on a journey, and forbeareth to
hold the passover, that soul shall be cut off from among his peoples; because ...
/p/presented.htm - 37k

Keeping (282 Occurrences)
... Numbers 9:13 But the man that is clean, and is not on a journey, and forbeareth
to keep the passover, that soul shall be cut off from his people; because he ...
/k/keeping.htm - 36k

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