The Greek bradynó means to be slow, to delay, or to tarry. It is the verbal form of bradys (slow), used in the New Testament both in the practical sense of being delayed and in the crucial theological context of God's apparent delay in fulfilling His promises.
Bradynó appears twice in the New Testament. In 1 Timothy 3:15, Paul writes that if he is delayed, Timothy will know how to conduct himself in the household of God — a practical use. The theologically rich use is in 2 Peter 3:9: 'The Lord is not slow (bradynei) in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.' Peter confronts the skeptic's taunt ('Where is the coming he promised?') by revealing that God's apparent delay is actually divine patience — He waits not because He is slow but because He is merciful.