The Greek noun bradytēs (βραδύτης) means slowness, delay, or tardiness. It is derived from bradys (G1021, slow) and appears only once in the New Testament (2 Peter 3:9). The word is used in the context of those who mockers claim God is "slow" to fulfill His promise of Christ's return — what appears as divine delay is actually divine patience.
2 Peter 3:9 is one of the New Testament's most comforting and theologically rich verses: "The Lord is not slow 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." The apparent delay of Christ's return is reframed entirely: what looks like slowness is the outworking of God's passionate desire that all people be saved. Every day of delay is a day of merciful opportunity. The verse echoes Habakkuk 2:3 and the Old Testament theme that God's timing is redemptive timing. Believers wait not in despair but in confident hope, knowing that the Judge of all the earth will do what is right.