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G3115 · Greek · New Testament
μακροθυμία
makrothumia
Noun, feminine
patience, longsuffering, steadfastness

Definition

Long-tempered endurance — the opposite of short-tempered anger. The word is a compound: makros (long) + thumos (passion/wrath). God's makrothumia is his patience with sinners (2 Pet 3:9).

Usage & Theological Significance

Included in both the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22) and God's own character (Rom 2:4). The NT explains history's length as a form of divine makrothumia — God giving time for repentance before judgment.

Key Bible Verses

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise...but is patient [makrothumia] toward you, not wishing that any should perish.
Galatians 5:22 The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience [makrothumia]...
Hebrews 6:12 Through faith and patience [makrothumia] inherit the promises.

Word Study

God's makrothumia toward sinners is the reason the present age continues. 2 Peter 3:15 says to 'count the patience [makrothumia] of our Lord as salvation' — his delay is grace, not absence.

Related Words

External Resources

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