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Bible Dictionaries
Longsuffering
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
or LONGSUFFERING. In the OT the RV [Note: Revised Version.] uses this word only in Jeremiah 15:15 , where it is the translation of a phrase usually rendered ‘slow to anger’ (cf. Exodus 34:6 , Numbers 14:18 , Psalms 86:15 , in which passages AV [Note: Authorized Version.] has ‘longsuffering’).
In the NT ‘longsuffering’ is the usual tr. [Note: translate or translation.] of makrothumia and the corresponding verb. (The only exceptions are ‘patience,’ Hebrews 6:12 , James 5:10; cf. vh. in Matthew 18:25; Matthew 18:29 , James 5:7 f.; and adv. in Acts 26:3 ). The RV [Note: Revised Version.] improves on AV [Note: Authorized Version.] by using ‘longsuffering’ in Luke 18:7 , 1 Thessalonians 5:14 . The Gr. word means ‘a long holding out of the mind before it gives room to action or passion generally to passion.’ (Trench, Synonyms of NT , § liii.); it implies the opposite of short temper; cf. Old Eng. ‘longanimity.’ In the NT the longsuffering of God is regarded as a proof of His ‘goodness’ ( Romans 2:4; here and elsewhere ‘longsuffering,’ || ‘ forbearance ’ [ arochç ]) and of his faithfulness ( 2 Peter 3:9; 2 Peter 3:15 ); it is manifested in the gracious restraint which characterizes His attitude towards those who deserve His wrath ( Romans 9:22 , 1 Peter 3:20 ). The Divine longsuffering is perfectly exemplified in Christ’s dealings with sinners ( 1 Timothy 1:16 ). Longsuffering is, therefore, a conspicuous grace in the ideal Christian character ( 2 Corinthians 6:5 , Ephesians 4:2 , Colossians 3:12 , 1 Thessalonians 5:14 , 2 Timothy 3:10; 2 Timothy 4:2 ); it is viewed as an evidence of Divine strengthening ( Colossians 1:11 ), as a manifestation of love ( 1 Corinthians 13:4 ), and as a fruit of the Spirit ( Galatians 5:22 ).
J. G. Tasker.
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Hastings, James. Entry for 'Longsuffering'. Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hdb/l/longsuffering.html. 1909.
