Brief Overview of Βραδύνω (G1019: Bradynō)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek verb βραδύνω (Bradynō) is pronounced bra-doo’-no. The word is derived from the adjective bradys (βραδύς), which means “slow” or “delayed.” As a verb, Bradynō primarily means “to be slow,” “to delay,” or “to hesitate.” This term can convey a sense of physical slowness or reluctance, but it is often used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe hesitancy or delay in taking action or coming to a conclusion.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
In various Greek lexicons, such as BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Bradynō is defined as “to be slow” or “to delay.” BDAG emphasizes its usage in a metaphorical sense, particularly in contexts where the delay is associated with caution, hesitation, or a deliberate avoidance of haste. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon also highlights this meaning, noting that Bradynō can be used to describe someone who is slow to act, either due to deliberate consideration or due to reluctance.

The word Bradynō is used in the New Testament in James 1:19: “Let every person be quick to hear, slow (Bradynō) to speak, slow (Bradynō) to anger.” Here, the verb is used in an admonition to be deliberate and measured in one’s speech and reactions, particularly in avoiding rash anger. This usage aligns with the idea of being slow or hesitant in a way that is wise and controlled.

Another example is found in 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow (Bradynō) to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” In this context, Bradynō is used to describe the perceived delay in the fulfillment of God’s promises, emphasizing that what seems like slowness is actually an expression of divine patience.

Classical Greek Usage:
In classical Greek literature, Bradynō is often used to describe physical slowness or delay in action. For example, in the works of Homer, the term is employed to describe warriors who are slow to engage in battle, often due to fear or hesitation. This usage underscores the term’s association with reluctance or a lack of eagerness.

Another example comes from the writings of Aristotle, who uses Bradynō in the context of ethics, particularly in discussions about virtues like courage and temperance. Aristotle describes how a person might be slow to act out of careful consideration, which can be virtuous if it leads to prudent decision-making.

A third example can be found in the philosophical works of Plato, where Bradynō is used to describe a person’s hesitancy in making decisions or forming judgments, often in the context of avoiding rashness and ensuring that one’s actions are well-considered.

Summary:
The Greek verb βραδύνω (Bradynō) means “to be slow,” “to delay,” or “to hesitate.” It is derived from the adjective bradys (βραδύς), which denotes slowness or delay. In the New Testament, Bradynō is used metaphorically to describe the importance of being deliberate and measured in one’s actions, as seen in James 1:19 and 2 Peter 3:9. Classical Greek literature also employs this term to convey physical slowness or cautious deliberation, with examples from Homer, Aristotle, and Plato illustrating its broader philosophical and ethical implications. Overall, Bradynō highlights the value of careful consideration and the avoidance of rash decisions, both in ancient Greek thought and in biblical contexts.