Brief Overview of μακροθυμέω (Strong’s G3114: makrothymeō)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding the intricacies of Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for unlocking deeper meanings within Scripture. The word μακροθυμέω (makrothymeō) is particularly significant because it encapsulates the concept of patience, endurance, and longsuffering, which are crucial virtues in both the Old and New Testaments. Appearing for the first time in Matthew 18:26, where it describes a servant pleading with his master to have patience with him, this word offers insight into the Christian ideal of responding to challenges and offenses with grace and forbearance. Its relevance extends beyond Biblical interpretation to a broader understanding of ancient Greek culture’s perspectives on virtue and interpersonal conduct.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μακροθυμέω (makrothymeō) [mah-kroh-thoo-MEH-oh]
Etymology: The word is a compound of two Greek roots: μακρός (makros), meaning “long” or “far,” and θυμός (thymos), which refers to passion, anger, or temperament. Combined, μακροθυμέω literally means “to be long-tempered,” or to take a long time before expressing anger.
Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, it conveys the action of exercising patience, forbearance, and restraint, particularly in situations that provoke irritation or anger. It is often used in contexts where enduring suffering or displaying patience is highlighted as a virtuous act.
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Defining Meanings

1. To Be Patient: The primary meaning of μακροθυμέω is to demonstrate patience or long-suffering. In Matthew 18:26, it is used when the servant asks his master to be patient and give him more time to repay his debt.
2. To Endure Long-Suffering: Another key aspect of μακροθυμέω is the idea of enduring hardships or provocations without resorting to anger. This meaning is evident in passages that encourage believers to bear with one another in love and to endure trials with perseverance.
3. To Restrain Anger: In some contexts, μακροθυμέω can also refer to controlling one’s anger or frustration, particularly in situations where such emotions are justified. It emphasizes the virtue of restraint and the importance of measured responses.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ὑπομένω (hypomenō) [hoo-poh-MEH-noh]: This verb means “to remain” or “to endure.” While μακροθυμέω focuses on patience with people, ὑπομένω emphasizes endurance in difficult circumstances or trials.
2. ἀνεχόμαι (anechomai) [an-EH-kho-my]: This verb means “to bear with” or “to tolerate.” It is often used in the context of bearing with others’ faults, similar to μακροθυμέω, but with a focus on tolerance rather than patience.
3. συγχωρέω (synchōreō) [soon-kho-RE-oh]: Meaning “to forgive” or “to pardon,” this word complements μακροθυμέω by highlighting the act of letting go of offenses, rather than merely enduring them.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, μακροθυμέω is conjugated in various tenses, voices, and moods. It follows the standard patterns for Greek verbs and can be found in the present, aorist, and future tenses, among others. Its conjugation highlights the active, deliberate action of being patient or enduring, rather than a passive state of suffering.

Conjugation Table for Present Indicative:

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicons describe μακροθυμέω as embodying the Christian ideal of patience and long-suffering, emphasizing forbearance in dealing with difficult people and situations. The word appears in various contexts throughout the New Testament, often associated with God’s patience toward humanity (2 Peter 3:9) and the expectation that believers emulate this divine patience in their own lives. Theological implications of μακροθυμέω include the call to develop a Christ-like endurance that transcends ordinary human reactions, reflecting a transformative aspect of faith.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 18:26: “So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience [μακροθυμήσον] with me, and I will pay you everything.’”
2. James 5:7: “Be patient [μακροθυμήσατε], therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord.”
3. 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient [μακροθυμεῖ] toward you.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, μακροθυμέω is often used to describe endurance and restraint in the face of adversity. It appears in philosophical texts to emphasize the virtue of patience and emotional control.

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb μακροθυμέω encapsulates a profound concept of patience and endurance that is central to Christian theology and practice. Its use in the New Testament encourages believers to reflect God’s own forbearance in their interactions with others. In classical contexts, the term is associated with self-control and the strength to endure adversity without succumbing to anger. This makes μακροθυμέω not just a passive endurance, but an active, deliberate choice to respond with grace and restraint.

Did You Know?

1. μακροθυμέω is often used in the New Testament to describe God’s patience, suggesting that patience is a divine attribute believers should emulate.
2. The word appears frequently in the Septuagint, reflecting its importance in both Jewish and Christian traditions as a virtue of the wise and just.
3. While it often refers to patience with people, μακροθυμέω can also imply a patient endurance of difficult circumstances, emphasizing inner strength and resilience.