Understanding βραδύνω (bradynō) Strong’s G1019: When God’s Timing Differs from Our Expectations

Pronunciation Guide: brah-DOO-no (βρα-ΔΥ-νω)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1019: The Greek verb βραδύνω (bradynō) fundamentally means “to delay,” “to be slow,” or “to tarry.” It conveys the concept of an action or event happening at a pace slower than expected or desired. In the New Testament, it carries the theological nuance of divine timing that may appear delayed from a human perspective but is perfectly aligned with God’s sovereign purposes.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Word: βραδύς (bradys) meaning “slow”
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Usage Context: Predominantly appears in teaching and narrative passages
• Tense Forms: Present and aorist tenses
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative and subjunctive

βραδύνω Morphology:

• βραδύνω (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I delay, I am slow
• βραδύνεις (present active indicative, 2nd person singular) – you delay, you are slow
• βραδύνει (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it delays, is slow
• βραδύνομεν (present active indicative, 1st person plural) – we delay, we are slow
• βραδύνετε (present active indicative, 2nd person plural) – you (plural) delay, you are slow
• βραδύνουσι(ν) (present active indicative, 3rd person plural) – they delay, they are slow
• βραδύνῃ (present active subjunctive, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it may delay
• βραδῦναι (aorist active infinitive) – to delay, to be slow

Origin & History

The verb βραδύνω derives from the adjective βραδύς (bradys), which means “slow.” In classical Greek literature, the term appears in works by Thucydides and Xenophon, where it generally described physical slowness or delay in movement or action. Thucydides, in his “History of the Peloponnesian War,” uses it to describe military maneuvers that were deliberately slowed or delayed as tactical decisions.

In the Septuagint (LXX), βραδύνω appears in contexts relating to God’s timing and human impatience. For example, in Isaiah 46:13 (LXX), God declares that His salvation “will not βραδύνω” (will not delay), emphasizing the certainty of His promises despite apparent delays. The Septuagint usage begins to develop the theological dimensions of the term that would later be more fully explored in the New Testament and early Christian writings.

Early Church Fathers like Clement of Alexandria and John Chrysostom expanded on this concept in their writings, particularly when discussing God’s patience and timing. Chrysostom, in his homilies on Paul’s letters, emphasizes that divine “slowness” (βραδύτης) is actually an expression of God’s mercy, giving people time to repent before judgment.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Temporal Delay – To take longer than expected or desired for something to occur
• Deliberate Tardiness – To intentionally move slowly or postpone an action
• Divine Timing – In theological contexts, to operate according to God’s perfect schedule rather than human expectation
• Hesitation – To be reluctant or slow to act due to uncertainty or caution

βραδύνω Translation Options:

• Delay – Most common English translation, emphasizing the temporal aspect of something occurring later than expected
• Tarry – Slightly archaic but captures the sense of remaining longer than planned, often with a nuance of deliberateness
• Be Slow – Highlights the reduced pace rather than complete postponement, useful when contrasting with rapid action
• Linger – Carries the connotation of intentional extension of time, often with purpose
• Procrastinate – Though stronger than the original Greek, this translation can be appropriate when the context suggests culpable delay

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, βραδύνω appears only twice, but in theologically significant contexts. Its first appearance is in 1 Timothy 3:15, where Paul explains that he is writing so that Timothy might know how to conduct himself in God’s household “if I βραδύνω” (if I am delayed). This usage reflects the practical uncertainties of missionary travel in the ancient world, but also demonstrates Paul’s careful planning for potential delays in God’s providential ordering of his journey.

The second and more theologically rich usage is found in 2 Peter 3:9, where the apostle addresses concerns about the apparent delay in the Messiah’s promised return. Peter explains that “The Lord is not βραδύνω concerning His promise, as some count slowness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” This profound passage reveals that what humans might perceive as divine delay is actually an expression of God’s patient mercy.

In the Septuagint, the verb appears in several notable passages that illuminate its theological significance:

• “but I write these things to you, so that if I βραδύνω [delay], you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15
• “The Lord is not βραδύνων [slow] about his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
• “I bring near my righteousness; it is not far off, and my salvation will not βραδύνῃ [delay].” Isaiah 46:13 (LXX)
• “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not βραδύνῃ [delay].” Habakkuk 2:3 (LXX)
• “Do not βραδύνῃς [delay] to turn to the Lord, and do not postpone it from day to day.” Sirach 5:7 (LXX – Apocrypha)

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, time was perceived quite differently than in our modern, clock-driven society. The Greeks recognized two distinct concepts of time: χρόνος (chronos) – sequential, chronological time; and καιρός (kairos) – the right or opportune moment. The verb βραδύνω operated primarily within the chronos framework but often pointed toward kairos understanding. What appeared as a delay (chronos) might actually be the preparation for the perfect moment (kairos).

This cultural understanding of time illuminates Paul’s use of βραδύνω in 1 Timothy 3:15. While his travel might be delayed according to chronological expectations, this delay served a divine purpose within God’s kairos timing. The apparent “slowness” created an opportunity for Paul to provide written instructions that would serve not only Timothy but countless generations of believers throughout history.

Jewish eschatological thought of the first century also provides important context for understanding βραδύνω, particularly in 2 Peter 3:9. Many Jews expected the Messiah to bring immediate judgment and restoration. When Yeshua (Jesus) ascended without fully establishing His kingdom as many expected, some began to doubt. The Hebrew concept of “already but not yet” fulfillment helps explain what some perceived as divine delay (βραδύνω) but was actually part of God’s perfect redemptive plan spanning multiple comings of the Messiah.

Theological Significance

The concept of divine delay as expressed through βραδύνω reveals profound truths about God’s character and His relationship with humanity. What humans often perceive as slowness or delay in divine action is actually a demonstration of יהוה’s (Yahweh’s) patience, mercy, and perfect timing. This theological principle is powerfully articulated in 2 Peter 3:9, where the apparent “delay” in the Messiah’s return is reframed as divine patience intended to allow more people to come to salvation.

The tension between divine promises and their fulfillment creates a space where faith is tested and deepened. The prophet Habakkuk wrestled with this very issue, questioning why God seemed to delay judgment on wickedness. The divine response in Habakkuk 2:3 affirms that the vision “awaits its appointed time” and “will not delay” beyond God’s perfect schedule. This teaches us that what appears as βραδύνω from a human perspective is actually perfect timing from God’s eternal vantage point.

Furthermore, βραδύνω in Scripture reveals the relational nature of God’s timing. Unlike the mechanical precision of a clock, divine timing is relationally calibrated, taking into account human repentance, spiritual growth, and the completion of God’s redemptive purposes. The Messiah Jesus embodied this principle in His incarnation, which came “when the fullness of time had come” (Galatians 4:4) – neither early nor late, but precisely at the kairos moment when all preparatory elements had converged.

Personal Application

When we experience what seems like divine delay (βραδύνω) in our lives – unanswered prayers, unfulfilled promises, or prolonged seasons of waiting – we can find comfort and wisdom in the biblical understanding of this concept. Rather than interpreting God’s timing as indifference or forgetfulness, we can trust that His apparent delays are purposeful extensions of mercy and preparation. Just as a master vintner knows precisely when to harvest the grapes, our Heavenly Father knows the perfect timing for every season and transition in our lives.

This understanding invites us to reframe our periods of waiting not as passive delay but as active preparation. When God seems to βραδύνω in answering our prayers, we can ask: “What is He preparing in me during this waiting?” Often, the greatest spiritual growth occurs in these apparent delays. Like the Israelites who had to gather manna daily rather than storing it up, God sometimes makes us wait to teach us daily dependence on Him rather than self-reliance. When you next find yourself in a season of waiting, remember that divine “slowness” is not absence but deliberate presence working toward perfect completion.

Related Words

• βραδύς (bradys) – slow, dull; pronunciation: brah-DOOS – This is the adjectival root of βραδύνω and refers to slowness in physical movement, intellectual comprehension, or responsiveness. In James 1:19, believers are instructed to be “quick to hear, slow [βραδύς] to speak, slow [βραδύς] to anger,” highlighting the virtue of measured, thoughtful response rather than hasty reaction. See G1021
• βραδύτης (bradytēs) – slowness, delay; pronunciation: brah-doo-TACE – This noun form expresses the abstract quality of slowness or delay. It appears in 2 Peter 3:9 in reference to how some might misinterpret God’s patience as “slowness” (βραδύτης) concerning His promises, when in fact it is divine mercy in action. See G1022
• ἀναβάλλομαι (anaballomai) – to put off, postpone; pronunciation: ah-nah-BAL-lo-my – While βραδύνω indicates a general slowness or delay, ἀναβάλλομαι specifically denotes an intentional postponement or deferral to a later time. In Acts 24:22, Felix “postponed” (ἀνεβάλετο) making a decision about Paul’s case. See G306
• χρονίζω (chronizō) – to spend time, delay, tarry; pronunciation: khro-NID-zo – This verb emphasizes the temporal aspect of delay more strongly than βραδύνω. It appears in the parable of the ten virgins, where the bridegroom “delayed” (χρονίζοντος) his coming (Matthew 25:5), testing the preparedness of those waiting. See G5549
• μέλλω (mellō) – to be about to, to be on the point of; pronunciation: MEL-lo – While βραδύνω indicates a delay that has already occurred, μέλλω points to an imminent action that is about to happen. It often carries a sense of divine certainty and appointed timing for events that are scheduled in God’s plan. See G3195

Did you Know?

• Did you know? The concept expressed in βραδύνω has a fascinating parallel in modern physics. Einstein’s theory of relativity demonstrates that time itself is not absolute but relative, moving at different rates depending on one’s frame of reference. This scientific insight aligns beautifully with the biblical understanding that God’s timing exists in a different dimension than human time. As 2 Peter 3:8 explains, “with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” What appears as βραδύνω (delay) from our limited perspective is perfectly on schedule from God’s eternal vantage point.
• Did you know? In modern Greek, βραδύνω has evolved to primarily mean “to get late in the day” or “for evening to come,” focusing more on the passage of time into evening than on delay. This linguistic evolution echoes the biblical metaphor of history moving toward its “evening” – the fullness of time when the Messiah will return. Just as surely as day transitions to evening, God’s promises will be fulfilled in their appointed time, not βραδύνω beyond His perfect schedule.
• Did you know? The Dead Sea Scrolls contain a fascinating text called “Pesher Habakkuk,” which comments on Habakkuk’s prophecy about the vision that “will not delay” (לֹא יְאַחֵר in Hebrew, translated as οὐ μὴ βραδύνῃ in the Septuagint). The Qumran community interpreted this apparent “delay” as a divine extension of time allowing for the fulfillment of all the prophecies spoken through God’s servants. This ancient Jewish interpretation aligns remarkably with Peter’s explanation in 2 Peter 3:9 about why the Lord appears to βραδύνω His coming.

Remember This

The mystery of βραδύνω reveals that what we perceive as divine delay is actually perfect timing – God is never late, we are simply measuring by the wrong clock.