The Greek adjective ἀνεξίκακος (anexikakos) means “patient” or “long-suffering.” It is derived from the prefix ἀν- (an-), meaning “not,” and ἐξίκακος (exikakos), meaning “ill-tempered” or “evil.” The term describes a person who is enduring and tolerant, not easily provoked to anger or resentment.

Detailed Overview

According to Strong’s Concordance, ἀνεξίκακος (G420) is used to describe a quality of patience or forbearance. It appears in 1 Corinthians 13:4, where Paul describes love as “patient” (ἀνεξίκακος). This usage emphasizes the enduring and tolerant nature of love, which is crucial for maintaining harmonious relationships.

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The Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon provides further insight by defining ἀνεξίκακος as “patient” or “long-suffering.” BDAG explains that this term describes someone who is able to endure difficulties or wrongs without becoming upset or retaliatory. It reflects a characteristic of tolerance and self-restraint in the face of adversity.

The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon supports this definition by describing ἀνεξίκακος as “patient” or “long-suffering.” LSJ highlights its use in classical Greek literature to denote individuals who show patience and forbearance, aligning with its biblical application to describe a virtue of enduring love and patience.

In summary, ἀνεξίκακος primarily means “patient” or “long-suffering,” indicating a quality of tolerance and endurance. This meaning is consistently supported by Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, and LSJ, each providing context for its use in describing patience and forbearance in biblical and classical Greek literature.