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βραδύνω

bradýnō

G1019 verb

SILEX Entry

Root βραδ- to be slow, to delay, to hesitate

Definition

To be slow, to delay in action or response; to take one's time or hesitate, either intentionally or unintentionally. In specific contexts, may carry the nuance of being hesitant, sluggish, or loath to act, not acting promptly, or being deliberately slow to carry out a task or an obligation.

Semantic Range

to be slow, to delay, to hesitate, to tarry, to be slack or reluctant in action, to act with reluctance or tardiness

Root / Etymology

From the adjective βραδύς (slow, sluggish) + the verb-forming suffix -νω, denoting to make or become (in this case, 'to become slow' or 'to act slowly').

Historical & Contextual Notes

βραδύνω appears rarely in extant Greek literature and is found in Hellenistic and Koine sources, including the New Testament (cf. 2 Pet 3:9). The verb denotes a conscious or unconscious slowness or hesitation, often used in contexts where an expected action, response, or fulfillment is anticipated but is seen as delayed. In the New Testament, it appears in ethical or theological discussions of God’s slowness (not as 'slackness') concerning a promise, suggesting patience rather than neglect or laziness. In classical Greek, the root βραδύς generally refers to physical or mental slowness, and related forms (such as βραδύνω) develop the verbal idea of becoming or being slow to act. The translation 'be slack' or 'tarry' (as in older English) may not fully capture the nuance; the primary sense is 'to be slow' without explicit negative connotation unless specified by context.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from βραδύς; to delay:--be slack, tarry.

Root Family

βραδύνω (bradynō) — to be slow, to delay, to hesitate

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G1019-02 βραδύνω braduno V PRS ACT SUBJ 1P SG I tarry I may be slow 1
G1019-01 βραδύνει bradunei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG delays is slow to act 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G1019-02 1 Timothy 3:15 βραδύνω braduno V PRS ACT SUBJ 1P SG I tarry I may be slow
G1019-01 2 Peter 3:9 βραδύνει bradunei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG delays is slow to act
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