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μακροθυμώς

makrothymṓs

G3116 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

In a manner marked by enduring restraint, forbearance, or perseverance, especially in the face of provocation, difficulty, or suffering; with patience or long-suffering. The adverb denotes the way in which one bears with persons or situations without succumbing to anger or giving way to impatience. Its usage carries the sense of enduring adverse circumstances or people with composure and self-control.

Semantic Range

with forbearance, with longsuffering, with patience, with restrained anger, enduringly, tolerantly

Root / Etymology

From the compound μακροθυμία (makrothymia), itself from μακρός ('long, far') and θυμός ('spirit, temperament, anger'), forming the idea of an 'extended spirit' or 'long-temperedness.' The adverbial ending -ώς signifies 'in the manner of.' Thus, μακροθυμῶς means 'in a long-suffering manner.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

Attested in Hellenistic and Koine Greek, μακροθυμῶς is found in literary, philosophical, and religious contexts. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it is commonly used to describe a virtue of enduring wrong or provocation without immediate retaliation, aligned with ideals of patience and forbearance. Unlike ὑπομονή (endurance under an ordeal), μακροθυμία and its adverbial form focus on self-restraint, especially toward others. English translations often render it 'patiently' or 'with long-suffering,' but these terms may not fully convey the nuance inherent in the Greek, which combines the sense of forbearance with emotional control. The concept was highly valued in Hellenistic moral philosophy as well as in early Judean and Israelite ethical teachings, distinguishing those who demonstrate μακροθυμῶς as possessing a controlled, patient temperament rather than reacting impulsively or vindictively.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

adverb of a compound of μακρός and θυμός; with long (enduring) temper, i.e. leniently:--patiently.

Root Family

μακροθυμώς (makrothymōs) — long-spiritedly, with forbearance, with restrained anger, enduringly

Root μακροθυμ- to be long-spirited, to forbear, to restrain anger

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3116-01 μακροθύμως makrothumos ADV patiently with long-suffering restraint patiently 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3116-01 Acts 26:3 μακροθύμως makrothumos ADV patiently with long-suffering restraint patiently
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