Longsuffering
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Longsuffering in the Bible?
Longsuffering describes the attribute of enduring anger or provocation over a prolonged period, originally characterizing the divine nature in ancient texts as a restraint from immediate retribution, and later adopted as a moral ideal for human interpersonal conduct within early Christian communities.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this concept clarifies the biblical portrayal of divine patience as a deliberate withholding of judgment, providing context for the ethical expectations placed on believers to emulate this restraint in their own relationships.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Longsuffering in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Longsuffering clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.