ἀνοχή (anochē)
anochē
tolerance
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun anochē describes a deliberate holding back or suspension, specifically regarding the execution of judgment. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in Paul’s letter to the Romans (2:4; 3:26), where it characterizes God’s refusal to immediately punish sin. Rather than indicating indifference, this term points to a calculated delay that allows space for repentance and reveals divine righteousness.
Its meaning is closely linked to but distinct from makrothymia (long-suffering). While makrothymia emphasizes the active patience God shows toward people, anochē focuses on the temporal aspect—the pause in sentencing. It suggests that punishment is not absent, merely postponed. This distinction highlights a theological tension: justice is certain, yet mercy extends the timeline for redemption.
Translators often render anochē as "tolerance" or "forbearance," though these English words can sound passive. The Greek concept is more dynamic, implying a sovereign decision to wait. By withholding immediate retribution, God demonstrates both His patience and His justice, inviting humanity to turn from sin before the final delay ends.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anochē describes a deliberate pause in judgment. It is not indifference or weakness, but a sovereign decision to withhold punishment. This delay creates space for change, offering time to turn away from wrong paths before consequences arrive.
In Romans 2:4, Paul explains that this forbearance leads to repentance. God’s patience is active and purposeful. He waits not because justice is absent, but because mercy extends the timeline for redemption. This pause invites us to respond with gratitude rather than fear.
Understanding this helps us see divine timing differently. The delay is an opportunity for transformation. It reminds us that grace precedes judgment, offering hope even when accountability seems distant. We can trust that God’s patience is rooted in love, not neglect.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- forbearance1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνοχῆς1×
Key Verses
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Romans 2:4
Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
This verse explicitly links God's forbearance (anochē) to the purpose of leading people toward repentance.