μακροθυμώς (makrothumōs)
makrothumōs
patiently
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb makrothumōs translates to "with patience" or "forbearantly," describing an attitude that endures provocation without retaliation. It derives from the root makrothymia, which literally means "long-tempered" or having a long fuse. This word captures the quality of holding back anger over an extended period, reflecting a deliberate choice to remain calm under pressure.
In the New Testament, this term appears only once in Acts 26:28, where King Agrippa remarks that Paul’s arguments almost persuade him to become a Christian "almost persuades me to act as makrothumōs." Here, it modifies the response to intense persuasion, suggesting a willingness to listen and consider without immediate rejection. The usage highlights a mental and emotional steadiness that allows for reflection rather than reflexive defense.
While often associated with divine patience in other contexts, its singular appearance here applies to human interaction. It signifies a rare composure in the face of persistent appeal, marking a moment where defensiveness yields to openness. The term thus serves as a precise descriptor for the restraint required in difficult conversations.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word makrothumōs describes a deliberate choice to listen with patience, holding back immediate reaction in favor of thoughtful consideration. In Acts 26:3, King Agrippa asks Paul to speak "patiently," recognizing that complex truths require time and calm attention to be understood. This simple request highlights the value of creating space for others to share their hearts without interruption or judgment.
When we practice this kind of patience in our own conversations, we allow room for grace to work. It is not about suppressing emotion, but about choosing a steady heart that can hear deeply before responding. Such an attitude invites trust and opens doors that might otherwise remain closed by hasty words or defensive reactions.
May you find strength in cultivating this quiet steadiness, knowing that patient listening honors both the speaker and the truth they carry. Let your conversations be marked by a gentle ear and a calm spirit, reflecting the patience that God extends to us all.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- patiently1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μακροθύμως1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 26:3
especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.
Agrippa uses this term to request that Paul speak without interruption, showing how patient listening creates space for complex testimony to be heard.