אָרֵךְ (a.rekh)
a.rekh
slow
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew word ’arekh primarily describes physical length, such as long wings or a long road, but it carries a significant metaphorical weight when applied to character. In its most notable usage, it forms the phrase ’erekh apayim, literally "long of nose," which idiomatically means slow to anger. This expression appears frequently in the Psalms and Proverbs to describe divine patience or human forbearance.
While a literal reading might suggest a physical trait, the context always points to emotional restraint. For instance, Psalm 145:8 uses it to portray God’s nature as gracious and merciful because He does not react immediately with wrath. Similarly, Proverbs 19:11 advises that a person of understanding overlooks an insult, reflecting this same "long" temperament. The word thus bridges the gap between spatial duration and temporal patience, suggesting that true strength lies in holding back immediate reaction.
Translators often render this phrase as "slow to anger" or "patient," capturing the idea that divine justice is deliberate rather than impulsive. This usage distinguishes it from simple endurance; it implies a controlled delay that allows for mercy. By emphasizing length over speed, the text highlights the stability and reliability of character, whether human or divine, in the face of provocation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word arekh literally means long or length, but when applied to God’s character, it paints a picture of patience. It describes a deliberate slowness to react in anger, allowing space for mercy rather than immediate judgment. This is not weakness; it is the strength of restraint, offering time for repentance and healing.
In human relationships, this quality reflects deep understanding. Proverbs 14:29 notes that being slow to anger shows great wisdom, while quick tempers reveal folly. When we practice this patience, we mirror the divine nature described in Psalm 103:8, where God is gracious and abundant in loving kindness.
Reflecting on this trait invites us to trust in God’s timing and extend grace to others. His long-suffering nature provides a safe haven for our failures, reminding us that His justice is always tempered with mercy. This patience is a gift that encourages us to respond with calmness rather than reaction.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- long of7×
- a [person] long of2×
- to/ [the] length of1×
- and/ a [person] long of1×
- a [person] patient of1×
- [is] long of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֶ֥רֶךְ3×
- אֶ֤רֶךְ3×
- אֶֽרֶךְ\־2×
- אֶ֣רֶךְ2×
- לְ/אֶ֥רֶךְ1×
- וְ/אֶ֥רֶך1×
- אֶ֖רֶךְ1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 34:6
Yahweh passed by before him, and proclaimed, “Yahweh! Yahweh, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth,
This verse establishes the foundational description of God’s character, linking slowness to anger directly with mercy and grace.
-
Proverbs 14:29
He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
Here the word connects emotional restraint with wisdom, contrasting it with the folly of a quick temper.
-
Jonah 4:2
He prayed to Yahweh, and said, “Please, Yahweh, wasn’t this what I said when I was still in my own country? Therefore I hurried to flee to Tarshish, for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and you relent of doing harm.
Jonah cites this trait to explain his initial flight, showing how God's patience can be both a comfort and a challenge to human expectations.