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LONGSUFFERING.—In the OT the RV [Note: Revised Version.] uses this word only in Jer_15:15, where it is the translation of a phrase usually rendered ‘slow to anger’ (cf. Exo_34:6, Num_14:18, Psa_86:15, in which passages AV [Note: Authorized Version.] has ‘longsuffering’).
In the NT ‘longsuffering’ is the usual tr. [Note: translate or translation.] of makrothumia and the corresponding verb. (The only exceptions are ‘patience,’ Heb_6:12, Jam_5:10; cf. vh. in Mat_18:25; Mat_18:29, Jam_5:7 f.; and adv. in Act_26:3). The RV [Note: Revised Version.] improves on AV [Note: Authorized Version.] by using ‘longsuffering’ in Luk_18:7, 1Th_5:14. The Gr. word means ‘a long holding out of the mind before it gives room to action or passion—generally to passion.’ (Trench, Synonyms of NT, § liii.); it implies the opposite of short temper; cf. Old Eng. ‘longanimity.’ In the NT the longsuffering of God is regarded as a proof of His ‘goodness’ (Rom_2:4; here and elsewhere ‘longsuffering,’ || ‘forbearance’ [arochç]) and of his faithfulness (2Pe_3:9; 2Pe_3:15); it is manifested in the gracious restraint which characterizes His attitude towards those who deserve His wrath (Rom_9:22, 1Pe_3:20). The Divine longsuffering is perfectly exemplified in Christ’s dealings with sinners (1Ti_1:16). Longsuffering is, therefore, a conspicuous grace in the ideal Christian character (2Co_6:5, Eph_4:2, Col_3:12, 1Th_5:14, 2Ti_3:10; 2Ti_4:2); it is viewed as an evidence of Divine strengthening (Col_1:11), as a manifestation of love (1Co_13:4), and as a fruit of the Spirit (Gal_5:22).
J. G. Tasker.