What does "Grace" mean in the Bible?

Grace (charis in Greek, chen in Hebrew) is God's undeserved kindness toward humanity. It is the foundation of the Christian gospel — salvation is by grace through faith, not by works.

What does "Agape" mean in the Bible?

Agape is the Greek word for unconditional, selfless love. It describes God's love for humanity and the love Christians are called to show — a love that gives without expecting return.

What does "Faith" mean in the Bible?

Faith (pistis in Greek, emunah in Hebrew) is the foundational response God requires of humanity — trusting in His character, His word, and His saving work through Jesus Christ.

What does "Redemption" mean in the Bible?

Redemption means to purchase freedom by paying a price. In the Bible, God redeems His people from slavery, sin, and death through the blood of Jesus Christ — the ultimate ransom.

Patience

μακροθυμία (makrothumia)

Long-suffering endurance — bearing with people and circumstances without giving up.

Greek

Strong's G5281

Pronunciation: mak-ro-thoo-MEE-ah

Quick Answer

Makrothumia is the Greek word for patience or long-suffering, literally meaning 'long-tempered.' It describes the ability to endure provocation, delay, and hardship without retaliating or losing hope.

"Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it." — James 5:7 (KJV)

Key Verses

James 5:7

“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it.”

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2 Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish.”

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Galatians 5:22

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.”

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Strong's Concordance

Strong's G5281 — Patience (μακροθυμία (makrothumia))

Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where μακροθυμία (makrothumia) appears.

Open Strong's G5281

Etymology and Original Meaning

Makrothumia combines makros ('long') and thumos ('passion' or 'anger'), creating the picture of being 'long before becoming angry.' It describes a person who has a long fuse — who endures provocation, suffering, or delay without erupting in frustration or despair. It is the opposite of short-tempered reactivity.

God's Patience

Scripture consistently presents God as 'longsuffering' (Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Psalm 86:15). He endured Israel's repeated rebellions. Peter explains that God's apparent delay in judgment is actually patience — 'not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance' (2 Peter 3:9). Divine patience gives humanity time to respond to His grace.

Patience as a Fruit of the Spirit

Paul lists longsuffering (makrothumia) as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It is produced by the Holy Spirit's work, not by gritting one's teeth. Love 'suffereth long' (1 Corinthians 13:4) — patience is love in action when facing difficult people or painful circumstances. It reflects God's character being formed in the believer.

Patience and Perseverance

While makrothumia emphasizes patience with people, the related word hupomone emphasizes endurance under circumstances. Together they form the complete picture of Christian patience: bearing with difficult people and pressing through difficult situations, all while trusting God's timing and purposes. James promises that patience produces maturity (James 1:4).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does patience mean in the Bible?

Patience (makrothumia) means long-suffering endurance — being slow to anger, bearing with difficult people and circumstances, and trusting God's timing without giving up.

Is patience a fruit of the Spirit?

Yes. Galatians 5:22 lists longsuffering as a fruit of the Spirit. It is produced by the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life, reflecting God's own patient character.

Which Bible verse uses the word "Patience"?

James 5:7 — "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it" (KJV). It also appears in 2 Peter 3:9, Galatians 5:22.

Why does the Greek word behind "Patience" matter?

Makrothumia combines makros ('long') and thumos ('passion' or 'anger'), creating the picture of being 'long before becoming angry.' It describes a person who has a long fuse — who endures provocation, suffering, or delay without erupting… English uses one word, "Patience", where the Greek μακροθυμία (makrothumia) carries the fuller sense: long-suffering endurance — bearing with people and circumstances without giving up.

Related Words

Where to go next

Studied the meaning of Patience? Continue with these word-study and Scripture pages.

Patience

Key Verses

James 5:7

2 Peter 3:9

Galatians 5:22

Strong's G5281 — Patience (μακροθυμία (makrothumia))

Etymology and Original Meaning

God's Patience

Patience as a Fruit of the Spirit

Patience and Perseverance

Frequently Asked Questions

What does patience mean in the Bible?

Is patience a fruit of the Spirit?

Which Bible verse uses the word "Patience"?

Why does the Greek word behind "Patience" matter?

Related Words

Related Reading

Patience (μακροθυμία (makrothumia))

Strong's G5281 — Patience

Biblical Meaning of Pregnancy in a Dream (KJV)

Biblical Meaning of a Tree in a Dream (KJV)

Bible Verses About the Fruit of Patience

Which Fruit of the Spirit Are You?

Where to go next