What does the word patience mean in the Bible?

The word “patience” appears frequently throughout Scripture, and it is a virtue that God commands His people to cultivate. In the Bible, it is not just about waiting; it is about endurance, steadfastness, perseverance, and long-suffering in the face of trials. It is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is deeply connected to faith, hope, and trust in God.

To fully grasp the biblical meaning of this term, we must explore its original language, its various uses in Scripture, and how it applies to the Christian life.

The Meaning of “Patience” in the Original Language

The Bible was originally written in Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament). The word “patience” is translated from several different Hebrew and Greek words, each conveying a deeper aspect of its meaning.

1. Patience in the Old Testament (Hebrew Words)

A. ‘Ārēk (אָרֵךְ) – Long-Suffering

• Exodus 34:6 (NKJV) –
  “And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abounding in goodness and truth.’”

This Hebrew word means “slow to anger” or “long-suffering.” It describes God’s patience with sinners, showing that He is merciful and does not bring immediate judgment.

B. Qāvāh (קָוָה) – Waiting with Hope

• Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) –
  “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

This word for patience implies waiting with expectation and trust in God’s timing. It is not passive waiting but active dependence on God.

2. Patience in the New Testament (Greek Words)

A. Makrothumia (μακροθυμία) – Long-Suffering

• Galatians 5:22 (NKJV) –
  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.”

This Greek word means “long-suffering”—the ability to endure offenses, insults, or suffering without retaliation. It is often used to describe God’s patience with sinners and the patience believers must have with one another.

B. Hypomonē (ὑπομονή) – Endurance and Perseverance

• Romans 5:3-4 (NKJV) –
  “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

This word means “steadfast endurance” or “perseverance through trials.” It describes the patience of a believer who remains faithful to God even in suffering.

The Importance of Perseverance in the Bible

Patience is a key characteristic of a faithful Christian. It is necessary in our relationship with God, in our dealings with others, and in trials and hardships.

1. God and Humanity

God is described as patient and long-suffering, giving people time to repent.

• 2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV) –
  “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

God’s patience is an expression of His mercy. He delays judgment so that more people can turn to Him in faith.

2. Jesus Christ

Jesus displayed perfect patience during His ministry. He quietly endured rejection, betrayal, and suffering.

• Hebrews 12:2-3 (NKJV) –
  “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus’ endurance is an example for believers. Just as He quietly bore the cross, we must bear our own trials with faith.

3. Endurance in the Christian Life

Endurance is necessary for a mature Christian walk. It is a mark of true faith.

• James 1:2-4 (NKJV) –
  “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Trials develop endurance, which in turn strengthens character. Christians must endure hardships without losing faith in God.

4. Dealing with Others

Christians are called to be patient with one another, just as God is patient with us.

• Ephesians 4:2 (NKJV) –
  “With all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love.”

We must endure the weaknesses of others, forgive offenses, and love unconditionally.

5. Waiting for God’s Promises

Many biblical figures had to wait for God’s promises to be fulfilled:

• Abraham waited 25 years for Isaac (Genesis 21:5).
• Joseph waited 13 years in slavery before becoming ruler (Genesis 41:46).
• Moses waited 40 years in the desert before leading Israel (Acts 7:30).

God’s timing is always perfect.

• Psalm 37:7 (NKJV) –
  “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.”

Waiting means trusting God’s plan even when things don’t happen immediately.

How to Develop Endurance According to the Bible

Patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), meaning it comes from God. However, believers must actively cultivate it.

1. Pray for it

• Colossians 1:11 (NKJV) –
  “Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and long-suffering with joy.”

Ask God to help you grow in this virtue.

2. Study God’s Word

The Bible provides encouragement to endure trials.

• Romans 15:4 (NKJV) –
  “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”

3. Trust in God’s Timing

Patience requires faith in God’s plan.

• Habakkuk 2:3 (NKJV) –
  “For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

4. Accept Trials as Growth Opportunities

• Romans 5:3-4 (NKJV) –
  “Tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Trials refine us and draw us closer to God.

Conclusion: The Power of Patience in the Christian Life

Biblical patience is more than just waiting; it is enduring, trusting, and remaining faithful in every circumstance. It is a key characteristic of God, Jesus Christ, and mature believers.

• God’s patience gives us time to repent.
• Jesus’ patience was demonstrated in His endurance of suffering.
• Our patience must be evident in trials, relationships, and waiting for God’s promises.

Patience is not weakness—it is spiritual strength. It shows trust in God’s sovereignty and produces peace, endurance, and hope. Every believer should seek to develop patience as a mark of true faith in Christ.

• Hebrews 10:36 (NKJV) –
  “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.”

Let us walk patiently in faith, knowing that God’s timing is perfect!