Question 1

What does "Longsuffering" mean in the King James Bible?

Accepted Answer

In the KJV, "Longsuffering" means "patience." The compound meaning: long + suffering. Not patience in a waiting room but suffering that goes on and on, borne without complaint or retaliation. It described God's character -- He suffers long with rebellious humanity rather than destroying them. Patience doesn't capture the pain.

Question 2

Why did the word "Longsuffering" disappear from modern English?

Accepted Answer

Compound word felt archaic as English moved away from Germanic compounds; replaced by Latin-derived 'patience,' which fit modern sensibilities better. The word was at peak usage around 1611 and declined by ~1950.

Question 3

What modern word replaced "Longsuffering"?

Accepted Answer

"Longsuffering" was replaced by: "patience" (though this implies waiting calmly; longsuffering meant enduring active affliction over extended time without retaliating); "forbearance" (though this formal and measured; longsuffering carried raw, extended pain borne willingly); "tolerance" (though this passive acceptance; longsuffering was active endurance under suffering).

What Does “Longsuffering” Mean in the Bible?

What Was Lost