Slow
God's Slowness to Anger
The most important biblical use of "slow" appears in the recurring description of God as "slow to anger." This phrase translates the Hebrew expression "erekh appayim," literally meaning "long of nostrils" or "long of face," a vivid idiom for patience. The description first appears in God's self-revelation to Moses on Mount Sinai: "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" (Exodus 34:6). This foundational statement about God's character is repeated throughout Scripture (Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 103:8; Psalm 145:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Nahum 1:3), making it one of the most frequently cited descriptions of God in the Bible.
Moses and Slow Speech
When God called Moses at the burning bush, Moses protested that he was "slow of speech and slow of tongue" (Exodus 4:10). The Hebrew word here is "kabed," meaning "heavy" or "weighty," suggesting that Moses felt his speech was labored and unpersuasive. Whether this reflected a genuine speech impediment or simply a lack of confidence, God responded by promising to be with Moses' mouth and teach him what to say. This passage demonstrates that God's calling does not depend on human ability and that He equips those He sends.
Slow of Heart and Understanding
Jesus used the concept of slowness to rebuke the Emmaus road disciples after His resurrection: "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!" (Luke 24:25). The Greek word "bradus" means sluggish or dull, describing a reluctance or inability to grasp spiritual truth. The disciples had witnessed Jesus' ministry, heard His predictions of death and resurrection, yet still failed to understand. Their slowness of heart represented a spiritual dullness that could only be overcome by divine illumination, which Jesus provided as He opened the Scriptures to them.
The Wisdom of Being Slow
James offers a different perspective on slowness, presenting it as a virtue: "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" (James 1:19). Here slowness is commended as a mark of wisdom and self-control. Being slow to speak prevents hasty words that cause harm, and being slow to anger reflects the very character of God. This instruction echoes Proverbs, which consistently associates measured speech and controlled anger with wisdom (Proverbs 14:29; 15:18; 16:32).
Slowness and Spiritual Maturity
The writer of Hebrews rebukes readers who have become "slow to learn" (Hebrews 5:11), using a word that conveys spiritual laziness and dullness. These believers should have been mature enough to teach others, but instead they needed to relearn the basics. This passage warns against spiritual stagnation and calls believers to press on toward maturity. Peter similarly addresses the apparent "slowness" of God's promises, assuring readers that "the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish" (2 Peter 3:9).
Biblical Context
The concept of 'slow' appears throughout Scripture in varied contexts. God is described as 'slow to anger' in Exodus 34:6, Nehemiah 9:17, Psalm 103:8, and Joel 2:13. Moses claims to be 'slow of speech' in Exodus 4:10. Jesus rebukes 'slowness of heart' in Luke 24:25. James commends being 'slow to speak, slow to anger' in James 1:19. Peter addresses God's apparent 'slowness' in 2 Peter 3:9.
Theological Significance
The concept of slowness reveals important truths about God's character and human responsibility. God's slowness to anger is foundational to the biblical understanding of divine patience and mercy, giving sinners time to repent. Human slowness of heart represents spiritual dullness that needs divine remedy. The call to be 'slow to speak and slow to anger' connects human character formation to imitating God's own patient nature.
Historical Background
The Hebrew idiom for 'slow to anger' (literally 'long of nostrils') draws on ancient Near Eastern imagery where flared nostrils represented anger and a long face represented patience. This description of deity was distinctive to Israel; surrounding cultures typically portrayed their gods as quick-tempered and unpredictable. The biblical emphasis on divine patience contrasted sharply with the capricious deities of Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Canaanite religion.