Longuffering in Relation to Bearing (Part 1)

There seems to be a correlation between the Biblical concept of bearing or covering, stegō (G4722), and longsuffering, makrothumeō (G3114).

According to Geneva Bible Translation Notes on 1 Corinthians 13:4, the Greek word makrothumeō (G3114) means literally, "defers wrath".

4 Love suffers long…
1 Corinthians 13:4

4 Love meekly and patiently bears ill treatment from others…
1 Corinthians 13:4 WET

The term suffers long or longsuffering is the Greek word makrothumeō (G3114). This word is made up from the words makros, long in terms of time or distance, and thumos, passion primarily used in reference to anger and wrath.

John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes says the following about longsuffering in this verse:

The love of God, and of our neighbour for God's sake, is patient toward, all men. It, suffers all the weakness, ignorance, errors, and infirmities of the children of God; all the malice and wickedness of the children of the world: and all this, not only for a time, but to the end. And in every step toward overcoming evil with good, it is kind, soft, mild, benign. It inspires the sufferer at once with the most amiable sweetness, and the most fervent and tender affection. Love acteth not rashly - Does not hastily condemn any one; never passes a severe sentence on a slight or sudden view of things. Nor does it ever act or behave in a violent, headstrong, or precipitate manner. Is not puffed up - Yea, humbles the soul to the dust.

Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible includes the following description with regards to longsuffering in 1 Corinthians 13:4.

The word used here μακροθυμεῖ makrothumei denotes “longanimity,” slowness to anger or passion; longsuffering, patient endurance, forbearance. It is opposed to haste; to passionate expressions and thoughts, and to irritability. It denotes the state of mind which can bear long when oppressed, provoked, calumniated, and when one seeks to injure us; compare Romans 2:4; Romans 9:22; 2 Corinthians 6:6; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12; 1Timothy 1:16; 2Timothy 3:10; 2Timothy 4:2; 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 3:15.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible says the following about longsuffering in 1 Corinthians 13:4

Charity suffereth long - Μακροθυμει, Has a long mind; to the end of which neither trials, adversities, persecutions, nor provocations, can reach. The love of God, and of our neighbor for God’s sake, is patient towards all men: it suffers all the weakness, ignorance, errors, and infirmities of the children of God; and all the malice and wickedness of the children of this world; and all this, not merely for a time, but long, without end; for it is still a mind or disposition, to the end of which trials, difficulties, etc., can never reach. It also waits God’s time of accomplishing his gracious or providential purposes, without murmuring or repining; and bears its own infirmities, as well as those of others, with humble submission to the will of God.

John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible includes the following description with regards to longsuffering in 1 Corinthians 13:4.

such a person is slow to anger when abused, not quick of resentment, nor hasty to revenge when affronted; but exercises forbearance, suffers long, and bears much, and is ready to forgive: