SAVLANUT

In the Hebrew Bible, "Savlanut" signifies not just waiting but calmness and trust in God's plan.

Why it matters

"Savlanut" is the Hebrew word for patience, but it's not just about waiting -

it's about enduring with grace, tolerance, and understanding.

Patience is a key virtue in the Bible, woven through many stories and teachings.

One example is the story of Job, who displayed "Savlanut" during intense suffering, trusting God despite his trials (Job 1:21-22). The Psalms also remind us to 'wait for the Lord' with patience and faith (Psalm 37:7).

"Savlanut" isn't just passive waiting - it's active trust in God's timing and plan.

In Hebrew, "savlanut" shares its root with the word "sevel", which means "burden' or "suffering". This reflects that true patience often involves carrying the weight of or reacting impulsively. The word itself captures the idea of bearing life's difficulties with fortitude.

Fun fact

In the New Testament, the Greek word for patience, "makrothumia," is ofetn translated to convey the same deep endurance as "savlanut". One notable passage is Galatians 5:22, where patience is listed as 'a fruit of the spirit'.

Patience in both Hebrew and Christian scriptures represents steadfastness, much like Abraham waited patiently for the fulfilment of God's promise to him (Hebrews 6:15).

Can you think of a time when you practiced "savlanut" by trusting God's timing, even when it was difficult? Or when someone else showed you the gift of patience during a challenging moment?