### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G311 (ἀναβολή, anabolḗ) is derived from the verb ἀναβάλλομαι (anaballomai), which literally means "to throw up" or "to cast up." However, in a temporal sense, the verb signifies "to put off," "to postpone," or "to defer." Consequently, the noun anabolḗ carries the precise meaning of "a putting off," "a delay," or "a postponement." It denotes the act of deferring an action, decision, or event to a later time. The implication is not one of cancellation, but rather a temporary suspension, with the understanding that the deferred matter is still intended to occur, albeit not immediately.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G311 (anabolḗ) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the book of Acts:
* [[Acts 24:22]]: "But when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that Way, he put them off, saying, 'When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.'" (ESV)
In this sole occurrence, anabolḗ describes the action of the Roman governor Felix. After hearing Paul's defense, Felix declares a "delay" in rendering a judgment. His stated reason is the need for more information from Lysias, the commander who had sent Paul to him. However, the subsequent narrative reveals Felix's true motivations. He keeps Paul imprisoned for two years, frequently summoning him not out of a desire for justice, but hoping for a bribe ([[Acts 24:26]]). Ultimately, he leaves Paul in bonds to curry favor with the Jews ([[Acts 24:27]]).
Felix's "delay" was not a righteous or prudent waiting for clarity, but a calculated postponement motivated by personal gain and political expediency. It highlights a human tendency to defer difficult decisions or to avoid immediate action, often for less than noble reasons, rather than confronting truth or dispensing justice. This stands in stark contrast to the urgency often associated with the proclamation of the Gospel message.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Procrastination:** The concept embodied by anabolḗ is closely aligned with human procrastination, particularly when it pertains to matters of spiritual or moral significance.
* **Waiting (Active vs. Passive):** While anabolḗ signifies a *decision to delay* by a human agent, other Greek terms describe a *state of waiting* or *perseverance through waiting*. For instance, `{{G4327}}` (prosdokao) means "to wait for" or "to expect," often with an element of anticipation. `{{G5281}}` (hypomonē) denotes "steadfast endurance" or "patience," a virtuous quality of perseverance while waiting for God's timing or promises. anabolḗ is an active choice to defer, whereas hypomonē is an active endurance in a period of waiting.
* **Divine Timing (kairos):** The Bible frequently emphasizes God's sovereign control over time, referring to "the appointed time" or "the opportune moment" (`{{G2540}}`, kairos). Human anabolḗ often stands in stark contrast to God's precise and perfect timing, which is never characterized by arbitrary delay.
* **Repentance and Urgency:** The call to repentance is consistently presented with urgency in the New Testament (e.g., [[2 Corinthians 6:2]], "Behold, now is the day of salvation!"). Delaying repentance can have severe consequences, as illustrated by parables such as the rich fool ([[Luke 12:16-21]]), whose life was unexpectedly cut short.
* **Patience of God:** While humans may employ anabolḗ for self-serving reasons, God's "delay" in judgment or in fulfilling certain promises is always rooted in His divine patience and desire for all to come to repentance (e.g., [[2 Peter 3:9]], where God is described as "not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance"). This is not anabolḗ in the human sense of procrastination, but divine forbearance.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of anabolḗ in the New Testament, describing Governor Felix's self-serving postponement of justice, carries significant theological weight. It serves as a subtle yet potent warning against the dangers of human delay, especially when such deferral stems from a lack of integrity, fear of consequences, or worldly motives. Felix's anabolḗ was not a wise, patient waiting for more information, but a calculated deferral that ultimately led to an injustice (Paul's continued imprisonment) and a missed opportunity for Felix himself to respond to the truth of the Gospel presented by Paul.
From a broader theological perspective, anabolḗ highlights the human propensity to procrastinate in matters of eternal significance. This includes delaying a response to the Gospel, deferring repentance for sin, or putting off obedience to divine conviction. While God is infinitely patient and desires the salvation of all ([[2 Peter 3:9]]), human anabolḗ can lead to a hardening of the heart and a point where the opportunity for salvation is lost ([[Hebrews 3:7-8]], "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts"). The narrative implicitly contrasts human anabolḗ with God's decisive action and perfect timing. God does not "delay" His promises in the human sense of procrastination, but acts according to His sovereign will and perfect schedule, always with a view towards His redemptive purposes.
### Summary
The Greek term G311 (ἀναβολή, anabolḗ), meaning "delay" or "postponement," is uniquely attested in the New Testament in [[Acts 24:22]]. It describes Governor Felix's act of deferring judgment in Paul's case, a delay motivated not by a pursuit of justice but by personal gain and political maneuvering. This singular occurrence serves as a poignant biblical illustration of human procrastination, particularly in the face of spiritual conviction or difficult decisions. Theologically, anabolḗ stands in stark contrast to God's perfect timing and purposeful action. It underscores the dangers and potential spiritual consequences of human delay in matters of repentance, faith, and obedience, highlighting the urgency of responding to God's call rather than putting off what is eternally vital.
TRV