This adjective describes slowness, whether in physical movement or, more commonly in biblical contexts, in mental or spiritual perception. The term can indicate sluggishness, delay, or dullness. Jesus rebukes the Emmaus disciples as 'slow of heart to believe' what the prophets spoke. James counsels believers to be 'slow to speak, slow to anger'—here slowness is a virtue, representing restraint and thoughtfulness. The classical usage includes both literal slowness of movement and metaphorical sluggishness of mind.