σκληροκαρδία
hard-heartedness, i.e. (specially), destitution of (spiritual) perception
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hard-heartedness, i.e. (specially), destitution of (spiritual) perception
σκληροκαρδία(sklērokardía)
Strong’s Definition
hard-heartedness, i.e. (specially), destitution of (spiritual) perception
feminine of a compound of G4642 (σκληρός) and G2588 (καρδία);
“He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.”
No verses found containing this word study ID.
Strong's G4641: A feminine noun meaning "hardness of heart," composed of "hard" (sklēros) and "heart" (kardia). Used by Jesus to describe spiritual stubbornness and resistance to God's will. Particularly associated with the rejection of divine truth and inability to perceive spiritual realities.
U- Unveiling the Word
Σκληροκαρδία is a powerful compound word describing a spiritual condition of willful resistance to God's truth and purposes. Jesus used it to explain why certain accommodations were made in Mosaic law and to rebuke His disciples' unbelief. The term echoes Old Testament descriptions of Israel's stubbornness (cf. Exodus 7:3). Early church fathers saw it as one of the primary obstacles to faith and spiritual growth. Today, it remains a crucial concept in understanding human resistance to divine truth and the need for spiritual transformation.
N - Necessary Information
Etymology:
D - Defining Meanings
For compound words:
Translation Options:
E - Exploring Similar Words
R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology
The word follows standard first declension patterns but typically appears in accusative or dative cases in NT usage.
S - Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes its moral and spiritual significance. Thayer's notes its connection to Old Testament concepts. LSJ documents limited classical usage. Vine's highlights its use in Jesus' teaching. Moulton and Milligan note its rarity in non-biblical texts.
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T - Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
Matthew 19:8: "Jesus replied, 'Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of your [hardness of heart] [σκληροκαρδία], but it was not this way from the beginning.'"
Additional References:
Mark 10:5, Mark 16:14
A - Analyzing Classical Usage
N - Noteworthy Summary
Σκληροκαρδία describes one of the primary obstacles to receiving the good news of King Jesus. Yet the gospel itself provides the solution: the promise of a new heart that can respond to God's truth and love, highlighting our need for divine transformation.
D - Did You Know?
Strong's G4641: A feminine noun meaning "hardness of heart," composed of "hard" (sklēros) and "heart" (kardia). Used by Jesus to describe spiritual stubbornness and resistance to God's will. Particularly associated with the rejection of divine truth and inability to perceive spiritual realities.
Part of speech: Noun
Tags: hardness-of-heart, stubbornness, unbelief, spiritual-resistance, heart-condition, jesus-teaching, marriage, resurrection, spiritual-blindness, transformation