Brief Overview of σκληρός (Strong’s G4642: sklēros)

Strong’s G4642: An adjective meaning “hard” or “harsh,” applied both physically and metaphorically. Used to describe both material hardness and character traits like severity or harshness. In the New Testament, often depicts negative personality traits or difficult circumstances, particularly in human misunderstanding of God’s nature.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σκληρός carries significant meaning beyond physical hardness, extending into moral and spiritual realms. In the New Testament, it appears prominently in the parable of the talents, where the unfaithful servant wrongly characterizes his master as “hard” (Matthew 25:24). The word also describes difficult teachings (John 6:60) and harsh conditions (Acts 26:14). Early church fathers used it to discuss both the resistance to divine truth and misperceptions about God’s character.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σκληρός, sklēros, sklay-ROS
• Detailed Pronunciation: σκλη (sklay) ρός (ros) – stress on second syllable
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• From Indo-European root *skel- (to cut, cleave)
• Related to concept of dried out or withered
• Base word for several compounds

D – Defining Meanings

• Physically hard or tough
• Harsh or severe (of character)
• Difficult or demanding
• Resistant or stubborn

Translation Options:

• Hard – encompassing both physical and moral meanings
• Harsh – emphasizing character aspect
• Severe – focusing on intensity

E – Exploring Similar Words

• αὐστηρός (austēros, ow-stay-ROS) – See G840: Austere, strict
• τραχύς (trachys, tra-KHUS) – See G5138: Rough, harsh
• χαλεπός (chalepos, kha-le-POS) – See G5467: Difficult, fierce

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Case: All cases
• Declension: Second/First declension pattern

Examples:
Masculine: σκληρός
Feminine: σκληρά
Neuter: σκληρόν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical uses. Thayer’s notes its progression from physical to moral meaning. LSJ documents extensive classical usage. Vine’s highlights its use in character description. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from common usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 25:24: “Then the one who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you were a [hard] [σκληρός] man.'”

Additional References:
John 6:60, Acts 26:14, James 3:4, Jude 1:15

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σκληρός reveals how humans often misunderstand God’s character, seeing harshness where there is justice and love. The good news of King Jesus shows us God’s true nature – not harsh but holy, not merely demanding but deeply generous.

D – Did You Know?

• Forms part of many compound words in Greek
• Used to describe Jesus’ “hard sayings” in John 6
• Appears in Paul’s Damascus road experience

Strong’s G4642: An adjective meaning “hard” or “harsh,” applied both physically and metaphorically. Used to describe both material hardness and character traits like severity or harshness. In the New Testament, often depicts negative personality traits or difficult circumstances.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: hardness, harshness, severity, character, misunderstanding-god, difficult-teachings, resistance, judgement, perception, master-servant, physical-properties, moral-qualities​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​