Brief Overview of πώρωσις (Strong’s G4457: pōrōsis)

Strong’s G4457: A noun denoting hardness or callousness, particularly of heart or mind. Used metaphorically in New Testament to describe spiritual insensitivity and resistance to divine truth. Derived from medical terminology referring to the formation of callus or hardened tissue.

U- Unveiling the Word

πώρωσις represents a state of spiritual hardening or insensitivity. Originally a medical term describing the formation of calluses or the healing process of bones, it developed profound theological significance in describing the condition of hearts resistant to divine truth. In New Testament usage, particularly in Mark and Paul’s writings, it describes a spiritual condition that prevents understanding and acceptance of God’s revelation. Early church fathers saw in this term both a warning about the progressive nature of spiritual resistance and hope in God’s ability to heal spiritual callousness. Today, this word continues to challenge believers to maintain spiritual sensitivity while offering hope for those experiencing spiritual hardening.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πώρωσις, pōrōsis, /ˈporosis/
• Pronunciation Guide: “POH-roh-sis” (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• Root: πωρ- (pōr-) from πῶρος meaning “callus”
• Suffix: -ωσις (-ōsis) – forms abstract nouns indicating state or condition
• Indicates the state of being hardened or callused

D – Defining Meanings

• Hardness of heart
• Spiritual callousness
• Mental dullness
• Spiritual insensitivity

Translation Options:

• Hardness – Most common biblical translation
• Callousness – Emphasizes medical origin
• Dullness – Highlights effect on understanding

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σκληροκαρδία (sklērokardia) /sklerokarˈdia/ – hardness of heart – See G4641
• τύφλωσις (tuphlōsis) /ˈtyflosis/ – blindness – See G5187
• πωρόω (pōroō) /poˈroō/ – to harden – See G4456

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features (Noun):

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third

Examples:

• Nominative: πώρωσις (hardness)
• Genitive: πωρώσεως (of hardness)
• Dative: πωρώσει (to/with hardness)
• Accusative: πώρωσιν (hardness as object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its metaphorical use for spiritual condition. Thayer’s traces its development from medical to spiritual usage. LSJ provides examples from medical literature. Vine’s highlights its use in moral and spiritual contexts. Strong’s connects it to stubborn resistance. LEH traces its usage in Jewish literature. Moulton and Milligan show its technical medical usage in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“And looking around at them with anger, grieved at their [πωρώσει] hardness of heart, He said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.'” Mark 3:5

Additional References:
Romans 11:25, Ephesians 4:18

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πώρωσις serves as both diagnosis and invitation in the gospel narrative. While it identifies a serious spiritual condition, it also points to Christ’s power to heal and transform hardened hearts. The good news is that even this spiritual callousness can be overcome through divine grace, as Jesus demonstrates His authority to restore both physical and spiritual sensitivity.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term gave rise to modern medical terminology like “osteoporosis.”
2. Early Christian healers used this word in prayers for both physical and spiritual healing.
3. Medieval mystics developed spiritual exercises specifically to prevent πώρωσις.

Strong’s G4457: A noun describing the condition of spiritual hardening or callousness. Originally a medical term, used metaphorically in New Testament for resistance to divine truth. Implies both the danger of progressive spiritual insensitivity and the possibility of divine healing.

Part of speech: Noun (feminine)

Tags: hardness, callousness, spiritual resistance, insensitivity, heart condition, understanding, healing, spiritual state, divine truth, transformation, medical metaphor, restoration​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​