Introduction:

In Biblical studies, understanding the nuances of Greek words is crucial for accurate interpretation of the scriptures. The word δύσκολος (dýskolos) is particularly significant as it captures the essence of being difficult, stubborn, or hard to please. This word is not only relevant to New Testament interpretation but also offers insights into ancient Greek culture, where personal characteristics and temperaments were closely observed and described with specific terms. By examining δύσκολος, we can better understand the challenges and attitudes described in the Biblical text, enhancing our overall comprehension of the scriptures.

Key Information:

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• Greek Word: δύσκολος (dýskolos) [DOOS-ko-los]
• Etymology: Derived from “δυσ-” (dys-), meaning “difficult” or “bad,” and “κολεῖν” (koleín), meaning “to hinder” or “to block.” The word thus conveys the idea of someone difficult to deal with or hard to satisfy.
• Part of Speech: Adjective (Second declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• Difficult to satisfy: Describes a person who is hard to please, often demanding and critical.
• Stubborn: Refers to someone resistant to change or new ideas, often obstinate.
• Hard to deal with: Indicates a challenging personality, one who is difficult to manage or work with.

Similar Words:

• ἀνεπίδεκτος (anepídektos) [an-eh-PEE-dek-tos]: Meaning “unmanageable” or “not open to persuasion,” this word shares a similar connotation of stubbornness but leans more toward an inability to be taught or corrected.
• δυστρόπος (dystrópos) [DOOS-tro-pos]: Refers to someone who is hard to turn or change, emphasizing a more physical or directional stubbornness rather than purely attitudinal.
• δύσκολος (dýskolos) [DOOS-ko-los]: While nearly identical in meaning, this word is more often used in literary contexts to describe a difficult situation or person, rather than the specific stubbornness implied by δύσκολος.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• Compound Structure: The word δύσκολος is a compound adjective formed by “δυσ-” (difficult) and “κολεῖν” (to hinder). The combination suggests a personality trait that is challenging or obstructive.
• Declension:

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG: BDAG describes δύσκολος as an adjective used to characterize people who are difficult to please or deal with, often marked by stubbornness and a resistant attitude.

Thayer’s Lexicon: Thayer’s focuses on the stubbornness aspect of δύσκολος, noting its use in describing individuals who resist persuasion or change, often leading to conflict or difficulty in relationships.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Vine’s highlights the relational difficulties associated with δύσκολος, noting how the word is used in contexts where interpersonal challenges are prominent.

LSJ: LSJ provides historical examples of δύσκολος in classical literature, where it was used to describe both people and situations that were hard to manage or endure.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s emphasizes the practical application of δύσκολος in the New Testament, particularly in contexts where difficult personalities or challenges are addressed.

Scripture Reference:

• Matthew 19:23: “And Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Truly I say to you, it is hard (δύσκολος) for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.'”

Classical Usage:

Summary of δύσκολος (G1422: dýskolos)

The Greek word δύσκολος (dýskolos) is an adjective that captures the essence of being difficult to deal with, stubborn, or hard to please. It is used in both Biblical and classical Greek contexts to describe individuals or situations that present significant challenges, whether due to personal characteristics or external circumstances. Understanding δύσκολος enriches our interpretation of New Testament passages that deal with challenging personalities or difficult situations, offering insights into the human condition as observed by ancient Greek writers and Biblical authors alike.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the word δύσκολος (dýskolos) is also the title of an ancient Greek play by Menander? The play, often translated as “The Grouch” or “The Misanthrope,” centers around a difficult, stubborn man, illustrating the timeless nature of such personality traits across cultures and eras.