Brief Overview of παχύνω (Strong’s G3975: pachynō)
Strong’s G3975: From παχύς (thick); to make fat, to make dull or callous. Metaphorically used to describe spiritual insensitivity or hardness of heart. In NT context, specifically refers to willful spiritual dullness that resists divine truth. Quoted from Isaiah to describe spiritual obstinacy.
U- Unveiling the Word
Παχύνω literally means to make thick or fat, but takes on profound spiritual significance in the NT. Used metaphorically to describe spiritual insensitivity, it portrays the heart’s resistance to divine truth. Early church writers employed it to warn against spiritual complacency. Today, it serves as a powerful reminder about maintaining spiritual sensitivity and avoiding hardness of heart.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: παχύνω, pachynō, [pa-KHOO-no]
- Detailed pronunciation: pah-KHOO-noh
- Part of Speech: Verb
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Etymology:
- Root: παχύς (thick, fat)
- Suffix: -υνω (causative verb ending)
- Forms causative verb meaning “to make thick”
D – Defining Meanings
- To make thick or fat
- To make dull or insensitive
- To become calloused
- To grow spiritually insensitive
For compound words: Not applicable as this is a derived verb
Translation Options:
- Has grown dull – Emphasizing process
- Has become calloused – Emphasizing condition
- Has grown insensitive – Modern equivalent
E – Exploring Similar Words
- σκληρύνω [sklērynō, sklay-ROO-no] – to harden
- πωρόω [pōroō, po-RO-oh] – to petrify
- ἀναισθητέω [anaisthēteō, an-ais-thay-TEH-oh] – to be insensitive
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Verb features:
- Present Active: παχύνω
- Future: παχυνῶ
- Aorist: ἐπάχυνα
- Perfect Passive: πεπάχυμμαι
Shows:
- Causative -υνω formation
- Regular conjugation patterns
- Often used in perfect tense
- Cross-references: παχύς (thick), πάχος (thickness)
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes its metaphorical usage. Thayer’s traces its development from physical to spiritual meaning. LSJ documents agricultural origins. Vine’s highlights its use in Isaiah quotation. Moulton and Milligan show medical usage.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
“For the hearts of this people have grown dull [παχύνω]. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears.” (Matthew 13:15)
Additional References:
Acts 28:27
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Hippocrates: Medicine | “The humors grow thick [παχύνω] in winter.” |
| Aristotle: History of Animals | “The skin becomes thick [παχύνω] with age.” |
| Theophrastus: Plants | “The roots grow thick [παχύνω] in rich soil.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Παχύνω warns of the danger of spiritual insensitivity while pointing to the gospel’s power to soften hardened hearts. Christ’s word can penetrate even the most calloused heart, transforming spiritual dullness into vibrant faith.
D – Did You Know?
- Originally a medical term for tissue thickening
- Used in agricultural contexts for soil compaction
- Became a key term in early Christian spiritual formation
Strong’s G3975: From παχύς (thick); to make fat, to make dull or callous. Metaphorically used to describe spiritual insensitivity or hardness of heart. In NT context, specifically refers to willful spiritual dullness that resists divine truth. Quoted from Isaiah to describe spiritual obstinacy.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: #SpiritualCondition #Hardness #HeartCondition #Repentance #SpiritualSensitivity #BiblicalWarnings #IsaiahQuotations #Transformation #Salvation #HeartOfStone
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