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G3975 (παχύνω)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G3975
Original Word: παχύνω
Transliteration: pachýnō
Pronunciation: pakh-oo'-no
Part of Speech: verb
Category: Warnings in Love
Root / Etymology: from a derivative of G4078 (πήγνυμι) (meaning thick);
Frequency: 2×
Gematria: 1931

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 to thicken, i.e. (by implication) to fatten (figuratively, stupefy or render callous)

wax gross

from a derivative of G4078 (πήγνυμι) (meaning thick);

Commentary

Contributors:

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

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:

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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

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #SpiritualCondition #Hardness #HeartCondition #Repentance #SpiritualSensitivity #BiblicalWarnings #IsaiahQuotations #Transformation #Salvation #HeartOfStone

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