Lexical Summary duskolós: Difficult, hard to please Original Word: δυσκολός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hardly. Adverb from duskolos; impracticably -- hardly. see GREEK duskolos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1423 dyskólōs (an adverb) – properly, hardly, referring to how hard it is to pass through; (figuratively) problematic, difficult ("hardly passing through"), like trying to push something too large through a narrow passageway. See 1422 (dyskolos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from duskolos Definition with difficulty NASB Translation hard (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1423: δυσκόλωςδυσκόλως, adverb (δύσκολος) (from Plato down), with difficulty: Matthew 19:23; Mark 10:23; Luke 18:24. Topical Lexicon Word Overview The word translated in modern English as “with difficulty” or “hardly” is found solely in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It serves as an adverb describing the severe obstacle that wealth may present to entering the kingdom of God. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Matthew 19:23 Contextual Analysis All three uses appear in the same narrative setting: Jesus’ interaction with a wealthy ruler. After the man’s departure, Jesus turns to His disciples and says, “Truly I tell you, it is difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:23). The statement follows a vivid demonstration of how earthly riches can bind the human heart, preventing wholehearted allegiance to God. In each Gospel the adverb intensifies the idea—entry into the kingdom is not merely challenging for the materially prosperous; it borders on the impossible apart from divine enablement, a truth Jesus clarifies a verse later (“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible,” Matthew 19:26). Theological Themes 1. Dependence on God: The adverb underscores the necessity of grace. Human effort, no matter how sincere, cannot overcome the sinful pull that wealth may exert. Historical Background First-century Judaism often viewed material prosperity as a sign of God’s blessing, drawing on passages such as Deuteronomy 28. Jesus’ pronouncement thus shocked His listeners. Roman culture likewise prized status and accumulation, making the warning equally radical for Gentile audiences. In Jewish rabbinic writings, the rich were sometimes presumed to have advantages in piety (almsgiving, temple offerings). Jesus reverses that assumption, pointing to the spiritual peril of self-sufficiency. Related Passages and Themes • Proverbs 11:28; Proverbs 30:8–9 – wealth’s instability These texts echo the same caution wrapped up in the adverb’s force: riches can choke faith if not held loosely. Application for Ministry 1. Discipleship: Pastors and teachers must address materialism candidly, helping believers evaluate spending, giving, and lifestyle through kingdom lenses. Conclusion The threefold repetition of this single adverb forms a unified, Spirit-inspired caution: wealth makes entrance into God’s kingdom exceedingly hard. Yet the surrounding verses proclaim hope—what humans cannot accomplish, God can. Properly received, the word drives believers to humility, rigorous self-examination, and joyful dependence on the Savior who “though He was rich, yet for your sakes became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9), opening the kingdom to all who trust in Him. Forms and Transliterations δυσκολως δυσκόλως δύσκωφον duskolos duskolōs dyskolos dyskolōs dyskólos dyskólōsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 19:23 AdvGRK: ὅτι πλούσιος δυσκόλως εἰσελεύσεται εἰς NAS: I say to you, it is hard for a rich man KJV: a rich man shall hardly enter INT: that a rich man with difficulty will enter into Mark 10:23 Adv Luke 18:24 Adv |
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