3425. mogis
Lexical Summary
mogis: Hardly, scarcely, with difficulty

Original Word: μόγις
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: mogis
Pronunciation: MOH-gis
Phonetic Spelling: (mog'-is)
KJV: hardly
Word Origin: [adverb from a primary mogos "toil"]

1. with difficulty

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
hardly.

Adverb from a primary mogos (toil); with difficulty -- hardly.

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 3425 mógis(from mogos, "laborious toil") – properly, scarcely (barely), i.e. what happens with great difficulty. 3425 /mógis ("scarcely") also stresses the prolonged nature of an action – which itself makes the action very difficult. See 3433 (mólis).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
another reading for molis, q.v.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 3425: μόγις

μόγις (μόγος toil), from Homer down, hardly, with difficulty: Luke 9:39 (yet WH Tr marginal reading μόλις, which see). (3Macc. 7:6.)

Topical Lexicon
Overview

Strong’s Greek 3425 occurs a single time in the New Testament, in Luke 9:39. The term conveys the idea of something accomplished only “with difficulty,” “scarcely,” or “hardly.” Its rarity makes the occurrence in Luke especially noteworthy, highlighting the severe struggle portrayed in that passage and inviting reflection on the broader biblical testimony about human helplessness and divine deliverance.

Biblical Context and Narrative Setting

Luke 9 records the account of a desperate father whose son is oppressed by an unclean spirit. The father explains that “a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely leaves him, and it is destroying him” (Luke 9:39). The word translated “scarcely” is 3425. This adverb heightens the vivid picture drawn by Luke: the demonic power releases the boy only for brief, tenuous moments, and even those moments are gained with painful exertion. By employing the term, Luke underscores the intractable nature of the boy’s bondage and the utter inability of human effort to secure lasting relief. The narrative reaches resolution only when Jesus commands the spirit and fully restores the child (Luke 9:42), demonstrating the supremacy of Christ over the most relentless spiritual forces.

Theological Themes

1. Total Dependence on Christ

The father’s experience mirrors the condition of fallen humanity: deliverance comes only through the authoritative word of the Son of God (John 8:36). The adverb signals that any temporary reprieve achieved apart from Christ is fragile at best.

2. Spiritual Warfare and Perseverance

Scripture consistently presents spiritual conflict as real and fierce (Ephesians 6:12). The notion of “scarcely” being freed highlights the prolonged pressures believers may endure before final victory. Yet the same passage affirms that Jesus’ power is decisive and complete.

3. Compassionate Ministry of Jesus

Luke emphasizes Jesus’ compassion toward sufferers (Luke 7:13; Luke 8:50). Even when liberation appears nearly impossible—“with difficulty”—the Savior intervenes. This theme encourages believers to intercede persistently for those caught in seemingly hopeless situations.

Relation to the Cognate Form (Strong’s 3433)

The closely related adverb that appears elsewhere (for example, Acts 14:18; Romans 5:7) likewise conveys “hardly” or “with difficulty.” By using 3425 in Luke 9:39, the Gospel writer may be echoing that broader linguistic field while giving special nuance to the immediate storyline. Collectively, the two forms remind readers that human resources are insufficient, yet God’s grace triumphs even in circumstances that are “scarcely” survivable.

Historical Usage in Early Church Teaching

Early Christian commentators drew attention to the intensity of the boy’s torment to illustrate both the ferocity of demonic opposition and the matchless authority of Christ. For instance, Chrysostom noted that the severity of the case magnified the miracle, proving that no ailment is too stubborn for the Lord. Patristic homilies often used Luke 9:39–42 to call believers to unwavering faith amid relentless trials.

Pastoral and Ministry Application

• Intercession for the Oppressed

The passage encourages persistent prayer for those under spiritual or physical affliction. When deliverance seems achievable only “with difficulty,” the church is to seek Christ’s intervention, confident in His power (James 5:14–16).

• Encouragement in Prolonged Struggle

Believers enduring drawn-out hardships can take comfort that Scripture acknowledges the reality of “scarcely” attainable relief, yet also testifies to God’s ultimate victory (2 Corinthians 4:8–9).

• Discernment in Spiritual Care

The father had turned first to the disciples, who failed (Luke 9:40). Ministry leaders today must rely on genuine dependence upon Christ, not on human technique, when confronting entrenched oppression.

Related Passages and Biblical Echoes

Mark 9:17–29 – Parallel account underscoring prayer and faith as means of overcoming potent demonic resistance.
Ephesians 6:10–18 – Exhortation to stand firm in spiritual warfare, acknowledging that some battles will be fierce.
Romans 8:37–39 – Assurance that nothing, no matter how overpowering, can separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Conclusion

Strong’s Greek 3425, though occurring only once, carries profound theological weight. It portrays the near-impossibility of deliverance apart from Christ, magnifies His authoritative compassion, and offers enduring hope to all who face battles that are won only “with difficulty.”

Forms and Transliterations
μόγις
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