Lexical Summary póroó: To harden, to make callous, to render insensitive Original Word: πωρόω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance harden, blindApparently from poros (a kind of stone); to petrify, i.e. (figuratively) to indurate (render stupid or callous) -- blind, harden. HELPS Word-studies 4456 pōróō (from pōros, a kind of marble) – properly, made of stone; (figuratively) insensible; dull, unperceptive as a rock; calloused (hardened); i.e. unresponsive (dense), completely lacking sensitivity or spiritual perception. [From the time of Hippocrates, 4456 (pōróō) means "harden," like a formed callus which petrifies (cf. DNTT, 2, 153). 4456 (pōróō) was applied to bony formations on the joints (a "callus," ossification) – hence meaning "to petrify" (as in "covering over with a callus"). 4456 (pōróō) is only used figuratively in the NT meaning "to deaden (dull), to make (render) obtuse (dull, dead)" (Souter).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom póros (a stone, a callous) Definition to petrify, i.e. to harden NASB Translation hardened (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4456: πωρόωπωρόω, πώρω: 1 aorist ἐπωρωσα (John 12:40 T Tr WH); perfect πεπώρωκα; perfect passive participle πεπωρωμενος; 1 aorist passive ἐπωρωθην; (πῶρος, hard skin, a hardening, induration); to cover with a thick skin, to harden by covering with a callus (R. V. everywhere simply to harden): metaphorically, καρδίαν, to make the heart dull, John 12:40; passive, to grow hard or callous, become dull, lose the power of understanding: Romans 11:7; τά νοήματα, 2 Corinthians 3:14; ἡ καρδία, Mark 6:52; Mark 8:17. Cf. Fritzsche, Commentary on Mark, p. 78f; on Romans, ii., p. 451f. ((Hippocrates ( Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 4456 portrays the solemn reality of a heart that has become unresponsive to God. Used only five times in the New Testament, it pictures a spiritual petrifying that renders a person dull to divine truth, judgment, and mercy. Although the verb can describe a judicial act of God, every context also exposes human unbelief and misplaced confidence in self. Occurrences in Scripture • Mark 6:52 shows the disciples “had not understood about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened,” revealing that hardness can afflict even genuine followers when they fail to ponder Christ’s works. Old Testament Roots and Intertextual Links The verb echoes the Septuagint’s descriptions of Pharaoh’s obstinate heart (Exodus 7–14) and Isaiah’s ministry (Isaiah 6). Each setting balances divine sovereignty with human responsibility: God confirms a pre-existing resistance, yet His hardening serves redemptive purposes—displaying His power (Exodus) or opening salvation to the nations (Romans 11). Christological Focus In the Gospel passages, the hardening of the disciples’ hearts highlights the majesty of Jesus. Miracles such as multiplying bread should have led to clearer insight into His divine identity. Their temporary dullness magnifies His patience and teaching ministry. Conversely, John 12 contrasts hardened authorities with believing yet fearful leaders (John 12:42), underscoring that genuine recognition of Christ requires humble surrender. Soteriological Dimensions Hardening never negates the availability of grace. Paul’s discussion in Romans 11 shows that partial hardening of Israel opens the door for Gentile ingrafting, and the same apostle pleads for his kinsmen to be saved (Romans 10:1). In 2 Corinthians 3 the veil is removed “in Christ,” affirming that gospel illumination reverses hardness. Thus the doctrine safeguards both God’s righteousness in judgment and His mercy in salvation. Ecclesiological and Missional Implications The church must not presume immunity. Disciples can suffer functional hardness by forgetting past deliverances or by fretting over material scarcity (Mark 8:17). Corporate worship, Scripture meditation, and the Lord’s Table recall God’s mighty acts, softening hearts for obedient mission. Moreover, recognizing present hardness in unbelieving Israel fuels prayer and evangelism rather than pride (Romans 11:18–22). Pastoral Application 1. Expose Troubling Signs: spiritual apathy toward Scripture, ingratitude for providence, or resistance to conviction may signal an encroaching hardness. Historical Reflection in Church Teaching Augustine employed these texts to defend grace as prevenient and effectual, while the Reformers highlighted Romans 11 in discussions of election and perseverance. Yet across traditions, pastoral writers—from John Chrysostom to Jonathan Edwards—have warned believers not to trifle with small sins lest progressive indifference set in. Summary Strong’s Greek 4456 confronts readers with the peril of a calloused heart and the hope of divine softening. Whether in inattentive disciples, unbelieving authorities, or the partially hardened nation of Israel, the condition is neither trivial nor final. The gospel of Jesus Christ, attended by the Spirit, alone melts the stony heart, restoring sight, understanding, and obedient joy. Forms and Transliterations επωρωθη επωρώθη ἐπωρώθη επωρωθησαν επωρώθησαν ἐπωρώθησαν επωρωσεν ἐπώρωσεν πεπώρωκεν πεπωρωμενη πεπωρωμένη πεπωρωμενην πεπωρωμένην πεπώρωνται eporosen epōrōsen epṓrosen epṓrōsen eporothe eporṓthe epōrōthē epōrṓthē eporothesan eporṓthesan epōrōthēsan epōrṓthēsan peporomene peporoméne pepōrōmenē pepōrōménē peporomenen peporoménen pepōrōmenēn pepōrōménēnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 6:52 V-RPM/P-NFSGRK: ἡ καρδία πεπωρωμένη NAS: but their heart was hardened. KJV: heart was hardened. INT: the heart hardened Mark 8:17 V-RPM/P-AFS John 12:40 V-AIA-3S Romans 11:7 V-AIP-3P 2 Corinthians 3:14 V-AIP-3S Strong's Greek 4456 |
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