σκληρός
sklērós
G4642 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Hard in substance or texture; physically hard or resistant, often describing something difficult to penetrate, cut, or break (e.g., hard land, a hard object). When used figuratively, means harsh, severe, or unyielding—describing manner, speech, or treatment that is difficult to bear, strict, or lacking gentleness. Senses include harsh in speech or character, unyielding in attitude, and difficult to endure.
Semantic Range
hard (physically); tough; stiff; difficult to penetrate or break; harsh (in speech or manner); unyielding; severe; strict; difficult to endure
Root / Etymology
From the root σκληρ-, which appears in various forms in Greek (e.g., σκληρός, σκληρότης), and is related to the noun σκληρός (hard, tough). Possibly related to σκέλος (leg) by way of a common Indo-European root indicating stiffness or firmness, but direct derivation is debated.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, σκληρός primarily describes physical hardness or stiffness—stone, wood, or the human body (e.g. toughened skin, or 'hard' as in relentless conditions). In Hellenistic and Koine periods, the term expands to describe character and conduct: a σκληρός person is harsh or severe in attitude or speech. In the New Testament, σκληρός often refers to an unyielding, harsh, or severe disposition, particularly in speech or authority (e.g., 'hard sayings' that are difficult to accept, or a 'hard' master). English translations typically render it as 'hard,' 'harsh,' or 'severe,' but may not capture the nuance of unyielding or unmerciful behavior in some contexts. The word can contrast with παραμυθητικός (comforting) or χρηστός (kind, gentle), highlighting an experiential or emotional severity rather than simply physical qualities. No direct religious connotation; rather, descriptive of the nature of things, speech, or persons, whether physical or metaphorical.
Translation Consistency
‘Hard’ is the most natural, common English rendering across the semantic range (physical firmness/toughness and figurative harshness/unyieldingness). It matches the majority of existing renderings and covers both literal and metaphorical uses in simple, natural language.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the base of σκέλος; dry, i.e. hard or tough (figuratively, harsh, severe):--fierce, hard.
Root Family
σκληρός (sklēros) — hard, stiff, tough
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4642-01 |
σκληρόν | skleron | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
fierce | hard | hard | 3 |
G4642-02 |
σκληρὸς | skleros | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
hard | hard one | hard | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4642-02 |
Matthew 25:24 | σκληρὸς | skleros | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
hard | hard one | hard |
G4642-02 |
John 6:60 | σκληρός | skleros | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
hard | hard one | hard |
G4642-01 |
Acts 26:14 | σκληρόν | skleron | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
hard | hard | hard |
G4642-01 |
James 3:4 | σκληρῶν | skleron | ADJ.A GEN M PL |
fierce | hard | hard |
G4642-01 |
Jude 1:15 | σκληρῶν | skleron | ADJ.S GEN N PL |
harsh | hard | hard |