σκληρότης
sklērótēs
G4643 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
State or quality of being hard, unyielding, or inflexible, both in a literal (physical) or metaphorical (especially moral or emotional) sense. In New Testament usage, primarily denotes moral hardness or stubbornness, particularly a resistant or unresponsive attitude (most often toward admonition, repentance, or divine instruction). Broader senses include insensibility, callousness, or obduracy in thought, feeling, or will.
Semantic Range
hardness (literal), stiffness, inflexibility, obstinacy, stubbornness, callousness, moral unresponsiveness, insensitivity
Root / Etymology
From the adjective σκληρός (hard, harsh, rough, stubborn), with the abstract noun suffix -της (-tēs), forming nouns denoting qualities or states. Therefore, σκληρότης literally means 'hardness' or 'the state of being hard.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
σκληρότης appears infrequently in extant Greek literature, with its New Testament occurrence focusing on moral or spiritual intransigence (e.g., Romans 2:5, 'hardness and unrepentant heart'). In classical usage, cognates of σκληρός denote physical hardness (materials, surfaces) as well as inflexible or unyielding character traits. In Koine and New Testament contexts, metaphorical usage predominates, conveying a resistance to change—especially in regard to ethical instruction, divine warnings, or invitations to repentance. Standard English renderings such as 'hardness,' 'stubbornness,' or 'obstinacy' capture aspects of the term, but may not fully express the sense of moral insensitivity or callousness. The term contrasts with related words for spiritual receptivity or contrition, such as ταπεινοφροσύνη (humility).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σκληρός; callousness, i.e. (figuratively) stubbornness:--hardness.
Root Family
σκληρ- (sklērós) — hard, stiff, tough
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4643-01 |
σκληρότητά | skleroteta | N ACC F SG |
hardness | hardness | hardness | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4643-01 |
Romans 2:5 | σκληρότητά | skleroteta | N ACC F SG |
hardness | hardness | hardness |