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σκληρύνω

sklērýnō

G4645 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To make hard or stiff, both in a literal and figurative sense. In most New Testament and Hellenistic Greek contexts, especially used of making someone or something resistant, unyielding, or obstinately unresponsive—particularly with respect to inner disposition, such as the heart, mind, or will. The term can denote a process of becoming unresponsive to guidance, persuasion, or compassion.

Semantic Range

to make hard or stiff (literal); to render stubborn, obstinate (figurative, esp. of the heart or will); to make unresponsive, to render resistant to persuasion or compassion

Root / Etymology

From the adjective σκληρός (hard, tough, severe), with the verbal ending -ύνω indicating causative or resultative action; thus, 'to make hard.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, σκληρύνω does not occur frequently, but the root σκληρ- conveys physical hardness or harshness. In the Septuagint, σκληρύνω is often used to translate Hebrew חָזַק (ḥāzaq, to strengthen, harden), especially in the formulaic expression relating to the 'hardening of heart' (e.g., Pharaoh in Exodus). In the New Testament (notably Romans 9:18, Hebrews 3:8), it is used almost exclusively in the sense of causing someone to be obstinate or stubborn, particularly in the context of resisting moral or spiritual admonition. English translations often render it as 'to harden (the heart),' but in contemporary usage, 'harden' may not fully convey the nuance of deliberate resistance or refusal to yield. The word emphasizes an inward, often willful, disposition rather than mere emotional coldness. Related Greek terms like πωρόω (to dull, make insensitive) overlap in sense but carry slightly different connotations of insensitivity rather than obstinacy. Theologically-laden translations such as 'to make stubborn' or 'to render obdurate' appeared in later interpretive traditions; however, σκληρύνω itself carries no built-in reference to theological concepts in its basic Greek usage.

Translation Consistency

primary "harden" 5 occurrences

“Harden” naturally covers both the literal sense (make hard or stiff) and the dominant figurative NT sense (make stubborn, render unresponsive—e.g., a hardened heart). It is the common, natural English rendering found in most translations and fits the typical usage across the semantic range.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):
"makes hard" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from σκληρός; to indurate, i.e. (figuratively) render stubborn:--harden.

Root Family

σκληρ- (sklērós) — hard, stiff, tough

Root σκληρ- to harden, to stiffen, to make unyielding
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G4642 σκληρός hard
G4643 σκληρότης hardness

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4645-03 σκληρύνητε sklerunete V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P PL harden you should harden you should harden 3
G4645-01 ἐσκληρύνοντο esklerunonto V IMPF PASS IND 3P PL were hardened they were being hardened they were being hardened 1
G4645-02 σκληρύνει sklerunei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG He hardens makes hard he makes hard 1
G4645-04 σκληρυνθῇ sklerunthe V AOR PASS SUBJ 3P SG be hardened might be hardened be hardened 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4645-01 Acts 19:9 ἐσκληρύνοντο esklerunonto V IMPF PASS IND 3P PL were hardened they were being hardened they were being hardened
G4645-02 Romans 9:18 σκληρύνει sklerunei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG He hardens makes hard he makes hard
G4645-03 Hebrews 3:8 σκληρύνητε sklerunete V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P PL harden you should harden you should harden
G4645-04 Hebrews 3:13 σκληρυνθῇ sklerunthe V AOR PASS SUBJ 3P SG be hardened might be hardened be hardened
G4645-03 Hebrews 3:15 σκληρύνητε sklerunete V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P PL harden you should harden you harden
G4645-03 Hebrews 4:7 σκληρύνητε sklerunete V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P PL harden you should harden you should harden
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