Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the concept of "hardness" often refers to the condition of the human heart, particularly in its resistance to God's will and truth. This term is frequently used to describe a spiritual state of insensitivity or obstinacy towards divine instruction and moral imperatives.Old Testament Context The Hebrew word often translated as "hardness" is "qashah," which can mean to be hard, severe, or difficult. In the Old Testament, hardness of heart is frequently associated with rebellion against God. For instance, Pharaoh's heart is described as hardened during the plagues in Egypt, leading him to resist God's command to let the Israelites go (Exodus 7:13: "Yet Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said"). This hardening serves as a demonstration of God's sovereignty and a warning against persistent disobedience. The Israelites themselves are often depicted as having hard hearts, particularly during their wilderness wanderings. In Deuteronomy 9:6, Moses reminds the people of their stubbornness: "Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people." Here, hardness is linked to a lack of faith and gratitude, resulting in a failure to fully trust and obey God. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word "sklerokardia" is used to describe hardness of heart. Jesus frequently addresses this condition in His teachings. In Mark 3:5, Jesus is grieved by the hardness of the Pharisees' hearts when they criticize Him for healing on the Sabbath: "And He looked around at them with anger, grieved by their hardness of heart, and He said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.' So he stretched it out, and his hand was restored." The Apostle Paul also speaks of hardness of heart in his epistles. In Romans 2:5, he warns of the consequences of a stubborn heart: "But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed." Here, hardness is associated with an unwillingness to repent and turn to God, leading to divine judgment. Spiritual Implications Hardness of heart is a significant spiritual issue, as it impedes one's ability to receive and respond to God's truth. It is often characterized by pride, unbelief, and a refusal to submit to God's authority. The Bible consistently calls for a softening of the heart, urging believers to be receptive to the Holy Spirit's work. Ezekiel 36:26 promises a transformation for those who turn to God: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." Practical Application Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts regularly, seeking to avoid the pitfalls of hardness. Hebrews 3:15 exhorts, "As it has been said: 'Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.'" This call to vigilance underscores the importance of maintaining a tender and responsive heart towards God, fostering a life of obedience and faithfulness. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The quality or state of being hard, literally or figuratively.2. (n.) The cohesion of the particles on the surface of a body, determined by its capacity to scratch another, or be itself scratched;-measured among minerals on a scale of which diamond and talc form the extremes. 3. (n.) The peculiar quality exhibited by water which has mineral salts dissolved in it. Such water forms an insoluble compound with soap, and is hence unfit for washing purposes. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HARDLY; HARDNESSSee HARD. Greek 4643. sklerotes -- hardness ... hardness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: sklerotes Phonetic Spelling: (sklay-rot'-ace) Short Definition: hardness of heart Definition: hardness ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4643.htm - 6k 4641. sklerokardia -- hardness of heart 4457. porosis -- a covering with a callous, fig. blindness 2553. kakopatheo -- to suffer evil Strong's Hebrew 4165. mutsaq -- a casting... casting, hardness. From agiyl; properly, fusion, ie Literally, a casting (of metal); figuratively, a mass (of clay) -- casting, hardness. see HEBREW agiyl. ... /hebrew/4165.htm - 6k 4044. meginnah -- a covering 3095. yahalom -- (a precious stone) perhaps jasper or onyx 2496. challamish -- flint Library The Hardness of the Way. Hardness of Heart Complained Of. Whether Blindness and Hardness of Heart are Directed to the ... Hardness of Heart Complained Of. Whether God is the Cause of Spiritual Blindness and Hardness of ... Now as a New Thickness of Darkness, Hardness, or Substantiality... God is Able to Convert Opposing Wills, and to Take Away from the ... Some Laws Given by Concession to Human Weakness. 2 Timothy ii. 7-Jan Whether it was Lawful to Divorce a Wife under the Mosaic Law? Thesaurus Adamant (2 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) Unyielding in opinion; also a stone or diamond perceived to be of impenetrable hardness; a name given to the diamond and other substances of extreme ... /a/adamant.htm - 9k Diamond (5 Occurrences) Temper (14 Occurrences) Rigor (8 Occurrences) Sear Rock (176 Occurrences) Stone (290 Occurrences) Hardness (11 Occurrences) Hard (733 Occurrences) Harddiness Resources Why can't all Christians agree on one Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is anthropological hylomorphism? | GotQuestions.org What is a concubine? Why did God allow men to have concubines in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Hardness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Hardness (11 Occurrences)Matthew 19:8 Mark 3:5 Mark 10:5 Mark 16:14 Romans 2:5 Romans 11:25 Ephesians 4:18 2 Timothy 2:3 Job 38:38 Ecclesiastes 8:1 Lamentations 3:65 Subtopics Related Terms |
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