δύσκολος

Pronunciation Guide: dis-ko’-los (with emphasis on the first syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1422: The Greek word δύσκολος (dyskolos) fundamentally means “difficult,” “hard to please,” or “troublesome.” It describes something that presents significant challenge or resistance, often implying a state that seems nearly impossible to overcome through human effort alone. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts highlighting the limitations of human capacity in contrast to God’s unlimited power.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Adjective
• Root words: Compound of δυς- (dys-) meaning “hard, difficult” + κόλον (kolon) meaning “food” or more broadly “to satisfy”
• Language origin: Classical Greek
• Primary usage: Teaching sections, especially in contexts of spiritual instruction about the kingdom of God
• Semantic domain: Difficulty, impossibility, challenge

δύσκολος Morphology:

• δύσκολος (masculine nominative singular) – difficult
• δυσκόλου (masculine genitive singular) – of what is difficult
• δυσκόλῳ (masculine dative singular) – to/with what is difficult
• δύσκολον (masculine accusative singular) – difficult (as direct object)
• δύσκολοι (masculine nominative plural) – difficult things/matters

Origin & History

The term δύσκολος has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it originally referred to someone who was “hard to satisfy regarding food” – a fussy eater. Aristotle used it in his “Nicomachean Ethics” to describe individuals with difficult temperaments who were rarely satisfied. The prefix δυς- (dys-) commonly attached to words to indicate difficulty, hardship, or badness (similar to “dis-” or “mis-” in English), while κόλον (kolon) related to food or nourishment.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the term appears sparingly but maintains this sense of something that is challenging or that causes discomfort. By New Testament times, the word had broadened semantically to encompass anything difficult, troublesome, or seemingly impossible. Church father John Chrysostom used the term in his homilies when discussing the challenges of the spiritual life, particularly when addressing the obstacles that wealth creates for spiritual growth, directly referencing Jesus’ teaching in Mark 10.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Something difficult to accomplish through human means alone
• A person or circumstance that is hard to please or satisfy
• A condition presenting extraordinary challenge requiring divine intervention
• A state that appears impossible from mere human perspective
• A troublesome or problematic situation that tests faith

δύσκολος Translation Options:

• Difficult – Captures the primary sense of challenge or hardship but may not fully convey the near-impossibility implied in biblical usage
• Hard – Simple but effective translation that works well in most contexts, especially when paired with qualifiers
• Impossibly difficult – Emphasizes the extreme nature of the challenge that requires divine intervention
• Troublesome – Highlights the problematic aspect that causes distress or struggle
• Seemingly insurmountable – Captures the perceived impossibility from human standpoint while allowing for divine possibility

Biblical Usage

The word δύσκολος appears explicitly only once in the New Testament, in Mark 10:24, where Yeshua (Jesus) teaches His disciples about the challenges that wealth creates for entering God’s kingdom. Following a rich young ruler’s inability to forsake his wealth to follow the Messiah, Jesus declares how difficult (δύσκολος) it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God. This usage is particularly significant as it occurs in a teaching moment about human impossibility contrasted with divine possibility.

While the specific word occurs only once, the concept it represents appears throughout Jesus’ teachings about the kingdom of God, particularly regarding the narrow path of discipleship and the challenge of choosing God over worldly attachments. The parallel passages in Matthew 19:23 and Luke 18:24 use a related concept but different Greek phrasing to express similar truths.

• “And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, ‘Children, how difficult [δύσκολος] it is to enter the kingdom of God!’” Mark 10:24

Cultural Insights

In first-century Jewish culture, wealth was often viewed as a sign of God’s blessing and favor, contrary to modern assumptions. Many Jews believed that prosperity indicated divine approval and potentially greater likelihood of entering God’s kingdom. This makes Jesus’ teaching about wealth being a hindrance particularly shocking to His original audience. When He used the term δύσκολος regarding the wealthy entering the kingdom, He was directly challenging a deeply entrenched cultural assumption.

The metaphor Jesus uses immediately following this statement—about a camel passing through the eye of a needle—further emphasizes the meaning of δύσκολος as something beyond difficult, entering the realm of the impossible by human standards. Some scholars have noted connections to the Hebrew concept of “kaveid” (כָּבֵד) which similarly denotes heaviness, difficulty, and honor/wealth—creating a wordplay that would resonate with Jewish listeners familiar with Hebrew thought patterns where wealth could become a “heavy” burden spiritually.

Theological Significance

The use of δύσκολος in Mark’s Gospel reveals a profound theological truth about the nature of salvation and God’s kingdom. By declaring the difficulty—to the point of impossibility—of the wealthy entering God’s kingdom, Jesus establishes that salvation is not achieved through human merit, effort, or status. This single use of δύσκολος serves as a pivotal term in understanding the Gospel message that salvation comes by grace, not works.

Most importantly, the context of δύσκολος in Mark 10 concludes with Jesus’ declaration that “with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27). This juxtaposition beautifully illustrates how what is δύσκολος (impossibly difficult) for humans is achievable through God’s power. The term thus doesn’t simply express difficulty but serves to highlight the magnificent grace of God who accomplishes what humans cannot. It reveals Yahweh’s character as the God who delights in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles to bring salvation to His people.

Personal Application

When we encounter areas in our lives that seem δύσκολος—impossibly difficult—we are precisely at the point where God’s power can be most clearly displayed. Whether facing addictions, relationship challenges, financial hardships, or spiritual battles that appear unconquerable, these moments of recognized impossibility become invitations to witness divine intervention. Our obstacles are opportunities for God’s glory.

The biblical use of δύσκολος challenges us to honestly assess where we place our trust. Do we rely on wealth, abilities, connections, or other human resources? Or do we recognize our complete dependence on God? The things we find most difficult to surrender are often the very things creating the greatest barriers to experiencing the fullness of God’s kingdom. When we acknowledge these areas as our personal “δύσκολος moments,” we position ourselves to experience the God of impossible possibilities.

Related Words

• ἀδύνατος (adynatos, pronounced: ah-doo’-nah-tos) – Impossible, unable to be done; a stronger term that emphasizes complete impossibility rather than extreme difficulty. While δύσκολος suggests something very difficult but potentially achievable, ἀδύνατος indicates something utterly impossible without divine intervention. See G102
• χαλεπός (chalepos, pronounced: khal-ep-os’) – Difficult, hard, fierce, harsh; refers to something troublesome or dangerous. Unlike δύσκολος which focuses on the difficulty of accomplishment, χαλεπός emphasizes the troublesome or dangerous quality of something. See G5467
• στενός (stenos, pronounced: sten-os’) – Narrow, confined; used by Jesus to describe the narrow gate leading to life. While δύσκολος describes the challenging nature of spiritual realities, στενός specifically emphasizes the restrictive dimensions or limited accessibility. See G4728
• βαρύς (barys, pronounced: bar-ooce’) – Heavy, weighty, burdensome; describes something oppressive or overwhelming. Where δύσκολος focuses on difficulty in accomplishment, βαρύς emphasizes the weight or burden something places on a person. See G926
• κοπιάω (kopiao, pronounced: kop-ee-ah’-o) – To labor to the point of exhaustion; reflects the strenuous effort required to overcome difficulties. While δύσκολος describes the inherent difficulty of something, κοπιάω focuses on the exhausting effort expended when facing challenges. See G2872

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the English word “dyslexia” shares the same Greek prefix (δυς-/dys-) as δύσκολος? Both terms use this prefix to indicate difficulty or abnormality. While dyslexia refers specifically to difficulty with reading and language processing, the prefix δυς- in ancient Greek was widely used to indicate anything challenging, abnormal, or dysfunctional. This linguistic connection helps us understand how deeply the concept of “difficulty” was embedded in the word δύσκολος for its original hearers.
• Did you know that in modern Greek, the word δύσκολος is still commonly used today? It appears in everyday conversations to describe difficult situations, challenging people, or complex problems. The persistence of this word across nearly three millennia of Greek language development demonstrates the enduring human experience of facing difficulties and challenges that seem beyond our abilities—a condition that transcends time and culture, pointing to our universal need for divine assistance.
• Did you know that Jewish rabbinical literature contains numerous parables about wealth and the kingdom of heaven that parallel Jesus’ teaching about δύσκολος? One famous example comes from the Babylonian Talmud where Rabbi Yohanan says, “The Holy One, blessed be He, found no vessel that could contain blessing for Israel save peace” (Uktzin 3:12). This reflects the same theological principle that God’s kingdom requires emptying oneself of self-sufficiency (including wealth) to be filled with divine blessing—precisely the challenge that makes entering the kingdom δύσκολος for those attached to worldly resources.

Remember This

When you encounter the seemingly impossible in your spiritual journey, remember that δύσκολος moments are precisely where God’s transformative power shines brightest, turning human impossibility into divine opportunity.