from δυσ- and a presumed derivative of ἑρμηνεύω; difficult of explanation:--hard to be uttered.
Transliteration:dysermḗneutos
Pronunciation:doos-er-mane'-yoo-tos
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word δυσερμήνευτος (dysermḗneutos, `{{G1421}}`) is a compound term, formed from the prefix δυσ- (dys-), which denotes difficulty, hardship, or impairment, and a root derived from ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneuō, `{{G2059}}`), meaning "to interpret," "to explain," or "to translate." Consequently, its core meaning is "difficult to interpret," "hard to explain," or "challenging to understand." It conveys an inherent obscurity or complexity within the subject matter itself, which impedes clear articulation or comprehension. The semantic range of δυσερμήνευτος is quite narrow, focusing specifically on the intellectual or communicative hindrance posed by a concept or statement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δυσερμήνευτος (dysermḗneutos, `{{G1421}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in [[Hebrews 5:11]]. In this passage, the author of Hebrews addresses the profound doctrine of Jesus' priesthood after the order of Melchizedek, stating, "About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing." Crucially, the difficulty (δυσερμήνευτος) is not attributed to the inherent unintelligibility or complexity of the truth concerning Christ's priesthood, but rather to the spiritual condition of the audience. The phrase "dull of hearing" (νωθροὶ ταῖς ἀκοαῖς, `{{G3576}}`) indicates a spiritual sluggishness, a lack of receptivity, or an unwillingness to diligently engage with deeper spiritual truths. This contextual nuance is vital: the author's challenge in explaining these doctrines stems from the hearers' spiritual immaturity and lack of progress, rather than from any deficiency in the divine revelation itself. The author desires to move beyond elementary teachings (ἀρχὴν τῶν λογίων τοῦ Θεοῦ) to more mature spiritual "solid food," but the audience's spiritual state hinders this progression.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneuō, `{{G2059}}`):** The root verb of δυσερμήνευτος, meaning "to interpret" or "to explain." This highlights the communicative and interpretive aspect that the δυσ- prefix renders difficult.
* **νωθρὸς (nōthros, `{{G3576}}`):** Meaning "dull," "sluggish," or "lazy," this word is directly linked to δυσερμήνευτος in [[Hebrews 5:11]] as the primary reason for the difficulty in explanation. It emphasizes the audience's spiritual state as the impediment.
* **δυσ- (dys-):** The Greek prefix itself, indicating difficulty or adversity. It appears in other New Testament words such as δυσκόλως (dyskolōs, `{{G1423}}`, "with difficulty") and δυσφημία (dysphēmia, `{{G1426}}`, "slander"), all conveying a sense of hardship or something problematic.
* **Spiritual Maturity and Immaturity:** The passage in [[Hebrews 5:11-14]] directly contrasts "milk" (elementary teachings) with "solid food" (deeper doctrines). The concept of δυσερμήνευτος arises precisely when the audience is stuck on "milk" and unable to digest "solid food" due to their spiritual unpreparedness.
* **Receptivity:** The word implicitly speaks to the necessity of a receptive heart and mind for spiritual understanding. The "hard to explain" nature is a consequence of compromised receptivity.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of δυσερμήνευτος (dysermḗneutos, `{{G1421}}`) in [[Hebrews 5:11]] carries profound theological implications regarding the nature of divine revelation and human spiritual receptivity. It underscores that while God's truths, even the most profound ones like Christ's Melchizedekian priesthood, are inherently coherent and understandable, their apprehension can be hindered by the spiritual condition of the listener. The author's lament reveals a deep pastoral concern: the spiritual stagnation of the believers. Their "dullness of hearing" signifies a lack of diligence, spiritual regression, or an unwillingness to move beyond foundational truths. This implies a significant responsibility on the part of the believer to cultivate a receptive heart and mind, actively engaging with God's Word. The word highlights the dynamic interplay between divine truth and human capacity; divine revelation is clear, but human spiritual apathy can render even clear truths "hard to explain" or "difficult to understand." Ultimately, δυσερμήνευτος serves as a potent warning against spiritual complacency, emphasizing that a lack of spiritual discipline can impede growth into mature discernment and a deeper knowledge of God.
### Summary
The Greek term δυσερμήνευτος (dysermḗneutos, `{{G1421}}`) means "difficult to explain" or "hard to interpret." Its sole appearance in [[Hebrews 5:11]] is highly significant. The author of Hebrews uses it to describe the challenge of teaching profound truths about Christ's Melchizedekian priesthood, not because the subject matter itself is inherently complex, but because the audience has become "dull of hearing" (`{{G3576}}`). This highlights a crucial theological principle: while God's revelation is clear and accessible, human spiritual dullness or immaturity can render even straightforward truths difficult to grasp. The term thus serves as a pastoral warning against spiritual sluggishness and underscores the imperative for diligent spiritual growth to apprehend deeper theological realities.
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