The Greek word dyskólōs, represented by G1423, is an adverb meaning hardly or impracticably. It appears only 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, consistently used to describe a significant and challenging obstacle.
In the biblical narrative, G1423 is used exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels to record a specific teaching of Jesus. After an encounter with a rich man, Jesus tells his disciples how hardly a person with wealth can enter the kingdom of God. This same teaching is recorded in Matthew 19:23, Mark 10:23, and Luke 18:24, highlighting its importance. In each instance, the word emphasizes the extreme difficulty, or impracticality, for the wealthy to achieve this spiritual entry.
Several related words clarify the context in which dyskólōs is used:
- G4145 ploúsios (wealthy; figuratively, abounding with): This describes the subject of the difficulty. The term is used for the rich man who finds it hardly possible to enter heaven Matthew 19:23. It is also used to describe God as being rich in mercy Ephesians 2:4.
- G1525 eisérchomai (to enter (literally or figuratively)): This is the action that G1423 modifies. The difficulty is specifically about how one is able to enter the kingdom of God Mark 10:23.
- G5536 chrēma: This word appears in two of the primary verses, referring to the riches that make it hard to enter the kingdom of God (Luke 18:24, Mark 10:23). One passage specifies that the difficulty is for those who trust in riches Mark 10:24.
The theological weight of G1423 is focused on the relationship between material wealth and spiritual life.
- The Obstacle of Wealth: The word's consistent use establishes a core teaching that riches can be a primary hindrance to entering God's kingdom. The warning is not just about having wealth, but about the difficulty it creates Matthew 19:23. The difficulty is further clarified for those who "trust in riches" Mark 10:24.
- The Nature of Entry: By modifying the verb "to enter" G1525, dyskólōs underscores that entry into the kingdom is not a simple matter. Context shows that entry is conditional, requiring more than just claims of faith, such as doing the Father's will Matthew 7:21 or being born of the Spirit John 3:5.
- A Warning to Disciples: Jesus directs this teaching specifically to His disciples (Matthew 19:23, Mark 10:23), who were "astonished at his words" Mark 10:24. This frames the statement as a crucial lesson for followers of Christ regarding the spiritual danger posed by trusting in material possessions.
In summary, G1423 is a rare but potent word that means hardly. Its three appearances are identical in theme, capturing a stark warning from Jesus about the difficulty the wealthy face in entering the kingdom of God. Paired with terms for rich G4145 and to enter G1525, it illustrates that material possessions can create a significant, almost impractical, barrier to spiritual life. The term serves as a foundational teaching on the perils of trusting in riches.
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