### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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.
TRV