### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **dysnóētos**, represented by `{{G1425}}`, means **difficult of perception** or **hard to be understood**. Its definition is derived from δυσ- and a derivative of νοιέω. This specific term is quite rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G1425}}` is found in a warning about the misinterpretation of scripture. In [[2 Peter 3:16]], the author notes that in all of Paul's **epistles** `{{G1992}}`, there **are** `{{G2076}}` **some things** `{{G5100}}` that are **hard to be understood**. The verse immediately clarifies that those who are **unlearned** `{{G261}}` and **unstable** `{{G793}}` **wrest** `{{G4761}}` these difficult passages, just **as** `{{G5613}}` they do the **other** `{{G3062}}` **scriptures** `{{G1124}}`, leading **unto** `{{G4314}}` their **own** `{{G2398}}` **destruction** `{{G684}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context illuminate the gravity of mishandling difficult scripture:
* `{{G4761}}` **streblóō** (to pervert): This word describes the action taken against difficult passages. It means to wrench or torture, and figuratively, to pervert the intended meaning.
* `{{G261}}` **amathḗs** (ignorant): This term identifies one of the characteristics of those who pervert scripture, highlighting a lack of learning as a contributing factor to misinterpretation.
* `{{G793}}` **astḗriktos** (unstable): Described as unfixed or vacillating, this points to a lack of firm grounding, which makes a person susceptible to twisting scripture.
* `{{G684}}` **apṓleia** (ruin or loss): This is the dire consequence of wresting scripture. It signifies ultimate destruction and perdition, not merely a simple mistake in understanding.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1425}}` is significant despite its single appearance. It establishes several key principles regarding the nature of scripture and its interpretation.
* **Acknowledged Difficulty:** The Bible affirms that certain parts of divinely inspired writings can be genuinely **hard to be understood**. This does not detract from their authority but calls for careful study.
* **The Peril of Perversion:** The act of wresting or perverting these difficult passages is not a neutral intellectual exercise. It is linked directly to the character of the interpreter (**unlearned** and **unstable**) and leads to a catastrophic outcome (**destruction**).
* **Canonical Context:** The passage places Paul's **epistles** `{{G1992}}` on the same level as the **other scriptures** `{{G1124}}`, indicating an early recognition of their scriptural authority.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1425}}` serves as a crucial anchor for the doctrine of scriptural interpretation. While the word **dysnóētos** itself is rare, its sole context in [[2 Peter 3:16]] provides a profound warning. It simultaneously validates the reality of difficult passages within the Bible and cautions against the spiritually fatal act of twisting them, underscoring the need for diligence and stability in handling the Word of God.
TRV