### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G3975}}` *pachýnō* derives from a root meaning "thick." Its primary literal sense is "to thicken" or "to fatten," as one might fatten an animal. However, its significant usage in the New Testament is entirely metaphorical, extending this physical concept to the spiritual and mental realm. In this figurative sense, *pachýnō* signifies "to stupefy," "to make dull," or "to render callous." It describes a process where the heart, mind, or understanding becomes insensitive, unfeeling, or impervious to spiritual truth, much like a physical object that has become thick or dense and therefore less responsive. This spiritual "fattening" or "thickening" implies a loss of discernment, receptivity, and an inability to perceive or respond to divine revelation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{G3975}}` in the New Testament are notably limited but profoundly significant, appearing exclusively in direct quotations from the Septuagint (LXX) version of [[Isaiah 6:10]].
* In [[Matthew 13:15]], Jesus quotes [[Isaiah 6:10]] when explaining to His disciples why He speaks in parables: "For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them." Here, *pachýnō* (rendered "calloused" or "gross" in some translations) describes the spiritual insensitivity of the Jewish people, which prevents them from comprehending the Kingdom message.
* Similarly, in [[Acts 28:27]], Paul quotes the same passage from [[Isaiah 6:10]] to the Jewish leaders in Rome, stating: "For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them." Paul uses this prophecy to explain the persistent rejection of the Gospel by many in Israel, emphasizing their self-imposed spiritual dullness.
In both contexts, the word points to a judicial hardening or a spiritual state of dullness that serves as a barrier to understanding and repentance. This "thickening" of the heart is presented as a consequence of persistent unbelief and resistance to God's truth. The passage from Isaiah implies a divine action ("make the heart of this people fat"), which is often understood as God confirming or allowing a state that humans have brought upon themselves through their obstinacy.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G3975}}` *pachýnō* is closely related to other terms describing spiritual insensitivity and hardening:
* `{{G4456}}` *pōróō*: This verb, meaning "to harden" or "to make callous," is frequently used in parallel contexts, such as describing the hardening of hearts (e.g., [[Mark 6:52]], [[John 12:40]], [[Romans 11:7]], [[Ephesians 4:18]]). While *pachýnō* emphasizes the "thickening" or "dullness," *pōróō* emphasizes the "calloused" or "impenetrable" nature.
* `{{G4457}}` *pōrōsis*: The noun form of *pōróō*, meaning "hardness" or "callousness," often referring to a state of spiritual insensitivity (e.g., [[Romans 11:25]], [[Ephesians 4:18]]).
* In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word `{{H8159}}` *shaman*, meaning "to be fat" or "grow dull," is the term translated by *pachýnō* in the Septuagint of [[Isaiah 6:10]]. This connection underscores the consistent biblical theme of spiritual dullness as a consequence of rebellion.
* The concepts of spiritual blindness (`{{G902}}` *blepō* - to see, but inability to see), spiritual deafness (`{{G191}}` *akouō* - to hear, but inability to hear), and lack of understanding (`{{G4920}}` *syniēmi* - to understand) are directly impacted by the state described by *pachýnō*.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3975}}` *pachýnō* is profound, touching upon divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the nature of spiritual perception.
1. **Judicial Hardening:** The use of *pachýnō* in the context of [[Isaiah 6:10]] points to a divine judgment. God, in His sovereignty, allows or even effects a "thickening" of the heart as a consequence of persistent human rejection of His truth. This is not arbitrary but a just response to entrenched rebellion and unbelief.
2. **Human Responsibility:** While God's judicial action is present, the biblical narrative consistently implies human agency in this process. The people "close their eyes" and "hardly hear with their ears," indicating an active choice to resist God's revelation, which then leads to the state of being "thickened" or "calloused."
3. **Impediment to Salvation:** A "thickened" heart is incapable of spiritual discernment. It cannot truly "see" the truth of the Gospel, "hear" the call to repentance, or "understand" the implications of God's Word. This state effectively prevents conversion and the spiritual healing that accompanies it.
4. **Prophetic Fulfillment:** The New Testament's repeated citation of [[Isaiah 6:10]] with *pachýnō* highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy concerning Israel's spiritual condition. It underscores the continuity of God's dealings with humanity and the unchanging nature of the human heart's capacity for resistance.
### Summary
`{{G3975}}` *pachýnō* literally means "to thicken" or "to fatten," but in its New Testament usage, it metaphorically describes a state of spiritual dullness or callousedness of the heart and mind. Found exclusively in quotes from [[Isaiah 6:10]] in [[Matthew 13:15]] and [[Acts 28:27]], it signifies a profound insensitivity to divine truth. This "thickening" is presented as both a consequence of persistent human resistance to God's Word and a judicial act of God, preventing spiritual understanding, repentance, and healing. It serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of spiritual apathy and the critical importance of maintaining a receptive heart to divine revelation.
TRV