### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **sklērótēs**, represented by `{{G4643}}`, defines a state of **hardness**. Its base definition is "callousness, i.e. (figuratively) stubbornness." It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its single usage highly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G4643}}` is in [[Romans 2:5]], where it describes a condition of the human heart that leads to divine judgment. The verse states that because of "thy **hardness** and impenitent heart," one "treasurest up unto thyself wrath." This hardness is presented as an active state of stubbornness that prevents repentance and results in the accumulation of wrath, which will be revealed on the day of God's righteous judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its single context clarify the meaning and consequence of `{{G4643}}`:
* `{{G279}}` **ametanóētos** (unrepentant): This word is directly joined with **hardness** to describe the heart's condition, highlighting a refusal to repent [[Romans 2:5]].
* `{{G2588}}` **kardía** (heart): This is the location of the **hardness**. The term refers not just to the physical organ but figuratively to the center of a person's thoughts and feelings [[Romans 2:5]].
* `{{G2343}}` **thēsaurízō** (to amass or reserve): This verb shows the active consequence of a hard heart, which is to "amass or reserve" wrath for oneself [[Romans 2:5]].
* `{{G3709}}` **orgḗ** (wrath): This is what is stored up as a result of **hardness**. The term signifies violent passion and, by implication, punishment from God [[Romans 2:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4643}}` is focused and severe.
* **A Condition of Stubbornness:** The term describes a specific spiritual state of being calloused and stubborn in the heart `{{G2588}}`. It is explicitly linked with an "impenitent" `{{G279}}` disposition [[Romans 2:5]].
* **An Active Rejection:** This hardness is not passive but an active choice that causes an individual to "treasurest up" `{{G2343}}` future consequences for themselves.
* **Future Judgment:** The result of this hardness is directly tied to a future event, "the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God" `{{G1341}}`, where the stored-up wrath `{{G3709}}` will be dispensed [[Romans 2:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4643}}` is a powerful and specific term. Though used only once, **sklērótēs** provides a critical understanding of a heart that is calloused and stubbornly unrepentant. It illustrates that this spiritual condition is not without consequence, as it actively accumulates divine wrath that will be revealed at the final, righteous judgment of God.
TRV