[Greek] σκληρός (sklēros), [Latin] durus, [Latin] validis: be hard, be difficult, be rough, be strong, be severe, be harsh, be unyielding, be stubborn; Jas 3:4, Mt.25:24,Jud. 15, Jn. 6:60, Act. 26:14, Act. 9:4
Background Information:
Old Testament: This word has to do with the so-called hardening of unbelievers, enemies of Israel, Israel itself, Jews opposed to Christians, and Christians themselves. This term had remained in the sphere of God’s dealings with His people. In addition to its physiological and medical sense, this term can be found in a theological and psychological sense. Multiple uses are found both in the Old Testament and New Testament. This term means hard, difficult, strong, bad, unyielding, and stubborn. But when Moses told this to the Israelites, they would not listen to him because of their dejection and hard slavery (Exo.6:9). Making life bitter for them with hard labor (Exo.1:14). The more difficult cases they referred to Moses (Exo.18:26). Their power weighed ever more heavily on him (Jdg.4:24). I have been commissioned to give you bitter news (1Kgs.14:6). Because I know that you are stubborn and that your neck is an iron sinew and your forehead bronze (Isa.48:4).
New Testament: This term means demanding, hard, difficult, fierce, and harsh. In the parable of the tenants, the master was very demanding toward his servant. Jesus stated to His disciples that they must eat His Flesh and drink His Blood in order to have everlasting life. Many disciples walked away because they could not accept this difficult statement. Jesus asked why was Saul persecuting Him. Saul’s actions were as pointless as kicking against on oxen’s goad. The power of the tongue (speech) is like a small rudder leading a ship during fierce winds. The Lord will judge the godless sinners for their harsh words.
Scripture:
“It is the same with ships; even though they are so large and driven by fierce winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot’s inclination wishes.” Jas.3:4
Speech is like a small rudder guiding a ship through fierce winds. Speech often controls one actions.
“We all fell to the ground and I heard a voice saying to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goad.'” Acts 26:14
Jesus was pointing out the uselessness of Saul opposing the actions of Jesus.
“Then many of His disciples who were listening said, ‘This saying is hard; who can accept it?'” Jn.6:60
Many disciples could accept Jesus’ words that they must eat His Body and drink His Blood in order to have everlasting life. Many could not accept this difficult statement.
Sklerotrachelos: means stiff-necked or stubborn. The Greek word sklerocardia means hardness of heart, unyielding, and insensitive to God’s call. Atherosclerosis is the build-up of plaque in the arteries. Multiple sclerosis is the damage to the nerve sheath.
Kicking against the goad: This comes from a rural image in the practice of farmers goading their oxen in the fields. A goad, a wooden pointed stick was used to urge the oxen into motion. Sometimes, the beast would kick against the goad, resulting in the goad stabbing in the oxen’s flesh.
Conclusion:
Sclerosis, durable, durability, valid
In researching this topic, I found that there is not much difference between being emotionally hard-hearted and physically hard-hearted. A hard heart might have difficulty being able to be moved by compassion and sympathy. A softer heart can be more moved by compassion.
It is interesting to note that the Jews were forbidden by Jewish custom from partaking of the blood. The blood, the source of life, can never be consumed. Therefore, it is the great and sad irony that the Jews refused to partake in Jesus’ blood which offered everlasting life.
I hope this post wasn’t to hard to understand.