GospelMount
Search Topics Scripture Prayer Resources Ebooks About Support the mission Saved articles

δυσερμήνευτος (dusermēneutos)

dusermēneutos

hard to interpret

G1421 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The adjective dusermēneutos describes something that is difficult to interpret or explain clearly. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 5:11, where the author addresses his readers directly. The term captures a sense of complexity that resists simple explanation.

Its structure combines a prefix meaning "hard" with a root related to interpretation or explanation. This construction emphasizes the challenge faced by both speaker and listener when dealing with profound theological concepts. The word suggests that some truths require careful attention and mature understanding to grasp fully.

In its single occurrence, the term highlights the weight of the message about Melchizedek and Christ's priesthood. The author acknowledges that these ideas are not easily conveyed, requiring his audience to engage deeply with the material rather than accepting surface-level interpretations.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word dusermēneutos describes truths that are difficult to explain clearly. In Hebrews 5:11, the writer admits that what he wants to share about Christ’s priesthood is hard to interpret. This honesty invites you into a deeper relationship with Scripture. It acknowledges that some spiritual realities require patience and maturity to understand fully.

When biblical concepts feel complex, it does not mean you are failing. Instead, it signals an opportunity for growth. The writer encourages his readers to move beyond surface-level understanding. He wants them to engage deeply with the material rather than settle for easy answers. This process strengthens your faith over time.

You can trust that God gives grace for this journey of understanding. As you read and reflect, the Holy Spirit illuminates meaning. Take time to study these passages with care. Let the complexity draw you closer to Christ, who is the center of all Scripture.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • difficult in interpretation1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • δυσερμήνευτος1×

Key Verses

  • Hebrews 5:11
    About him we have many words to say, and hard to interpret, seeing you have become dull of hearing.

    This verse uses dusermēneutos to describe the complex teaching about Melchizedek that the author finds difficult to convey to his audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does dusermēneutos mean?

It is a Greek adjective meaning 'hard to interpret' or 'difficult to explain.' It appears only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 5:11. The word combines a prefix for 'hard' with a root for 'interpretation,' highlighting the complexity of the subject matter.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It occurs exclusively in Hebrews 5:11. The author uses it to describe his own struggle to explain profound theological concepts about Christ's priesthood to his readers, who were becoming dull of hearing.

How is this word different from other Greek words for 'understanding'?

While words like sunesis (G3563) refer to the ability to understand, dusermēneutos focuses on the difficulty of the message itself. It emphasizes that some truths are inherently complex and require careful attention to grasp, rather than just a lack of listener comprehension.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)