δυσκόλως (duskolōs)
duskolōs
difficultly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb duskolōs conveys the sense of doing something with great effort or resistance, often translated as "with difficulty" or "hardly." It appears in the Synoptic Gospels to describe the challenge of entering the kingdom of God for those who rely on wealth. In Matthew 19:23, Mark 10:23, and Luke 18:24, Jesus uses this word when observing how hard it is for a rich person to be saved.
Its root combines dys- ("bad" or "difficult") with the base of kolios, relating to ease or facility. This etymology highlights that the obstacle is not merely external but involves a fundamental struggle against resistance. The sources note that translators sometimes render it as "hardly," emphasizing the near impossibility of the task without divine intervention.
This term underscores the spiritual weight of attachment to material possessions. By using duskolōs, the Gospel writers illustrate that salvation is not achieved through human effort alone but requires a radical reorientation of trust, marking a significant theological point about grace and dependence on God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word duskolōs describes an action taken with great resistance or strain. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this term to describe how hard it is for those who rely on wealth to enter God’s Kingdom. This does not mean salvation is impossible, but rather that human effort alone cannot bridge the gap. The attachment to material security creates a heavy burden that hinders the simple trust required to follow Christ.
When we examine verses like Mark 10:23, we see Jesus looking around with concern. He highlights that riches can become an obstacle, not because money is evil in itself, but because it often competes for our ultimate loyalty. This word invites us to examine what holds our hearts captive. It reminds us that entering God’s presence requires a lightness of heart and a willingness to let go of false securities.
Grace offers the help we cannot provide for ourselves. While the path may seem steep when weighed down by self-reliance, God’s power makes the way open. We are invited to rest in His provision rather than our own accumulation. This perspective frees us from the anxiety of control and allows us to walk with confidence in His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with difficulty1×
- difficultly1×
- difficult1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δυσκόλως3×
Key Verses
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Mark 10:23
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into God’s Kingdom!”
Jesus uses this adverb here to emphasize the active resistance those attached to riches face when trying to submit to God's rule.
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Matthew 19:23
Jesus said to his disciples, “Most certainly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with difficulty.
The text links this difficulty directly to the challenge of entering the Kingdom, showing that wealth creates a spiritual barrier requiring divine help.
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Luke 18:24
Jesus, seeing that he became very sad, said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter into God’s Kingdom!
Luke pairs this word with the rich man’s sadness, illustrating how emotional attachment to possessions complicates one's willingness to follow Jesus.