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δυσβάστακτος

dysbástaktos

G1419 attributive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Hard to bear, difficult or oppressive to endure; primarily describes something that imposes an undue burden or is excessively onerous in weight, obligation, or suffering. It is used both literally (of physical burdens that are unmanageable) and metaphorically (of moral, social, or legal demands that are excessively heavy or harsh).

Semantic Range

hard to bear, oppressive, difficult to endure, burdensome, grievous, unmanageable

Root / Etymology

From δυσ- (dys-, 'hard, difficult, bad') and a verbal adjective formed from βαστάζω ('to carry, bear'), producing the sense of 'hard/difficult to bear.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The term δυσβάστακτος is relatively rare in extant Greek literature, with attestation mainly in the New Testament (cf. Luke 11:46; Matthew 23:4) in reference to burdensome religious or moral requirements. In these contexts, it denounces the imposition of religious or legalistic obligations judged as excessively harsh or impossible for ordinary people to fulfill. Earlier and classical Greek texts sometimes use similar compounds (e.g., δυσχερής, βαρύς) for difficult or burdensome things, but the exact form δυσβάστακτος appears to be a Hellenistic or later development. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the term stands in contrast to terms designating lighter or acceptable burdens. Standard English translations (e.g., 'grievous to be borne,' 'hard to bear,' 'oppressive') generally capture the metaphorical sense but may not always convey the full force of the original in critiquing systems or people that impose such hardships on others.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from δυσ- and a derivative of βαστάζω; oppressive:--grievous to be borne.

Root Family

βαστάζω, δυσ- (dysbástaktos) — to bear, to carry, to be hard/difficult

Root βαστάζω, δυσ- to bear, to carry, to be hard/difficult

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1419-01 δυσβάστακτα dusbastakta ADJ.A ACC N PL grievous hard-to-bear things hard-to-bear 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1419-01 Matthew 23:4 δυσβάστακτα dusbastakta ADJ.A ACC N PL hard to bear hard-to-bear things hard-to-bear
G1419-01 Luke 11:46 δυσβάστακτα dusbastakta ADJ.A ACC N PL grievous hard-to-bear things hard-to-bear things
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