δυσερμήνευτος
dysermḗneutos
G1421 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having the quality of being difficult to explain, hard to interpret, or challenging to express in clear words. In usage, refers specifically to something that resists easy articulation or understanding, especially in the sense of doctrines, concepts, or utterances that are not readily conveyed or comprehended.
Semantic Range
hard to interpret, difficult to explain, challenging to express or expound, not readily made clear, not easy to communicate
Root / Etymology
Formed from the prefix δύς- (meaning 'bad', 'difficult', 'hard') and ἐρμηνεύω ('to interpret', 'to explain'), yielding the sense of 'difficult to interpret/explain'. The suffix -τος (“-tos”) marks the verbal adjective, indicating a quality or capacity. Thus, δυσερμήνευτος describes something that is not easily interpreted or explained.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in Koine Greek, specifically in the New Testament (Hebrews 5:11), the term appears in contexts emphasizing not simply a lack of clarity, but an intrinsic difficulty in expressing or transmitting specific knowledge or teachings. In classical and Hellenistic Greek, compounds with δύς- often express an inherent difficulty or negative quality, and -ερμηνευτος forms adjectives referencing interpretation or explanation qualities. In the New Testament, δυσερμήνευτος highlights not only the complexity of what is to be explained but also, contextually, a limitation in the audience’s capacity to receive instruction. Standard English translations such as 'hard to explain' or 'hard to be uttered' only partially capture the nuance, as they may emphasize expression more than interpretation, while the Greek encompasses both challenges of articulation and comprehension. The related verb ἐρμηνεύω (“to interpret, to translate, to explain”) occurs elsewhere for making things clear; διερμηνεύω, a related intensive verb, is more common for interpreting spoken words, especially languages (e.g., in 1 Corinthians).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from δυσ- and a presumed derivative of ἑρμηνεύω; difficult of explanation:--hard to be uttered.
Root Family
δυσερμήνευτος (dysermēneutos) — difficult, hard; to interpret, to explain
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1421-01 |
δυσερμήνευτος | dusermeneutos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
hard to explain | hard to interpret | hard to interpret | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1421-01 |
Hebrews 5:11 | δυσερμήνευτος | dusermeneutos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
hard to explain | hard to interpret | hard to interpret |