UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: difficult, hard, with difficulty

Semantic entry: 22.32

Semantic domains: Trouble, Hardship, Relief, Favorable Circumstances

Subdomains: Difficult, Hard

Definition: pertaining to that which is difficult to accomplish or do

Notes: In some languages it may be difficult to render concisely the expression ‘only with difficulty.’ To express this contrastive element in connection with entering the kingdom of heaven, one must often translate as ‘a rich person will be able to enter into the kingdom of heaven, but it will be very difficult for him to do so.’