Hard-hearted
Meaning
Lacking sympathy, compassion, or kindness; unfeeling and resistant to emotional appeal.
Origin
The image of a 'hard heart' as a symbol for a lack of compassion stretches back through millennia, making its most famous appearances in ancient religious texts. In the Old Testament, the pharaoh's heart is repeatedly 'hardened' by God, rendering him unyielding to Moses' pleas. This metaphorical hardening wasn't just about stubbornness; it implied an inability to feel empathy or mercy, transforming the very seat of emotion into an impenetrable stone. From these ancient spiritual narratives, where a soft, receptive heart was a virtue and a hard one a spiritual failing, the phrase 'hard-hearted' entered the common lexicon, capturing the essence of someone who is stubbornly unfeeling, their core of kindness seemingly calcified.
Examples
- The king was known for his hard-hearted decisions, often prioritizing power over the welfare of his people.
- Despite her emotional plea, the judge remained hard-hearted, upholding the strict letter of the law.