The Greek prefix dys- is a negative or pejorative prefix meaning hard, ill, difficult, or bad — the opposite of eu- (good, well). It appears in compound words throughout the New Testament.
The prefix dys- forms words describing difficulty, hardship, or moral failure. It appears in dysbastaktos (hard to bear), dyskolos (difficult, as in 'how hard it is for the rich to enter heaven'), dysermeneutos (hard to interpret), and dysenteria. Understanding this prefix unlocks a family of Greek words that describe the burdens, challenges, and corruptions of fallen human existence. In contrast, the eu- prefix (good news = euangelion) expresses the new reality Christ brings. The Gospel transforms dys- situations into eu- realities.