What does hardening hearts mean in a biblical context?

In the biblical context, hardening one's heart signifies a refusal to recognize or respond to God's call and truth. Hebrews 3:7-11 urges believers not to harden their hearts as the Israelites did, which resulted in their exclusion from God's promise. This hardening can occur through continual rejection of God's word and influences of sin, leading to a state where individuals are unresponsive to the Holy Spirit's prompting towards repentance and faith. Consequently, this serves as a cautionary principle emphasizing the need for open hearts to God's truths.