King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Because I knew that thou [art] obstinate, and thy neck [is] an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;
Complete Jewish Bible:
Because I knew that you were stubborn, your neck an iron sinew, your forehead bronze,
Berean Standard Bible:
For I knew that you are stubborn; your neck is iron and your forehead is bronze.
American Standard Version:
Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Because I knew{H1847} that thou art obstinate{H7186}, and thy neck{H6203} is an iron{H1270} sinew{H1517}, and thy brow{H4696} brass{H5154};
Cross-References (KJV):
Acts 7:51
- ¶ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.
Exodus 32:9
- And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it [is] a stiffnecked people:
Zechariah 7:11
- But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.
Zechariah 7:12
- Yea, they made their hearts [as] an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts.
Proverbs 29:1
- ¶ He, that being often reproved hardeneth [his] neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
Ezekiel 3:4
- And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.
Ezekiel 3:9
- As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they [be] a rebellious house.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Isaiah 48:4
Isaiah 48:4 is a part of the larger text in the Book of Isaiah, which is a complex mix of poetry, prophecy, and historical narrative. The verse is situated within a section where the prophet Isaiah is conveying the words of God to the people of Judah, particularly those in exile in Babylon. The historical context is significant: it is during a time of great upheaval and change, with the southern kingdom of Judah facing the consequences of their disobedience to God, including the Babylonian Exile (6th century BCE).
In this verse, God is speaking directly to the Israelites, describing their stubbornness and hardness of heart. The imagery used is vivid and metaphorical: "thy neck [is] an iron sinew, and thy brow brass." This language illustrates the people's resistance to God's guidance and correction. The "iron sinew" suggests an unyielding rigidity, while "brass brow" implies a bold, shameless persistence in their own ways. God acknowledges that He has foreseen this obstinacy, which has made His dealings with them more difficult.
The themes of the verse include the sovereignty and foreknowledge of God, the stubbornness of humanity, and the consequences of disobedience. It reflects the tension between divine patience and human recalcitrance. Despite the Israelites' persistent disobedience, God continues to reach out to them, demonstrating His steadfast love and commitment to His people, even in the face of their stubborn resistance. This verse underscores a recurring biblical theme: God's desire for repentance and a restored relationship with His people, despite their repeated failures to live up to their covenantal obligations.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H1847
There are 91 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: דַּעַת
Transliteration: daʻath
Pronunciation: dah'-ath
Description: from יָדַע; knowledge; cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). - Strong's Number: H7186
There are 36 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָשֶׁה
Transliteration: qâsheh
Pronunciation: kaw-sheh'
Description: from קָשָׁה; severe (in various applications); churlish, cruel, grievous, hard((-hearted), thing), heavy, [phrase] impudent, obstinate, prevailed, rough(-ly), sore, sorrowful, stiff(necked), stubborn, [phrase] in trouble. - Strong's Number: H6203
There are 32 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עֹרֶף
Transliteration: ʻôreph
Pronunciation: o-ref'
Description: from עָרַף; the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative); back ((stiff-) neck((-ed). - Strong's Number: H1270
There are 70 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בַּרְזֶל
Transliteration: barzel
Pronunciation: bar-zel'
Description: perhaps from the root of בִּרְזוֹת; iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement; (ax) head, iron. - Strong's Number: H1517
There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: גִּיד
Transliteration: gîyd
Pronunciation: gheed
Description: probably from גּוּד; a thong (as compressing); by analogy, a tendon; sinew. - Strong's Number: H4696
There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מֵצַח
Transliteration: mêtsach
Pronunciation: may'-tsakh
Description: from an unused root meaning to be clear, i.e. conspicuous; the forehead (as open and prominent); brow, forehead, [phrase] impudent. - Strong's Number: H5154
There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נְחוּשָׁה
Transliteration: nᵉchûwshâh
Pronunciation: nekh-oo-shaw'
Description: or נְחֻשָׁה; feminine of נָחוּשׁ; copper; brass, steel. Compare נָחָשׁ.