Deuteronomy 10:16

KJV

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.

KJV (with Strong's)

Circumcise {H4135} therefore the foreskin {H6190} of your heart {H3824}, and be no more stiffnecked {H6203}{H7185}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, circumcise the foreskin of your heart; and don't be stiffnecked any longer!

Berean Standard Bible

Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more.

American Standard Version

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 10:16 delivers a profound divine imperative for Israel, urging a radical internal spiritual transformation that transcends mere external obedience. This verse encapsulates God's enduring desire for a relationship founded on genuine heart-level commitment, inner purity, and humble submission, rather than a superficial adherence to rituals or commands. It calls the people to remove the spiritual barriers of stubbornness and rebellion, aligning their innermost being with the will of their covenant-keeping God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 10:16 is situated within Moses' second major address to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they stand poised to enter the Promised Land. This section, particularly from [Deuteronomy 10:12](/deuteronomy/10-12 "Deuteronomy 10:12 - What the Lord Requires"), shifts from a recounting of God's mighty acts and covenant faithfulness to an exhortation for Israel's proper response. Moses has just reminded them of God's unparalleled greatness and His unique choice of Israel as His treasured possession ([Deuteronomy 10:14-15](/deuteronomy/10-14-15 "Deuteronomy 10:14-15 - God's Sovereignty and Choice of Israel")). The preceding verses also recall Israel's past rebellions, such as the infamous incident of the [golden calf](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf Incident"), underscoring their historical tendency towards obstinacy despite God's grace. Therefore, the call to "circumcise the heart" is presented as the logical and necessary spiritual response to God's incredible power, justice, and unwavering love, emphasizing that true obedience must originate from within.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command in Deuteronomy 10:16 must be understood against the backdrop of ancient Israelite covenant theology and practices. Physical circumcision was the foundational sign of the Abrahamic covenant ([Genesis 17](/genesis/17 "Genesis 17 - The Covenant of Circumcision")), marking Israel as God's chosen people. However, throughout their wilderness journey, Israel repeatedly demonstrated a "stiffnecked" resistance to God's commands and leadership, a characteristic often lamented by Moses and later by the prophets. The plains of Moab represented a pivotal moment, a transition from wilderness wandering to settled life in the Promised Land. As they stood on the threshold of this new era, Moses' message underscored that mere external markers of identity or past experiences were insufficient; true covenant fidelity required an internal transformation. The cultural understanding of the "heart" (_lêbâb_) in Hebrew thought encompassed not just emotions, but the entire inner person—intellect, will, conscience, and affections—making the call for its "circumcision" a demand for total spiritual realignment.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 10:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the crucial distinction between **external ritual and internal transformation**. While physical circumcision was a covenant sign, Moses here emphasizes that God desires a spiritual equivalent—the removal of inner rebellion and hardness, a theme echoed by later prophets like [Jeremiah 4:4](/jeremiah/4-4 "Jeremiah 4:4 - Circumcise Your Hearts") and [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **true obedience of the heart**. Genuine submission to God stems from a transformed inner being, characterized by love and reverence ([Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord Your God")), rather than fear or mere duty. Thirdly, the verse directly addresses Israel's propensity for **overcoming stubbornness and rebellion**. The phrase "be no more stiffnecked" serves as a direct plea to abandon their historical obstinacy and humbly submit to divine authority, recognizing God's absolute sovereignty as "God of gods, and Lord of lords" ([Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God of gods and Lord of lords")). This call for inner purity reflects God's own holy character and His expectation that His people reflect Him not just ceremonially, but in their innermost lives.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Circumcise (Hebrew, _mûwl'_):** From H4135, a primitive root meaning "to cut short" or "to curtail." In this metaphorical context, it signifies the decisive act of removing spiritual impurity, a barrier, or an impediment to a full relationship with God. It implies a radical purification and dedication of one's inner being.
* **Foreskin (Hebrew, _ʻorlâh'_):** From H6190, literally referring to the prepuce. Metaphorically, when applied to the "heart," it denotes anything that is "uncircumcised," implying spiritual impurity, resistance, or a covering that prevents true intimacy and responsiveness to God. It represents the hardened, unyielding part of the human will that resists divine influence.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêbâb'_):** From H3824, referring to the most interior organ. In biblical anthropology, the "heart" is the comprehensive seat of a person's inner life—their intellect, will, emotions, conscience, and moral character. It is the core of one's being, the source of thoughts, desires, and decisions. The command to circumcise the heart is thus a call for a radical transformation of one's entire inner person.
* **Stiffnecked (Hebrew, _qasheh 'oreph'_):** This is a powerful idiom derived from H6203 (`ʻôreph`, the nape of the neck) and H7185 (`qâshâh`, to be hard or severe). It vividly portrays an ox that refuses to bow its neck to the yoke or be led by its master, symbolizing stubbornness, obstinacy, and an unwillingness to submit to authority. It is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe Israel's persistent rebellion against God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart":** This is a profound metaphorical command, urging the Israelites to perform a spiritual operation on their inner being. Just as physical circumcision removes a physical barrier, this command calls for the removal of spiritual hardness, pride, rebellion, and any inner impediment that prevents a full, loving, and obedient relationship with God. It signifies a radical internal purification and dedication of one's will and affections to God.
* **"and be no more stiffnecked":** This is a direct, urgent imperative to cease and desist from their characteristic stubbornness and obstinacy against God. Having just recounted Israel's history of rebellion, Moses explicitly calls them to abandon their unyielding resistance to divine authority and guidance. It is a call to humility, submission, and a willingness to be led by the Lord, rather than stubbornly resisting His benevolent will.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 10:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the phrase "Circumcise... the foreskin of your heart." This extends the physical ritual of circumcision into the spiritual realm, creating a vivid image of cutting away inner impurities and rebellion. It implies a deep, internal cleansing, far more significant than any external act. Complementing this is the **Idiom** "stiffnecked," which paints a powerful picture of obstinacy and resistance, drawing on the common experience of working with animals. The use of **Imperative Mood** ("Circumcise," "be no more") underscores the urgency and directness of Moses' command, demanding an immediate and decisive response from the people. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Juxtaposition** between the external sign of the covenant (physical circumcision) and the internal reality of true covenant fidelity (circumcision of the heart), highlighting God's preference for genuine inward devotion over mere outward observance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 10:16 stands as a pivotal statement in the Old Testament, articulating a theological truth that resonates throughout biblical history: God's ultimate desire is for a transformed heart, not merely outward conformity. This concept of "circumcision of the heart" foreshadows the New Covenant, where God promises to write His law on human hearts and replace stony hearts with hearts of flesh. It underscores that true righteousness stems from an internal disposition of love and obedience, a theme consistently championed by the prophets who often condemned Israel's ritualistic piety devoid of genuine inner devotion. This verse thus serves as a bridge, connecting the covenant demands of the Mosaic Law to the deeper spiritual realities that find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

* [Leviticus 26:41](/leviticus/26-41 "Leviticus 26:41 - Uncircumcised Hearts")
* [Jeremiah 4:4](/jeremiah/4-4 "Jeremiah 4:4 - Circumcise Your Hearts")
* [Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - True Circumcision of the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 10:16 holds timeless relevance for believers today, serving as a profound reminder that our faith is not merely about outward religious practices, attendance at services, or adherence to a set of rules. God fundamentally seeks a transformed heart—a spirit that is humble, teachable, and responsive to His will. This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial religiosity to a deep, authentic relationship with our Creator. It calls for honest self-examination, prompting us to identify any areas where we might be "stiffnecked," resistant to God's leading, or clinging to attitudes contrary to His Word. The "circumcision of the heart" is an ongoing spiritual process, a continuous yielding of our will to God's, allowing His Spirit to prune away pride, self-will, and spiritual apathy, cultivating a heart that is tender, pliable, and eager to obey.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "stiffnecked" or resistant to God's will, even subtly?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a "circumcised heart" that is tender and responsive to the Holy Spirit's promptings?**
* **What practical steps can I take to move beyond mere external religious observance to genuine, heart-level devotion in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does "circumcise the foreskin of your heart" mean?**

Answer: It is a powerful metaphor for spiritual purification and transformation. While physical circumcision was a sign of the covenant for Israel, this phrase calls for a deeper, internal "cutting away" of spiritual impurities. It means removing the inner stubbornness, pride, rebellion, and insensitivity that hinder a full, loving, and obedient relationship with God. It signifies a radical internal change where one's will, affections, and deepest desires are brought into alignment with God's. This concept is echoed in other Old Testament passages that speak of God giving a [new heart](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit") or the need to [circumcise one's heart](/jeremiah/4-4 "Jeremiah 4:4 - Circumcise Your Hearts") to the Lord.

**Why does Moses use such a strong phrase like "stiffnecked"?**

Answer: "Stiffnecked" (Hebrew: _qasheh 'oreph_) is an idiom frequently used in the Old Testament to describe Israel's persistent stubbornness and rebellion against God's commands and leadership. It evokes the vivid image of an ox refusing to take the yoke or be led by its master, symbolizing an unyielding, obstinate refusal to submit to authority. Moses uses it here to directly address Israel's historical tendency toward defiance, evident in numerous incidents like the [golden calf rebellion](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf Incident"). It's a plea for them to abandon their rebellious nature, which had caused them much suffering in the wilderness, and to humbly submit to divine authority, recognizing the loving and just character of the God who chose them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 10:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. The Old Testament's call for a "circumcision of the heart" was a prophetic yearning for an internal transformation that Israel, in its own strength, could not consistently achieve. Jesus, in His perfect obedience and sinless life, embodies the perfectly "circumcised heart"—one utterly devoted to the Father's will ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). Through His atoning work, Christ inaugurates the New Covenant, where the law is no longer merely external but written on the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). The true "circumcision" now, as Paul articulates, is "that of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code" ([Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - True Circumcision of the Heart")). It is through union with Christ that believers receive a new heart and a new spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")), enabling them to genuinely love God and obey His commands, no longer "stiffnecked" but pliable and responsive to the divine will. This spiritual transformation, made possible by Christ's sacrifice and the indwelling Spirit ([Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Regeneration by the Holy Spirit")), is the fulfillment of what Moses commanded, moving from an outward sign to an inward reality.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 4:4

Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench [it], because of the evil of your doings.

Deuteronomy 30:6

And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.

Leviticus 26:41

And [that] I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:

Colossians 2:11

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

Romans 2:28

For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

Romans 2:29

But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.

Deuteronomy 9:6

Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou [art] a stiffnecked people.