Jeremiah 17:23

KJV

But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction.

KJV (with Strong's)

But they obeyed {H8085} not, neither inclined {H5186} their ear {H241}, but made their neck {H6203} stiff {H7185}, that they might not hear {H8085}, nor receive {H3947} instruction {H4148}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but they neither listened nor paid attention; rather, they stiffened their necks, so that they wouldn't have to hear or receive instruction.

Berean Standard Bible

Yet they would not listen or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks and would not listen or receive My discipline.

American Standard Version

But they hearkened not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, and might not receive instruction.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 17:23 powerfully encapsulates the persistent and willful disobedience of the people of Judah, portraying their historical pattern of rejecting divine warnings and instruction. Despite God's repeated attempts to call them to repentance through His prophets, they stubbornly refused to listen or to internalize His teachings, choosing instead a path of spiritual obstinacy that ultimately led to severe consequences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a larger prophetic discourse in [Jeremiah 17](/jeremiah/17 "Jeremiah 17 - Warnings, Promises, and Judah's Stubbornness"), particularly following a specific message from the Lord concerning the sanctity of the Sabbath day (Jeremiah 17:19-27). God promises enduring blessings and a perpetual Davidic kingdom if Judah would honor the Sabbath, but threatens destruction if they profane it. Verse 23, however, serves as a poignant lament and a summary of the nation's consistent attitude throughout their history, extending beyond just the Sabbath command to encompass all of God's instructions. It highlights the deep-seated spiritual rebellion that made the Sabbath command, and indeed all divine commands, so difficult for them to embrace. This stubbornness is a recurring motif throughout Jeremiah's prophecies, setting the stage for the impending judgment of exile described in later chapters like [Jeremiah 25](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Babylonian Captivity").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a turbulent period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last five kings before the Babylonian exile (c. 627-586 BC). The nation was caught between the declining Assyrian Empire and the rising powers of Egypt and Babylon. Spiritually, Judah was deeply entrenched in idolatry and social injustice, despite Josiah's earlier reforms. The phrase "made their neck stiff" draws on the common agricultural imagery of an ox or donkey refusing to submit to the yoke or the farmer's direction. Culturally, it vividly conveyed a deliberate, unyielding resistance to authority. This stubbornness was not a new phenomenon; it echoed Israel's rebellion in the wilderness (e.g., [Exodus 32:9](/exodus/32-9 "Exodus 32:9 - Israel, a Stiff-Necked People")), and was a consistent theme in the prophetic critique of the nation. Jeremiah's ministry was characterized by an urgent call to repentance in the face of imminent judgment, but his message was largely met with the very resistance described in this verse.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Jeremiah's prophecy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Stubborn Disobedience**, emphasized by the repeated negation ("obeyed not," "neither inclined their ear," "might not hear, nor receive"). This is not mere oversight but a willful, deliberate rejection of God's voice and authority, a hardened heart unwilling to yield. Closely related is the **Rejection of Divine Instruction**, highlighting a profound spiritual blindness and an unwillingness to learn or be corrected by the wisdom God continually offered through His covenant and His prophets. This spiritual insensitivity is depicted as a self-imposed barrier, preventing them from receiving the very guidance that could lead to life and blessing. Finally, the verse underscores the **Historical Pattern of Rebellion** that marked Israel's relationship with God from its inception. Jeremiah frequently reminds his audience of their ancestors' similar failures, demonstrating that Judah's current predicament was the culmination of generations of spiritual defiance, a pattern that God had patiently endured but would now judge (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:23-26](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23-26 - Call to Obedience and Historical Disobedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ear (Hebrew, _ʼôzen'_):** (H241) Derived from a root suggesting "broadness," this word refers to the physical organ of hearing, but in this context, it carries profound spiritual significance. To "incline the ear" (as in the preceding phrase) means to listen attentively and receptively. The refusal to incline the ear, therefore, signifies a deliberate shutting off of spiritual receptivity, a refusal to give audience or attention to God's voice, leading to a state where they "might not hear."
* **stiff (Hebrew, _qâshâh'_):** (H7185) This primitive root means "to be dense, i.e., tough or severe." When applied to the neck (H6203, _ʻôreph_), it forms the powerful idiom "stiff-necked," signifying an unyielding, obstinate, and rebellious attitude. It describes a deliberate hardening of will against submission or correction, like an animal refusing to be led by the yoke. Spiritually, it denotes a stubborn refusal to bend one's will to God's commands or to humble oneself before His authority.
* **instruction (Hebrew, _mûwçâr'_):** (H4148) This term, derived from a root meaning "to discipline" or "to chasten," refers to chastisement, reproof, warning, or teaching. It encompasses the entire process of moral and spiritual formation that God provides for His people. The refusal to "receive instruction" indicates a rejection of God's corrective discipline, His wisdom, and the guidance necessary for righteous living. It implies a preference for one's own way over God's revealed path.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But they obeyed not":** This opening clause immediately establishes the core issue: a fundamental failure to comply with God's commands. The Hebrew verb implies not just a lack of action, but a deliberate refusal to heed or respond positively to what was heard.
* **"neither inclined their ear":** This phrase further elaborates on the nature of their disobedience. It's not that they couldn't hear physically, but that they chose not to direct their attention or openness towards God's message. To "incline the ear" is an idiom for listening attentively and receptively, ready to act upon what is heard. Their failure to do so indicates a willful spiritual deafness.
* **"but made their neck stiff":** This is a powerful and frequently used idiom in the Old Testament, drawing on the imagery of an ox or stubborn animal refusing to submit to the yoke. Spiritually, it signifies an unyielding, obstinate, and rebellious attitude towards God's will and commands. It implies a deliberate defiance and an unwillingness to be led or corrected.
* **"that they might not hear":** This clause reveals the consequence and perhaps the intention of their actions. Their refusal to incline their ear and their spiritual stubbornness led directly to a state where they were incapable or unwilling to truly "hear" in the sense of understanding and internalizing God's message. Their actions created a barrier to divine communication.
* **"nor receive instruction":** This final phrase underscores the complete rejection of God's formative influence. "Instruction" here refers to God's discipline, correction, and teaching designed to guide them towards righteousness. Their stubbornness meant they were closed off to any form of divine guidance or correction, preferring to remain in their errant ways.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 17:23 is rich in **Idiom** and **Metaphor**. The phrase "made their neck stiff" is a classic Hebrew idiom for stubbornness and rebellion, drawing a vivid **Metaphor** from the animal world (an ox refusing the yoke) to describe spiritual obstinacy. This **Metaphor** highlights the people's deliberate resistance to God's authority and guidance. The verse also employs **Parallelism** in its structure, where "obeyed not, neither inclined their ear" is paralleled by "made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction." This repetition and restatement of the same core idea (disobedience and stubbornness) serves to emphasize the depth and persistence of their rebellion. The description of the ear and neck as active agents in their refusal also borders on **Personification**, attributing human will and action to these body parts to underscore the deliberate nature of their spiritual choices.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 17:23 profoundly illustrates humanity's innate tendency towards spiritual stubbornness and resistance to divine authority, a theme pervasive throughout biblical history. It speaks to the tragic reality that despite God's persistent and loving outreach through His prophets and His law, His people often choose to harden their hearts. This verse highlights the critical importance of a receptive heart for spiritual growth and obedience, demonstrating that a closed ear and a stiff neck inevitably lead to a rejection of God's life-giving instruction and subsequent judgment. The theological implication is clear: God desires not merely outward compliance, but an inward willingness to listen, learn, and submit to His will, as true faith is characterized by a teachable spirit.

* [Deuteronomy 31:27](/deuteronomy/31-27 "Deuteronomy 31:27 - Moses' Warning of Future Rebellion")
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")
* [Acts 7:51](/acts/7-51 "Acts 7:51 - Stephen's Rebuke of Stiff-Necked Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 17:23 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to examine the posture of our own hearts towards God's voice. In a world saturated with competing messages, the call to "incline our ear" to divine instruction is more critical than ever. Spiritual stubbornness, whether expressed as a refusal to obey a clear command, a resistance to correction, or an unwillingness to learn from God's Word, inevitably hinders our relationship with Him and our spiritual growth. This verse challenges us to cultivate a humble, teachable spirit, recognizing that true wisdom and flourishing come from actively listening to and receiving God's guidance. It reminds us that God's instruction is not burdensome, but a path to life and blessing, and that persistent defiance leads to spiritual barrenness and potential consequences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "stiff-necked" or resistant to God's will?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more receptive heart and "incline my ear" to God's Word and His Spirit?**
* **How do I respond to correction or instruction, whether from Scripture, wise counsel, or the prompting of the Holy Spirit?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "make one's neck stiff" in the Bible?**

Answer: To "make one's neck stiff" is a powerful biblical idiom, particularly prevalent in the Old Testament, that describes a person or people who are stubborn, obstinate, and rebellious against God's authority. It draws on the imagery of an animal, like an ox, that refuses to submit to the yoke or the farmer's guidance, resisting all attempts to lead it. Spiritually, it signifies a willful refusal to listen to God's commands, to humble oneself, or to turn from sin. This phrase encapsulates a deliberate defiance rather than a simple mistake or ignorance. It is often used to describe Israel's consistent pattern of disobedience throughout their history, from the wilderness generation (e.g., [Exodus 32:9](/exodus/32-9 "Exodus 32:9 - Israel's Stiff-Necked Rebellion")) to the time of the prophets.

**Why was Judah's refusal to "receive instruction" so significant?**

Answer: Judah's refusal to "receive instruction" (Hebrew: _mûwçâr_) was profoundly significant because _mûwçâr_ encompasses not just intellectual teaching, but also moral correction, discipline, and the wisdom necessary for righteous living. God, in His covenant faithfulness, continually provided instruction through His Law, His prophets, and the events of their history, all designed to guide His people into a flourishing relationship with Him and to protect them from the consequences of sin. By rejecting this instruction, Judah was not merely ignoring advice; they were actively spurning God's loving discipline and the very means by which they could walk in His ways and avoid impending judgment. This rejection demonstrated a deep-seated spiritual rebellion and a preference for their own destructive paths over God's life-giving truth (see [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 17:23 starkly portrays the human condition of spiritual stubbornness and the profound need for a divine intervention that goes beyond mere instruction. While the Old Covenant, with its laws and prophets, revealed God's will and exposed humanity's inability to obey due to a hardened heart, Christ Jesus perfectly fulfills what humanity failed to do. He is the ultimate "Instruction" (cf. [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")), the very Word of God made flesh, who perfectly "inclined His ear" to the Father's will and demonstrated perfect obedience even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ addresses the root cause of our "stiff neck"—our sinful nature—by offering a new heart and a new spirit (cf. [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/zekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - The Promise of a New Heart")). In Him, believers receive the Holy Spirit, who enables them to truly "hear" God's voice and empowers them to "receive instruction" and walk in obedience, transforming what was once a rebellious heart into one that delights in God's law ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Christ")). Thus, Jeremiah's lament finds its ultimate answer and hope in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who breaks the power of stubbornness and graciously grants the capacity for true spiritual receptivity.

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

Proverbs 29:1

¶ He, that being often reproved hardeneth [his] neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

Jeremiah 11:10

They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers.

Jeremiah 19:15

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words.

Jeremiah 7:24

But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels [and] in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.

Jeremiah 7:26

Yet they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck: they did worse than their fathers.

Ezekiel 20:21

Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness.

Zephaniah 3:7

I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, [and] corrupted all their doings.