Jeremiah 19:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}; Behold, I will bring {H935} upon this city {H5892} and upon all her towns {H5892} all the evil {H7451} that I have pronounced {H1696} against it, because they have hardened {H7185} their necks {H6203}, that they might not hear {H8085} my words {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"This is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, says: 'I am bringing on this city and all its surrounding villages all the disaster I have pronounced against it; because they have stiffened their necks and refused to pay attention to my words.'"

Berean Standard Bible

“This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I am about to bring on this city and on all the villages around it every disaster I have pronounced against them, because they have stiffened their necks so as not to heed My words.’”

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all its towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it; because they have made their neck stiff, that they may not hear my words.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 19:15 delivers a definitive pronouncement of divine judgment from the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, against Jerusalem and all its surrounding towns. This verse declares that all the calamity and disaster previously foretold will indeed come to pass, directly attributing this severe consequence to the people's stubborn and unrepentant refusal to heed God's words and warnings, signifying a complete breakdown of their covenant relationship and the inevitable culmination of their persistent rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 19:15 serves as the climactic summary and concluding declaration of the powerful prophetic sign-act detailed in [Jeremiah chapter 19](/jeremiah/19 "Jeremiah 19 - The Shattered Flask"). The chapter opens with the LORD instructing Jeremiah to take an earthenware flask, gather elders and priests, and go to the Valley of Hinnom, specifically Tophet, a place notorious for child sacrifices. There, Jeremiah was to deliver a scathing prophecy against Judah and Jerusalem, culminating in the shattering of the flask as a vivid, irreversible symbol of God's complete destruction of the city and its inhabitants. After this dramatic public demonstration, Jeremiah returned to the temple court and reiterated the message to all the people, emphasizing the certainty of the impending judgment due to their persistent idolatry and disobedience. Thus, verse 15 functions as the final, authoritative word, confirming the inevitability and justice of the pronouncements made through the symbolic act, leaving no room for doubt regarding the divine decree.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Jeremiah's ministry, and specifically this prophecy, is the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, a tumultuous period leading up to the Babylonian exile. Judah was caught between the declining Assyrian Empire and the rising power of Babylon. Despite repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah, the people of Judah, including their kings and religious leaders, continued to engage in widespread idolatry, social injustice, and covenant unfaithfulness. The Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna), mentioned in [Jeremiah 19:2](/jeremiah/19-2 "Jeremiah 19:2 - Valley of Hinnom"), was a literal place outside Jerusalem where pagan rituals, including the horrific practice of child sacrifice to Molech, were performed ([Jeremiah 7:31](/jeremiah/7-31 "Jeremiah 7:31 - Abominations in Tophet")). This cultural context of deep-seated apostasy underscores the severity of God's judgment. The "hardening of their necks" is a common biblical idiom reflecting a stubborn refusal to submit to authority, particularly God's covenant demands, akin to an ox refusing the yoke, highlighting their deliberate and unyielding rebellion against the divine will.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several recurring themes throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, demonstrating that God's pronouncements are not empty threats but certain realities for unrepentant sin. The "evil" (Hebrew: *ra'*) refers to calamity and disaster, which is the just consequence of their actions, not moral evil on God's part. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Consequences of Stubborn Disobedience**, particularly the idiom "hardened their necks," which vividly portrays Judah's willful and defiant rejection of God's repeated calls to repentance ([Jeremiah 7:24](/jeremiah/7-24 "Jeremiah 7:24 - Disobedience and Stubbornness")). This obstinacy leads directly to the promised judgment. Thirdly, it emphasizes **God's Sovereignty and Authority**, as indicated by the divine title "the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel," affirming His absolute control over history and His covenant faithfulness, even in judgment. Finally, the verse speaks to the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, asserting that God's word, once declared, will inevitably come to pass, whether for blessing or for curse, as outlined in the covenant law ([Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hardened (Hebrew, _qâshâh'_):** From H7185, meaning to be dense, tough, or severe. It implies a resistance, an unwillingness to bend or yield. In this context, it describes the people's spiritual obstinacy and defiance, making their hearts and wills unyielding to God's commands and warnings, much like something that has become stiff or rigid. This is a deliberate act of resistance against divine instruction.
* **necks (Hebrew, _ʻôreph'_):** From H6203, referring to the nape or back of the neck. This word is crucial for understanding the idiom "hardened their necks." It literally refers to the part of an animal that would be put under a yoke. A "hardened neck" or "stiff-necked" animal refuses to submit to the farmer's direction, pulling against the yoke rather than moving as commanded. Spiritually, it signifies an unyielding, rebellious attitude towards divine authority and the covenant relationship.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, meaning a word, matter, or thing. It encompasses not just spoken utterances but also divine decrees, commands, and the entire body of God's revealed will, including His covenant stipulations, prophetic warnings, and moral instructions. The people's refusal to "hear my words" means they rejected God's entire message, His instructions, His warnings, and His covenant requirements, demonstrating a comprehensive spiritual deafness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel;":** This opening establishes the divine authority and covenant fidelity behind the message. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's sovereign power over all creation, including celestial armies and earthly powers, signifying His absolute ability to execute His will and judgments. "The God of Israel" underscores His unique, covenantal relationship with His chosen people, implying that this judgment comes from the very One who faithfully covenanted with them, thereby highlighting the gravity of their breach of that covenant.
* **"Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it,":** This clause is a solemn and emphatic declaration of impending judgment. "Behold" (Hebrew: *hinneh*) serves as an interjection drawing urgent attention to the certainty and immediacy of what follows. "This city" refers specifically to Jerusalem, the capital of Judah, and "all her towns" includes the surrounding Judahite settlements, indicating a widespread and comprehensive judgment. The "evil" (Hebrew: *ra'*) here denotes calamity, disaster, or misfortune, not moral wickedness on God's part. It is the just and inevitable fulfillment of the curses and warnings God had previously "pronounced" (Hebrew: *dâbar*, to speak or declare) through His prophets and the covenant law, demonstrating His faithfulness to His word, even in judgment.
* **"because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words.":** This final clause provides the explicit and undeniable reason for the severe judgment. The idiom "hardened their necks" vividly describes their obstinate, defiant, and unyielding refusal to submit to God's will, akin to a stubborn animal resisting its master's yoke. Their spiritual stubbornness led to a deliberate choice "that they might not hear my words," indicating a willful and persistent rejection of divine instruction, warnings, and calls to repentance. This highlights the people's full culpability and the inherent justice of God's righteous response to their unrepentant rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message with impactful authority. The most prominent is the **Idiom** "hardened their necks," which is a vivid anthropomorphic metaphor drawn from the behavior of stubborn draft animals. This idiom effectively conveys the people's willful, unyielding resistance to God's commands, refusing to submit to His "yoke" of instruction. This phrase is a form of **Synecdoche**, where the "neck" represents the entire person's will, disposition, and rebellious attitude. The declaration "Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel" serves as a **Formulaic Introduction** common in prophetic literature, lending immense authority and divine gravitas to the message, emphasizing its origin directly from the sovereign God. The emphatic declaration "all the evil that I have pronounced" uses **Hyperbole** to underscore the totality and certainty of the impending judgment, creating a sense of inescapable doom for the disobedient nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 19:15 profoundly underscores the biblical principle that persistent and unrepentant rebellion against God's revealed will inevitably leads to divine judgment. It highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, which includes both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The "evil" brought upon the city is not arbitrary malice but the just consequence of a people who have repeatedly and willfully rejected their covenant Lord. This demonstrates God's holiness and His demand for faithfulness, even when it requires severe disciplinary action to uphold His righteousness and the integrity of His word. The verse serves as a stark reminder that God's patience has limits, and His warnings are to be taken with utmost seriousness, for His character demands that sin be addressed.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 29:1](/proverbs/29-1 "Proverbs 29:1 - The Stubborn Rebuked")
* [Romans 2:5](/romans/2-5 "Romans 2:5 - Hardness of Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 19:15 is a sobering reminder that our posture towards God's word profoundly determines our destiny. The "hardening of necks" speaks to a deep-seated spiritual stubbornness, a refusal to bend our will to God's, which is a temptation for all people in every era. For us today, this verse calls for profound self-examination: are we truly listening to God's voice as revealed in Scripture, or are we selectively hearing what we want to hear, or worse, actively resisting His truth? God's desire is always for repentance and life, but He is also just and will not indefinitely tolerate rebellion. This passage challenges us to cultivate a soft heart, quick to hear and obey, recognizing that true freedom and blessing comes from humble submission to the Lord. It compels us to consider the weighty consequences of spiritual apathy and willful disobedience, urging us to respond with humility, repentance, and obedience to the Lord's ongoing call to faithfulness, ensuring our lives align with His revealed will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "hardening my neck" against God's word or His leading, perhaps subtly or unconsciously?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a more receptive and humble heart and mind to truly "hear" and obey God's words daily, even when they challenge my comfort or desires?**
* **What specific warnings, commands, or calls to repentance from Scripture might I be tempted to ignore, and what are the potential spiritual and practical consequences of such neglect in my life?**

### FAQ

**What does "hardened their necks" mean in a biblical context?**

Answer: The phrase "hardened their necks" is a powerful Hebrew idiom that describes stubbornness, obstinacy, and a defiant refusal to obey or submit to authority. It draws an image from an ox or other draft animal that stiffens its neck and refuses to yield to the yoke or the farmer's direction, pulling against the guidance rather than moving as commanded. Spiritually, it signifies a willful resistance to God's commands, warnings, and His covenant authority. It implies a deliberate choice to reject divine instruction and persist in disobedience, rather than bending in humility and obedience. This idiom is used throughout the Old Testament to describe Israel's frequent rebellion against the LORD, such as in [Exodus 32:9](/exodus/32-9 "Exodus 32:9 - Stiff-necked People") and [Nehemiah 9:17](/nehemiah/9-17 "Nehemiah 9:17 - Refusal to Obey").

**Does God truly bring "evil" upon people, as stated in this verse?**

Answer: In this context, the Hebrew word translated "evil" (ra'a) refers to calamity, disaster, or misfortune, not moral wickedness or sin on God's part. When the Bible states that God brings "evil," it means He brings about the just and deserved consequences of human sin and rebellion. He is not the author of moral evil, but He is sovereign over all circumstances, including judgment. This "evil" is a punitive action, a form of divine discipline or judgment, meant to correct or to demonstrate the gravity of unrepentant sin. It is the fulfillment of the curses pronounced in the covenant for disobedience, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), where God outlines the consequences of turning away from Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 19:15 speaks of God's judgment on a rebellious Israel, its ultimate fulfillment and resolution are found in Christ. The "hardening of necks" and the refusal to hear God's words represent humanity's universal problem of sin and rebellion against a holy God. Just as Israel faced judgment for their stubbornness, all humanity stands under the condemnation of God's righteous wrath due to their own hardened hearts and willful disobedience ([Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Sin")). However, the "evil" (calamity/judgment) pronounced against sin was ultimately borne by Jesus Christ on the cross. He became the "curse for us" ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), suffering the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin, so that those who believe might be spared from eternal condemnation. Furthermore, Christ, as the ultimate Prophet and faithful Son, perfectly heard and obeyed the Father's words, never hardening His neck ([Hebrews 5:8](/hebrews/5-8 "Hebrews 5:8 - He Learned Obedience")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He offers a new covenant where God promises to remove the "heart of stone" and give a "heart of flesh" ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")), enabling His people to truly hear and obey His words, transforming those who once had hardened necks into humble, responsive followers of the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 7:26

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

Jeremiah 17:23

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

Nehemiah 9:29

And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.

Nehemiah 9:17

And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou [art] a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

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.

Acts 7:52

Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

2 Chronicles 36:16

But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy.