from σκληρός and τράχηλος; hardnaped, i.e. (figuratively) obstinate:--stiffnecked.
Transliteration:sklērotráchēlos
Pronunciation:sklay-rot-rakh'-ay-los
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term σκληροτράχηλος (sklērotráchēlos) is a compound word derived from σκληρός (sklēros), meaning "hard" or "tough," and τράχηλος (trachēlos), meaning "neck." Literally, it translates to "hard-necked" or "stiff-necked." This vivid imagery is drawn from an animal, such as an ox, that resists the yoke, refusing to be led or guided by its master. Figuratively, therefore, sklērotráchēlos denotes an individual or group characterized by obstinacy, stubbornness, unyielding resistance, and an unwillingness to submit to authority, particularly divine authority. It signifies a profound spiritual recalcitrance and defiance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, σκληροτράχηλος appears only once, in the powerful and climactic sermon of Stephen in [[Acts 7:51]]. Addressing the Sanhedrin, Stephen declares, "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit! As your fathers did, so do you."
The context is crucial. Stephen's sermon is a sweeping review of Israel's history, emphasizing a recurring pattern of rebellion against God's covenant, His prophets, and His gracious interventions. By labeling his audience as "stiff-necked," Stephen directly links their present rejection of Jesus, the Messiah, to the persistent disobedience of their ancestors in the Old Testament. This term was commonly used in the Septuagint (LXX) to translate the Hebrew phrase `{{H7186}}` (qasheh oref), which described Israel's stubbornness in the wilderness (e.g., [[Exodus 32:9]], [[Deuteronomy 9:6]], [[Nehemiah 9:16]]). Stephen's accusation is therefore not merely a personal insult but a profound theological indictment, asserting that the spiritual obstinacy that characterized previous generations of Israel had culminated in their rejection and murder of the "Righteous One" ([[Acts 7:52]]). The phrase "uncircumcised in heart and ears" further amplifies the charge, indicating a spiritual insensitivity and unwillingness to truly hear and obey God's word, despite outward religious observance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of σκληροτράχηλος is rich with terms related to hardness, resistance, and disobedience:
* **Greek:**
* `{{G4642}}` (sklēros): The root word for "hard," used to describe harshness, difficulty, or stubbornness.
* `{{G5137}}` (trachēlos): The word for "neck."
* `{{G4643}}` (sklērokardia): "Hardness of heart," denoting spiritual insensitivity and an unwillingness to believe or respond to God's truth (e.g., [[Mark 10:5]], [[Matthew 19:8]]).
* `{{G4645}}` (sklērotēs): "Hardness" or "obstinacy," often referring to the stubbornness of unbelief (e.g., [[Romans 11:7]]).
* **Hebrew (often translated by σκληροτράχηλος in the LXX):**
* `{{H7186}}` (qasheh oref): "Hard of neck," the primary Old Testament phrase for "stiff-necked," frequently used to describe Israel's persistent rebellion against Yahweh (e.g., [[Exodus 32:9]], [[Deuteronomy 9:13]], [[Nehemiah 9:16]]).
* `{{H7185}}` (qasheh): "Hard," "difficult," "severe."
* `{{H6203}}` (oref): "Neck."
* **Related Concepts:** Rebellion, disobedience, stubbornness, spiritual blindness, resistance to the Holy Spirit, idolatry (as a manifestation of spiritual rebellion), unfaithfulness to the covenant.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of σκληροτράχηλος is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Continuity of Rebellion:** Stephen's use of the term in [[Acts 7:51]] powerfully establishes a theological continuity between the historical disobedience of Israel in the wilderness and the contemporary rejection of Jesus by the Jewish leadership. It highlights a recurring pattern of human resistance to God's revealed will and His chosen messengers.
2. **Spiritual Obstinacy:** Sklērotráchēlos signifies more than mere intellectual disagreement; it points to a deep-seated spiritual stubbornness and an unwillingness to submit to God's authority. It describes a posture of defiance that actively resists divine guidance and correction.
3. **Resistance to the Holy Spirit:** Stephen explicitly links "stiff-neckedness" with resisting the Holy Spirit ([[Acts 7:51]]). This implies that the Spirit is actively working to convict, guide, and call to repentance, but the "stiff-necked" refuse to yield, hardening their hearts and ears to His promptings. This resistance is a grave sin, as it thwarts God's gracious efforts to draw humanity to Himself.
4. **Covenant Unfaithfulness:** In the Old Testament, "stiff-neckedness" was a central theme in Israel's failure to uphold their covenant with God. By applying this term to his audience, Stephen implies their unfaithfulness to the very covenant they claimed to uphold, culminating in their rejection of the Messiah who embodied its fulfillment.
5. **Implication of Judgment:** The historical narrative recounted by Stephen demonstrates that persistent stiff-neckedness inevitably leads to divine judgment and separation from God's blessing. While Stephen's accusation is a warning, it also foreshadows the severe consequences for those who remain unyielding to God's truth.
### Summary
The Greek term σκληροτράχηλος (sklērotráchēlos), literally "hard-necked," vividly portrays an individual or group characterized by profound spiritual obstinacy and an unyielding resistance to divine authority. Its singular New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 7:51]], spoken by Stephen, serves as a powerful indictment, linking the contemporary Jewish leadership's rejection of Jesus to Israel's long history of rebellion against God and His prophets, a pattern frequently described in the Septuagint using this same term (translating the Hebrew `{{H7186}}`). Theologically, sklērotráchēlos underscores a persistent human tendency towards spiritual insensitivity and defiance, specifically a resistance to the Holy Spirit's convicting work. It highlights the grave nature of unyielding stubbornness in the face of God's truth and implicitly calls for a humble submission to His will.
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