### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word qᵉshîy (`{{H7190}}`) is derived from the verbal root qāshāh (`{{H7185}}`), which fundamentally means "to be hard," "to be severe," or "to make stiff." As a noun, qᵉshîy denotes the *quality* or *state* of hardness, specifically in a metaphorical sense, referring to obstinacy, stubbornness, or an unyielding disposition. Its core meaning encapsulates a spiritual and moral inflexibility, an unwillingness to bend, yield, or respond to divine instruction, correction, or will. It describes a hardened heart or a stiff neck, signifying a profound resistance to God's authority and a persistent adherence to one's own way.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term qᵉshîy (`{{H7190}}`) is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once:
* **[[Deuteronomy 9:27]]**: In this pivotal passage, Moses intercedes for the people of Israel, pleading with God not to destroy them. He appeals to God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and specifically asks Him not to "look unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin." Here, qᵉshîy is presented as a defining characteristic of Israel's rebellious nature, a deeply ingrained resistance that has led to repeated transgressions against the covenant. It is coupled with "wickedness" and "sin," indicating that this obstinacy is not merely a personality trait but a grave moral and spiritual failing that provokes divine wrath. The context underscores the seriousness of such an unyielding disposition in the eyes of God, highlighting the need for divine mercy in the face of human recalcitrance.
Despite its single occurrence, qᵉshîy encapsulates a pervasive theological concept found throughout the Old Testament, often expressed through its verbal root qāshāh (`{{H7185}}`) or other related terms.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of stubbornness and hardness of heart is a recurring theme in the Hebrew Bible, expressed through several related terms and idioms:
* **qāshāh (`{{H7185}}`):** The verbal root of qᵉshîy (`{{H7190}}`), meaning "to be hard" or "to make stiff." It is frequently used in the idiom "stiff-necked" (qasheh ‘ōreph), which is a powerful metaphor for stubbornness and rebellion (e.g., [[Exodus 32:9]], [[Deuteronomy 9:6]], [[2 Kings 17:14]], [[Jeremiah 7:26]]). This imagery evokes a refusal to bow in submission or obedience.
* **shᵉrîrûth (`{{H8307}}`):** This is another significant Hebrew term for "stubbornness" or "hardness of heart," often appearing in the phrase shᵉrîrûth lēb ("stubbornness of heart"). It is particularly prevalent in the prophetic books, especially Jeremiah (e.g., [[Jeremiah 3:17]], [[Jeremiah 7:24]], [[Jeremiah 9:14]], [[Jeremiah 11:8]], [[Jeremiah 13:10]], [[Jeremiah 16:12]], [[Jeremiah 18:12]], [[Jeremiah 23:17]]). shᵉrîrûth emphasizes the self-willed, perverse nature of human defiance against God's commands and counsel.
* **kābēd (`{{H3513}}`):** Meaning "heavy," this word is often used metaphorically to describe a "heavy" or "hard" heart, particularly in the context of Pharaoh's resistance to God's commands (e.g., [[Exodus 7:14]], [[Exodus 8:15]], [[Exodus 8:32]], [[Exodus 9:7]]). This term speaks to a heart that is unresponsive, dull, or impervious to divine revelation and miraculous signs.
* **ḥāzaq (`{{H2388}}`):** Meaning "to be strong" or "to harden." While it can have positive connotations, it is also used for the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, indicating a strengthening of resolve in defiance (e.g., [[Exodus 4:21]], [[Exodus 7:13]]).
These terms collectively paint a comprehensive picture of human obstinacy in the face of divine will.
### Theological Significance
The concept embodied by qᵉshîy (`{{H7190}}`) carries profound theological implications:
* **Human Depravity and Rebellion:** qᵉshîy underscores the deep-seated human propensity towards rebellion against God. It is not merely an intellectual disagreement or a momentary lapse, but a hardened, unyielding disposition that resists divine truth and authority. This obstinacy is a manifestation of sin and a fundamental aspect of the human condition apart from God's transforming grace.
* **Obstacle to Covenant Faithfulness:** For Israel, qᵉshîy (`{{H7190}}`) and its related concepts represent a primary obstacle to maintaining their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Their stubbornness led to repeated cycles of disobedience, idolatry, and rejection of prophetic warnings, ultimately resulting in divine judgment and exile. It highlights that true covenant faithfulness requires a responsive, pliable heart, not one that is hardened against God.
* **Divine Patience and Justice:** The biblical narrative consistently portrays God's enduring patience and long-suffering in the face of human stubbornness. Despite Israel's persistent qᵉshîy (`{{H7190}}`), God repeatedly offered opportunities for repentance and restoration. However, the consistent portrayal of judgment following unrepentant obstinacy also underscores God's justice, demonstrating that He will not indefinitely tolerate defiance and rebellion.
* **Need for Divine Transformation:** The pervasive theme of a hardened heart points to humanity's inability to change its own disposition. The only remedy for qᵉshîy (`{{H7190}}`) is a divine act of transformation. Prophetic passages, particularly in Ezekiel and Jeremiah, anticipate a future where God will remove the "heart of stone" and give a "heart of flesh" (e.g., [[Ezekiel 11:19]], [[Ezekiel 36:26]]), signifying a new, responsive heart that is willing to obey His statutes and commands. This highlights the necessity of the New Covenant and the work of the Holy Spirit in regenerating the human heart.
### Summary
The Hebrew word qᵉshîy (`{{H7190}}`), derived from qāshāh (`{{H7185}}`), denotes obstinacy or stubbornness. Although it appears only once in the Hebrew Bible (at [[Deuteronomy 9:27]]), its conceptual weight is immense, representing a deep-seated, unyielding disposition against God's will. This "hardness" of heart is a pervasive theological theme throughout the Old Testament, frequently expressed through the root qāshāh (`{{H7185}}`) in phrases like "stiff-necked" or through the related term shᵉrîrûth (`{{H8307}}`), "stubbornness of heart." Theologically, qᵉshîy (`{{H7190}}`) highlights humanity's innate propensity for rebellion and serves as a significant obstacle to covenant faithfulness and divine blessing. It underscores both God's enduring patience in the face of defiance and the ultimate necessity of a divine transformation of the human heart from stone to flesh, making it pliable and responsive to the Creator.
TRV