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.
Original Language Analysis
Σκληροτράχηλοι
Ye stiffnecked
G4644
Σκληροτράχηλοι
Ye stiffnecked
Strong's:
G4644
Word #:
1 of 21
hardnaped, i.e., (figuratively) obstinate
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίᾳ
in heart
G2588
καρδίᾳ
in heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
5 of 21
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀεὶ
always
G104
ἀεὶ
always
Strong's:
G104
Word #:
10 of 21
"ever," by qualification regularly; by implication, earnestly
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματι
Ghost
G4151
πνεύματι
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
12 of 21
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίῳ
the Holy
G40
ἁγίῳ
the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
14 of 21
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
16 of 21
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρες
fathers
G3962
πατέρες
fathers
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
18 of 21
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 10:16Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.Leviticus 26:41And 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:Jeremiah 4:4Circumcise 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.Isaiah 63:10But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.Ephesians 4:30And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.Exodus 32:9And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:Exodus 33:5For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee.Exodus 33:3Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way.Philippians 3:3For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.Acts 6:10And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
Historical Context
These Old Testament epithets condemned covenant unfaithfulness. Stephen applies them to the Sanhedrin, reversing their position - they, not he, violated the covenant.
Questions for Reflection
- How does spiritual stubbornness manifest despite religious privilege?
- What does 'uncircumcised in heart' reveal about external religion without internal transformation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Stephen's accusation - 'Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears' - echoes prophetic denunciations (Exodus 32:9, Jeremiah 4:4). 'Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost' identifies their rejection as pattern, not exception. Their fathers' rebellion continues in them.