Deuteronomy 9:6
Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people.
Original Language Analysis
וְיָֽדַעְתָּ֗
Understand
H3045
וְיָֽדַעְתָּ֗
Understand
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
1 of 18
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֠י
H3588
כִּ֠י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בְצִדְקָֽתְךָ֙
it for thy righteousness
H6666
בְצִדְקָֽתְךָ֙
it for thy righteousness
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
4 of 18
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
יְהוָ֣ה
therefore that the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
therefore that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱ֠לֹהֶיךָ
thy God
H430
אֱ֠לֹהֶיךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 18
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
נֹתֵ֨ן
giveth
H5414
נֹתֵ֨ן
giveth
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 18
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַטּוֹבָ֛ה
thee not this good
H2896
הַטּוֹבָ֛ה
thee not this good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
11 of 18
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
לְרִשְׁתָּ֑הּ
to possess
H3423
לְרִשְׁתָּ֑הּ
to possess
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
13 of 18
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
14 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַם
people
H5971
עַם
people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
15 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Cross References
Deuteronomy 10:16Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.Acts 7:51Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.Deuteronomy 9:13Furthermore the LORD spake unto me, saying, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:Deuteronomy 31:27For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death?Exodus 32:9And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:
Historical Context
Israel's stiffnecked nature appeared repeatedly: the golden calf (Exodus 32), refusal to enter Canaan (Numbers 14), Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16), complaints about manna (Numbers 11), and grumbling about water (Exodus 17; Numbers 20). Moses himself called them rebellious (Deuteronomy 9:7, 24). Despite this, God preserved them, provided for them, and brought them to Canaan's threshold—demonstrating patient, pursuing grace.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' blunt assessment of Israel as 'stiffnecked' challenge modern emphasis on self-esteem?
- What evidence of God's gracious patience with your own stubbornness can you identify?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses declares bluntly: 'Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people.' The term 'stiffnecked' (Hebrew qesheh-oref, literally 'hard of neck') describes stubborn resistance to guidance, like an ox refusing the yoke. Moses doesn't soften the indictment—Israel is rebellious, stubborn, and undeserving. Yet God gives them 'this good land' anyway. This stark juxtaposition of human unworthiness and divine grace pervades Scripture, culminating in the gospel—Christ dying for ungodly sinners (Romans 5:6-8).