Exodus Chapter 32 · Verse 9
And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
רָאִ֙יתִי֙
I have seen
H7200
רָאִ֙יתִי֙
I have seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
5 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַם
people
H5971
עַם
people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
עַם
people
H5971
עַם
people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
10 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
קְשֵׁה
and behold it is a stiffnecked
H7186
קְשֵׁה
and behold it is a stiffnecked
Strong's:
H7186
Word #:
11 of 13
severe (in various applications)
Cross References
Isaiah 48:4Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;Acts 7:51Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.Exodus 34:9And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.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.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?Deuteronomy 9:6Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people.2 Chronicles 30:8Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.Psalms 78:8And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
Historical Context
Stephen used this phrase in his speech before martyrdom (Acts 7:51), connecting Israel's rejection of Moses with their rejection of Jesus, showing the pattern of resisting God's appointed mediators.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of life do you exhibit a 'stiff neck' toward God's guidance?
- How does persistent exposure to truth without obedience harden the heart?
Analysis & Commentary
God's statement רָאִיתִי אֶת־הָעָם הַזֶּה (ra'iti et-ha'am hazeh, I have seen this people) echoes His words about their oppression in Egypt (Ex 3:7), but now He sees their rebellion. The description עַם־קְשֵׁה־עֹרֶף (am-qsheh-oref, stiff-necked people) uses agricultural imagery of an ox that won't bow its neck to the yoke—they were obstinate, resistant to God's guidance. This phrase becomes a repeated characterization of Israel throughout Scripture (Ex 33:3, 34:9; Deut 9:6; Acts 7:51), showing persistent rebellion despite covenant privileges.