Isaiah 48:4
Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בַּרְזֶל֙
is an iron
H1270
בַּרְזֶל֙
is an iron
Strong's:
H1270
Word #:
6 of 9
iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement
עָרְפֶּ֔ךָ
and thy neck
H6203
עָרְפֶּ֔ךָ
and thy neck
Strong's:
H6203
Word #:
7 of 9
the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)
Cross References
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 32:9And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:Proverbs 29:1He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.Romans 2:5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;Jeremiah 5:3O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.Jeremiah 19:15Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words.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 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.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.Psalms 75:5Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck.
Historical Context
Israel's persistent idolatry despite repeated judgments demonstrated this stubborn resistance. The same stubbornness that refused prophets would later crucify Christ, showing that unregenerate human nature remains unchanged across generations.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of life is your 'neck' stiff - resistant to God's clear direction?
- How does recognizing your natural stubbornness increase appreciation for God's grace in converting you?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The description 'thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass' depicts stubborn, unyielding resistance to God - a stiff neck that won't bow and a hardened forehead that won't shame. This echoes Exodus 32:9's 'stiffnecked people' and anticipates Romans 2:5's 'hardness and impenitent heart.' The metaphor shows that sin is fundamentally volitional stubbornness requiring supernatural grace to break.