Psalms 75:5
Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 7
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תָּרִ֣ימוּ
Lift not up
H7311
תָּרִ֣ימוּ
Lift not up
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
2 of 7
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
לַמָּר֣וֹם
on high
H4791
לַמָּר֣וֹם
on high
Strong's:
H4791
Word #:
3 of 7
altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)
קַרְנְכֶ֑ם
your horn
H7161
קַרְנְכֶ֑ם
your horn
Strong's:
H7161
Word #:
4 of 7
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
תְּדַבְּר֖וּ
speak
H1696
תְּדַבְּר֖וּ
speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
5 of 7
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
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.Isaiah 48:4Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;Exodus 32:9And the LORD said unto Moses, 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?Ezekiel 2:4For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD.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.
Historical Context
Israel was repeatedly called "stiff-necked" for covenant rebellion (Exodus 32:9, 33:3,5, Deuteronomy 9:6,13). The phrase indicates stubborn refusal to yield to God's authority. Proverbs 16:18 warns pride precedes destruction. James 3:1-12 addresses tongue's power for good or evil. Acts 7:51 applies this: "You stiff-necked people...always resist the Holy Spirit." Pride expresses itself verbally.
Questions for Reflection
- How do your words reveal pride or humility in your heart?
- What does "stiff neck" (refusal to bow before God) look like practically in modern life?
- How did Christ's humility in speech and action (never grasping or boasting) model proper use of words?
Analysis & Commentary
God continues His warning: "Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck" (Hebrew al-tarimu la-marom qarn-kem t-dab-ru b-tzavvar ataq). "Lift not up your horn" repeats verse 4's warning against pride. "Stiff neck" adds verbal arrogance to postural pride. Ancient Near Eastern imagery: raised horn = aggressive pride, stiff neck = refusal to submit. The verse warns that arrogant words accompany proud attitudes. Speech reveals heart condition.