Deuteronomy 10:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel must remove the hardness from their hearts and stop resisting God's will.
The Context of Deuteronomy 10:16
Moses calls for inner spiritual transformation as the condition of covenant faithfulness.
What Does Deuteronomy 10:16 Mean?
Circumcision of the heart is a call to inner transformation. Just as physical circumcision marked Israel's covenant identity, spiritual circumcision means removing the protective barrier that keeps hearts closed to God. This is not outward ritual but inward conversion—the pruning away of pride and stubborness.
The command against being 'stiffnecked' refers to Israel's recent rebellion and future temptations to resist God's leading. By calling for a circumcised heart, Moses urges the people to cultivate willingness, humility, and readiness to hear and obey the Lord's voice.
Deuteronomy 10:16 in the Original Language
stiffnecked (קְשֵׁה־עֹרֶף, qeshe-oref) — hard-necked, stubborn; a metaphor from animals that refuse the yoke.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 10:16
What does Deuteronomy 10:16 mean?
Israel must remove the hardness from their hearts and stop resisting God's will.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 10:16?
Moses calls for inner spiritual transformation as the condition of covenant faithfulness.