Deuteronomy 31:27 Meaning and Explanation
“For 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?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moses declares that Israel's rebelliousness is already evident and will worsen after his death.
The Context of Deuteronomy 31:27
Moses acknowledges Israel's persistent stubbornness despite his presence.
What Does Deuteronomy 31:27 Mean?
Moses speaks with prophetic realism born of forty years' leadership. He has witnessed Israel's complaints, disobedience, and repeated resistance to God's will. The phrase "stiff neck" (עַךְ־קְשֵׁה־עֹרֶף) is one of the Bible's most vivid descriptions of stubborn, willful refusal to yield—a character that outlasts even a man like Moses.
The logic is clear: if Israel has been rebellious while Moses lived among them as witness and judge, how much more will they resist once his moderating influence is gone? His death removes both a human voice of correction and a living reminder of covenant commitment. The vacuum he leaves will be filled with temptation.
Deuteronomy 31:27 in the Original Language
The phrase 'stiff neck' (קְשֵׁה־עֹרֶף, keshe-oref) literally means 'hard-necked,' evoking an ox that refuses to obey the yoke.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 31:27
What does Deuteronomy 31:27 mean?
Moses declares that Israel's rebelliousness is already evident and will worsen after his death.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 31:27?
Moses acknowledges Israel's persistent stubbornness despite his presence.