Deuteronomy 9:6 Meaning and Explanation
“Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God gives the land to Israel despite their stubbornness, not because of righteousness they lack.
The Context of Deuteronomy 9:6
Israel's own stubbornness proves that their inheritance is a gift, not a reward.
What Does Deuteronomy 9:6 Mean?
Moses drives the point home with a concrete reminder: Israel is stiffnecked—resistant, stubborn, resistant to God's will. This character trait appears throughout their wilderness history. They are being called to enter the land while bearing this spiritual liability.
Precisely because they are stiffnecked, it is clear that God's gift is an act of grace and covenant faithfulness, not earned reward. If anything, their stubbornness would justify withholding the land. Instead, God gives them this good land, showing His commitment transcends their shortcomings.
Deuteronomy 9:6 in the Original Language
qasheh oreph (קְשֵׁה־עֹרֶף), 'stiffnecked' — literally, a hard or stiff neck; implies resistance and disobedience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 9:6
What does Deuteronomy 9:6 mean?
God gives the land to Israel despite their stubbornness, not because of righteousness they lack.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 9:6?
Israel's own stubbornness proves that their inheritance is a gift, not a reward.