Exodus 32:9 Meaning and Explanation
“And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →God declares that Israel is a stiff-necked, obstinate people resistant to His will.
The Context of Exodus 32:9
God characterizes Israel as stubborn and resistant to His will.
What Does Exodus 32:9 Mean?
Stiff-necked describes an animal or person that resists direction and refuses to be guided. God's assessment of Israel reflects their willful rejection of His authority despite His repeated instruction and care.
This is not a statement of hopelessness but a truthful evaluation: the people have shown they will resist God's leading when circumstances test their faith. The description will recur throughout Scripture, marking Israel's tendency toward rebellion.
Exodus 32:9 in the Original Language
qesheh-oref (קְשֵׁה־עֹרֶף), 'stiff-necked' — literally hard-necked; an idiom for obstinacy and resistance to authority.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 32:9
What does Exodus 32:9 mean?
God declares that Israel is a stiff-necked, obstinate people resistant to His will.
What is the context of Exodus 32:9?
God characterizes Israel as stubborn and resistant to His will.