Jeremiah 17:23 Meaning and Explanation
“But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Judah has refused to obey, stubbornly resisting God's commands and rejecting instruction.
The Context of Jeremiah 17:23
Judah's history has been one of stubborn refusal to obey God's commands and accept His instruction.
What Does Jeremiah 17:23 Mean?
The response to God's command is defiance. 'Obeyed not' and 'inclined their ear' show active refusal to listen. The image of a stiff neck—a metaphor for stubborn resistance—captures the willful nature of the disobedience. They do not accidentally miss the word; they deliberately turn away.
This deliberate closing of ears and hardening of heart is presented as a matter of moral choice, not circumstance. The phrase 'might not hear' suggests intentionality: they work to avoid instruction, preferring their own way to God's command. This is the persistent pattern Jeremiah has condemned throughout the chapter.
Jeremiah 17:23 in the Original Language
קָשָׁה (qasha), 'made stiff' or 'hardened' — to stiffen, obstruct, or resist with determination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 17:23
What does Jeremiah 17:23 mean?
Judah has refused to obey, stubbornly resisting God's commands and rejecting instruction.
What is the context of Jeremiah 17:23?
Judah's history has been one of stubborn refusal to obey God's commands and accept His instruction.