Nehemiah 9:16
Nehemiah 9:16 in Multiple Translations
But they and our fathers became arrogant and stiff-necked and did not obey Your commandments.
But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,
But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their neck, and hearkened not to thy commandments,
But they and our fathers, in their pride, made their necks stiff, and gave no attention to your orders,
But they and our forefathers acted arrogantly and became stubborn, and didn't pay attention to your commands.
But they and our fathers behaued them selues proudely, and hardened their neck, so that they hearkened not vnto thy commandements,
'And they and our fathers have acted proudly, and harden their neck, and have not hearkened unto Thy commands,
“But they and our fathers behaved proudly, hardened their neck, didn’t listen to your commandments,
But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,
But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks and hearkened not to thy commandments.
“But our ancestors were very proud and stubborn [IDM], and they did not do what you commanded them to do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 9:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Nehemiah 9:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הֵ֥ם
וַ/אֲבֹתֵ֖י/נוּ
הֵזִ֑ידוּ
וַ/יַּקְשׁוּ֙
אֶת
עָרְפָּ֔/ם
וְ/לֹ֥א
שָׁמְע֖וּ
אֶל
מִצְוֺתֶֽי/ךָ
וְ/הֵ֥ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Conj | Pron
וַ/אֲבֹתֵ֖י/נוּ
ʼâb
H1
father
Conj | N-mp | Suff
הֵזִ֑ידוּ
zûwd
H2102
to boil
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
וַ/יַּקְשׁוּ֙
qâshâh
H7185
to harden
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עָרְפָּ֔/ם
ʻôreph
H6203
neck
N-ms | Suff
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
שָׁמְע֖וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מִצְוֺתֶֽי/ךָ
mitsvâh
H4687
commandment
N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 9:16
וְ/הֵ֥ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
וַ/אֲבֹתֵ֖י/נוּ
ʼâb
H1
"father"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
הֵזִ֑ידוּ
zûwd
H2102
"to boil"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to boil over with pride or arrogance, like in Exodus when the Israelites rebelled against God. It can also mean to act presumptuously or be insolent. In the Bible, it often describes people who defy God's authority.
Definition: 1) to boil, boil up, seethe, act proudly, act presumptuously, act rebelliously, be presumptuous, be arrogant, be rebelliously proud 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act presumptuously 1a2) to deal arrogantly (with 'al') 1a3) to defy proudly (with 'el') 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to boil, seethe, act proudly 1b2) to act presumptuously, act insolently Aramaic equivalent: zud (זוּד "be proud" H2103)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: be proud, deal proudly, presume, (come) presumptuously, sod. See also: Genesis 25:29; Deuteronomy 18:20; Jeremiah 50:29.
וַ/יַּקְשׁוּ֙
qâshâh
H7185
"to harden"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this word means to be hard or severe, like when Pharaoh's heart was hardened against the Israelites in Exodus.
Definition: 1) to be hard, be severe, be fierce, be harsh 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be hard, be difficult 1a2) to be hard, be severe 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be ill-treated 1b2) to be hard pressed 1c) (Piel) to have severe labour (of women) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make difficult, make difficulty 1d2) to make severe, make burdensome 1d3) to make hard, make stiff, make stubborn 1d3a) of obstinacy (fig) 1d4) to show stubbornness
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: be cruel, be fiercer, make grievous, be ((ask a), be in, have, seem, would) hard(-en, (labour), -ly, thing), be sore, (be, make) stiff(-en, (-necked)). See also: Genesis 35:16; 2 Chronicles 10:4; Psalms 95:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עָרְפָּ֔/ם
ʻôreph
H6203
"neck"
N-ms | Suff
The neck or back of the neck represents a turning point, like the back of a fleeing enemy or a stubborn person with a stiff neck.
Definition: 1) neck, back of the neck, back 1a) back of the neck 1a1) of fleeing foe 1a2) of apostasy (fig.) 1b) stiff of neck, obstinate (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: back ((stiff-) neck((-ed). See also: Genesis 49:8; 2 Chronicles 30:8; Psalms 18:41.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
שָׁמְע֖וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מִצְוֺתֶֽי/ךָ
mitsvâh
H4687
"commandment"
N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.
Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 9:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 9:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 9:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 9:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:16
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 9:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:16
- Sermons on Nehemiah 9:16
Context — The People Confess Their Sins
14You revealed to them Your holy Sabbath and gave them commandments and statutes and laws through Your servant Moses.
15In their hunger You gave them bread from heaven; in their thirst You brought them water from the rock. You told them to go in and possess the land that You had sworn to give them.
16But they and our fathers became arrogant and stiff-necked and did not obey Your commandments.
17They refused to listen and failed to remember the wonders You performed among them. They stiffened their necks and appointed a leader to return them to their bondage in Egypt. But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in loving devotion, and You did not forsake them. 18Even when they cast for themselves an image of a calf and said, ‘This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and when they committed terrible blasphemies,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 9:29 | You admonished them to turn back to Your law, but they were arrogant and disobeyed Your commandments. They sinned against Your ordinances, by which a man will live if he practices them. They stubbornly shrugged their shoulders; they stiffened their necks and would not obey. |
| 2 | Psalms 81:11–14 | But My people would not listen to Me, and Israel would not obey Me. So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices. If only My people would listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways, how soon I would subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their foes! |
| 3 | Hebrews 3:15 | As it has been said: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion.” |
| 4 | Romans 2:5 | But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. |
| 5 | Nehemiah 9:10 | You performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, all his officials, and all the people of his land, for You knew they had acted with arrogance against our fathers. You made a name for Yourself that endures to this day. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 31:27 | For I know how rebellious and stiff-necked you are. If you are already rebelling against the LORD while I am still alive, how much more will you rebel after my death! |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 36:13 | He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God. But Zedekiah stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD, the God of Israel. |
| 8 | Isaiah 48:18 | If only you had paid attention to My commandments, your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like waves of the sea. |
| 9 | 2 Kings 17:14 | But they would not listen, and they stiffened their necks like their fathers, who did not believe the LORD their God. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 9:23–24 | And when the LORD sent you out from Kadesh-barnea, He said, “Go up and possess the land that I have given you.” But you rebelled against the command of the LORD your God. You neither believed Him nor obeyed Him. You have been rebelling against the LORD since the day I came to know you. |
Nehemiah 9:16 Summary
[Nehemiah 9:16 teaches us that even after experiencing God's amazing blessings and provision, we can still choose to disobey and rebel against Him, just like the Israelites did. This verse reminds us to stay humble and obedient to God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:10-14 and 1 Samuel 15:23. By recognizing our own tendency towards pride and disobedience, we can ask God to help us stay faithful and surrendered to His will. As we reflect on this verse, let's remember that God is always calling us to humility and obedience, and that He is gracious and forgiving when we fail, as seen in Psalm 103:8-12.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by 'arrogant and stiff-necked' in Nehemiah 9:16?
This phrase describes a stubborn and rebellious attitude towards God, refusing to listen to and obey His commands, as also seen in Deuteronomy 9:13 and 31:27.
How could the Israelites be so ungrateful after all God had done for them?
Despite God's many blessings and wonders, such as providing manna and water in the wilderness, as mentioned in Nehemiah 9:15, the Israelites still chose to disobey and rebel against Him, demonstrating the depths of human sinfulness described in Romans 3:10-18.
Is it possible for believers today to become 'arrogant and stiff-necked' like the Israelites?
Yes, it is possible for believers to develop a similar attitude of pride and disobedience, which is why the Bible warns against such behavior in 2 Peter 3:17 and encourages humility and obedience in James 4:6-10.
What is the significance of including 'our fathers' in Nehemiah 9:16?
The inclusion of 'our fathers' acknowledges that the current generation is also guilty of the same sins as their ancestors, recognizing a pattern of sin and rebellion that continues through the generations, as seen in Exodus 34:7 and Jeremiah 32:18.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I be 'arrogant and stiff-necked' in my own relationship with God, and how can I humble myself before Him?
- How can I balance the desire for God's blessings and provision with a deep respect for His commands and authority, as seen in Nehemiah 9:15 and 16?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be resisting or disobeying God's commands, and what steps can I take to surrender to His will?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and remembrance of God's wonders and blessings in my life, as described in Nehemiah 9:17?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 9:16
But they and our fathers dealt proudly,.... Behaved in a haughty manner towards God, their kind benefactor: and hardened their necks; refused to take the yoke of his law, as refractory oxen, that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 9:16
Thou art the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham; No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:16
Notwithstanding all these singular and wonderful mercies; which he hitherto recounted to aggravate their sins, which he now comes to confess, and to lead them to a sincere and ingenuous grief and repentance for their sins, not only for the mischief which they brought upon themselves, but for the injury and indignity which they offered to God. Dealt proudly, i.e. sinned presumptuously, and with contempt of God, as scorning to submit their wills to God’ s.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:16
Nehemiah 9:16 But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,Ver. 16. But they and our fathers] God’ s mercies have been hitherto mentioned, that their sins might thereby be aggravated; for good turns aggravate unkindness; and men’ s sins are much increased by their obligations. It is charged upon Solomon as a foul fault, that he departed from the Lord, who had appeared unto him twice, 1 Kings 11:9. Dealt proudly] Pride is the master pock of the soul, and the root of rebellion against God, Psalms 119:21. And hardened their necks] As unruly beasts, that will not bear the yoke; lawless and aweless persons, that refuse to be reformed, hate to be healed. And hearkened not to thy commandments] But rather to the devil’ s whistle, calling them off from better practices.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:16
(16) Dealt proudly.—Like the Egyptians themselves (Nehemiah 9:10). It is remarkable that the same word is used as in the Hebrew of Exo 18:11 and Deuteronomy 1:43.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 9:16
16. But they and our fathers] The ‘and’ here seems not to be necessary. It is found, however, in all the MSS., and is represented in all the Versions, and must clearly be retained in the text. As the following Nehemiah 9:17-22 continue to refer to the Mosaic generation, no distinction of meaning can be drawn between ‘they’ and ‘our fathers.’ It seems best therefore to regard the ‘and’ as an instance of the explanatory or exegetical copula. ‘They and (= that is to say) our fathers.’ Cf. Nehemiah 9:22. dealt proudly] Cf. Nehemiah 9:10. In this verse and in Nehemiah 9:29 the word is used with reference to the children of Israel, as in Deuteronomy 1:43, ‘ye rebelled … and were presumptuous.’ Deuteronomy 17:13, ‘all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously.’ hardened their necks] R.V. neck. Cf. Nehemiah 9:17; Nehemiah 9:29. For the phrase ‘a stiff-necked people’ cf.
Exodus 32:9; Exodus 33:3; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 9:6; Deuteronomy 9:13. ‘To stiffen’ or ‘harden the neck’ is found in Deuteronomy 10:16, ‘Be no more stiff-necked,’ 2 Kings 17:14, ‘they would not hear, but hardened their neck, like to the neck of their fathers.’ Cf. Job 9:4.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:16
16. They and our fathers — This should be rendered, and they, even our fathers.
Sermons on Nehemiah 9:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Who Is God? by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch delves into the question of what God is truly like, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's nature beyond misconceptions and assumptions. He highlights how ma |
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Revival - Part 3 by J.I. Packer | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Zechariah chapter four and verse one, which describes a vision of a solid gold lampstand with seven lights and two olive trees. The speaker e |
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Times Up! by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of time running out and the impending judgment of God. He uses the analogy of a time limit during exams to illustrate the idea tha |
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A Class of Sinners Excluded From Mercy. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the warning in Isaiah 27:11, emphasizing the error of assuming God's mercy without repentance, highlighting the consequences of neglecting spiritual un |
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When the Veil Is Taken Off by Anne Dutton | Anne Dutton preaches on the petition 'And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil' from Matthew 6:13. She explains the meaning of temptation in various forms - from G |
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Jesus Today by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the sacrifice of Jesus. He highlights the role of Jesus as our High Priest who sympathizes with our weakn |
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Hearing His Voice by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the changes in worship and preaching over time. He shares an experience in an English church where singing took up a significant portion of |