2 Kings 17:14
2 Kings 17:14 in Multiple Translations
But they would not listen, and they stiffened their necks like their fathers, who did not believe the LORD their God.
Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.
Notwithstanding, they would not hear, but hardened their neck, like to the neck of their fathers, who believed not in Jehovah their God.
And they did not give ear, but became stiff-necked, like their fathers who had no faith in the Lord their God.
But they refused to listen, and they were as stubborn as their forefathers who did not trust the Lord their God.
Neuerthelesse they would not obey, but hardened their neckes, like to the neckes of their fathers, that did not beleeue in the Lord their God.
and they have not hearkened, and harden their neck, like the neck of their fathers, who did not remain stedfast in Jehovah their God,
Notwithstanding, they would not listen, but hardened their neck like the neck of their fathers who didn’t believe in the LORD their God.
Notwithstanding, they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.
And they hearkened not, but hardened their necks like to the neck of their fathers, who would not obey the Lord their God.
But the Israeli people would not pay attention. They were stubborn [IDM] just like their ancestors were. Just like their ancestors did, they refused to believe in Yahweh their God.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 17:14
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.
2 Kings 17:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹ֖א
שָׁמֵ֑עוּ
וַ/יַּקְשׁ֤וּ
אֶת
עָרְפָּ/ם֙
כְּ/עֹ֣רֶף
אֲבוֹתָ֔/ם
אֲשֶׁר֙
לֹ֣א
הֶאֱמִ֔ינוּ
בַּֽ/יהוָ֖ה
אֱלֹהֵי/הֶֽם
וְ/לֹ֖א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
שָׁמֵ֑עוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וַ/יַּקְשׁ֤וּ
qâshâh
H7185
to harden
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עָרְפָּ/ם֙
ʻôreph
H6203
neck
N-ms | Suff
כְּ/עֹ֣רֶף
ʻôreph
H6203
neck
Prep | N-ms
אֲבוֹתָ֔/ם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-mp | Suff
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
הֶאֱמִ֔ינוּ
ʼâman
H539
be faithful
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
בַּֽ/יהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
אֱלֹהֵי/הֶֽם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 17:14
וְ/לֹ֖א
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.
שָׁמֵ֑עוּ
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.
וַ/יַּקְשׁ֤וּ
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.
עָרְפָּ/ם֙
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.
כְּ/עֹ֣רֶף
ʻôreph
H6203
"neck"
Prep | N-ms
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.
אֲבוֹתָ֔/ם
ʼâb
H1
"father"
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.
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
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.
הֶאֱמִ֔ינוּ
ʼâman
H539
"be faithful"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to be faithful or trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations. It can also mean to support or confirm something, and is used in passages like Psalm 37:3 to describe trusting in God. The concept of faithfulness is central to the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to support, confirm, be faithful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish 1a1a) foster-father (subst.) 1a1b) foster-mother, nurse 1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm 1b1a) to be carried by a nurse 1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting 1b1c) confirmed, established, sure 1b1d) verified, confirmed 1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in 1c1a) stand firm 1c1b) trust, believe Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right. See also: Genesis 15:6; Job 24:22; Psalms 12:2.
בַּֽ/יהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵי/הֶֽם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 17:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 17:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 17:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 17:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:14
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:14
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 17:14
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 17:14
- Sermons on 2 Kings 17:14
Context — Israel Carried Captive to Assyria
12They served idols, although the LORD had told them, “You shall not do this thing.”
13Yet through all His prophets and seers, the LORD warned Israel and Judah, saying, “Turn from your wicked ways and keep My commandments and statutes, according to the entire Law that I commanded your fathers and delivered to you through My servants the prophets.”
14But they would not listen, and they stiffened their necks like their fathers, who did not believe the LORD their God.
15They rejected His statutes and the covenant He had made with their fathers, as well as the decrees He had given them. They pursued worthless idols and became worthless themselves, going after the surrounding nations that the LORD had commanded them not to imitate. 16They abandoned all the commandments of the LORD their God and made for themselves two cast idols of calves and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the host of heaven and served Baal.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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! |
| 2 | Acts 7:51 | You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did. |
| 3 | Psalms 106:24 | They despised the pleasant land; they did not believe His promise. |
| 4 | Psalms 78:32 | In spite of all this, they kept on sinning; despite His wonderful works, they did not believe. |
| 5 | Isaiah 48:4 | For I knew that you are stubborn; your neck is iron and your forehead is bronze. |
| 6 | Hebrews 3:7–8 | Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness, |
| 7 | Proverbs 29:1 | A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery. |
| 8 | Psalms 78:22 | because they did not believe God or rely on His salvation. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 1:32 | But in spite of all this, you did not trust the LORD your God, |
| 10 | Hebrews 3:12 | See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God. |
2 Kings 17:14 Summary
[The verse 2 Kings 17:14 tells us that the Israelites refused to listen to God and instead stiffened their necks, meaning they stubbornly resisted His commands. This is similar to what happened in Nehemiah 9:29, where the people also stiffened their necks and would not listen to God's law. We can learn from their example and strive to be obedient to God's commands, as stated in Deuteronomy 10:12-13, and seek to listen to His voice, as mentioned in Isaiah 55:3. By doing so, we can avoid the consequences of stiffening our necks against God and instead experience the blessings of obedience.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to stiffen one's neck?
To stiffen one's neck, as mentioned in 2 Kings 17:14, means to stubbornly resist or refuse to obey God's commands, similar to the example given in Nehemiah 9:29, where it says the people stiffened their necks and would not listen to God's law.
Why did the Israelites refuse to listen to God?
The Israelites refused to listen to God because they were following in the footsteps of their fathers, who did not believe in the Lord their God, as stated in 2 Kings 17:14, and this pattern of disobedience is also seen in Jeremiah 7:26, where it says the people did not listen to God's words.
What is the result of not listening to God?
The result of not listening to God, as seen in 2 Kings 17:14, is that the people will continue in their sinful ways and eventually face God's judgment, as mentioned in Proverbs 29:1, which says that a person who hardens their neck after many reproofs will be suddenly broken beyond healing.
How can we avoid stiffening our necks like the Israelites?
To avoid stiffening our necks like the Israelites, we must be obedient to God's commands, as stated in Deuteronomy 10:12-13, and seek to listen to His voice, as mentioned in Isaiah 55:3, where it says to incline our ear and come to Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can be more attentive to God's voice in my life, so I don't stiffen my neck against His commands?
- How do I know if I'm following in the footsteps of my ancestors in a way that is displeasing to God, and what can I do to change my path?
- In what ways am I currently resisting or refusing to obey God's commands, and what steps can I take to be more obedient?
- What are some idols or distractions in my life that might be causing me to stiffen my neck against God's commands, and how can I remove them?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 17:14
Notwithstanding, they would not hear,.... Their instructions, advice, and admonitions, and obey them: but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the Lord
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 17:14
And walked in the statutes of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:14
Hardened their necks, i.e. refused to submit their neck to the yoke of God’ s precepts; a metaphor from stubborn oxen, that make their necks hard, or stiff, and will not bow to the yoke: See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:14
2 Kings 17:14 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.Ver. 14. But hardened their necks.] Adding to their sinews of iron (natural impudency), brows of brass, notorious impudency in sin.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:14
(14) Notwithstanding . . . hear.—Rather, and they hearkened not.Necks.—Heb., neck. (Comp. Deuteronomy 10:16; Jeremiah 17:23; 2 Chronicles 36:13.) Like to the neck.—LXX. and Syriac, more than the neck. One letter different in the Hebrew. Did not believe in the Lord their God.—The reference is not to intellectual but to moral unbelief, evincing itself as disobedience. Vulg., “qui volerunt obediren.” They did not render the obedience of faith. (Comp. the use of ἀπειθεῖν in the Greek Testament.)
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 17:14
14. hardened their necks] R.V. neck. The original has the singular, the people being regarded as one body. Israel throughout the Scripture is constantly reproached as a ‘stiffnecked’ people. Cf. Exodus 32:9; Exodus 33:3; Deuteronomy 10:16; Acts 7:51 and parallel passages. that did not believe] R.V. who believed not. The relative is thus connected a little more clearly with its proper antecedent ‘fathers’.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 17:14
To “harden” or “stiffen the neck” is a common Hebrew expression significative of unbending obstinacy and determined self-will. See the marginal references.
Sermons on 2 Kings 17:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Militant Evangelism by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story of a father who risks his life to save his son from crocodile-infested waters. The preacher uses this story to emphasize the importance o |
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(Titus - Part 11): Inspiration by Information by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his joy in seeing the work of God in the neighborhood through the Pioneer Girls program. He then addresses the perception of the ch |
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Jeremiah - Prophet of the Last Days by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the last days for Israel and their eternal indebtedness to God's deliverance. He emphasizes the importance of examining an |
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The Ten Virgins (Reading) by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | In this sermon, Reverend Robert Murray McChain focuses on the parable of the ten virgins from Matthew 25:1-13. He addresses the congregation, dividing them into two classes: the wi |
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Arab-07 Martyrdom - God's Normative Call by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on the eternal glory of God rather than our own earthly struggles. He uses the example of Paul and Silas, who were |
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A Plea for Kingdom Honesty - Part 1 by Don Basham | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the power and miracles experienced by the early church as recorded in Acts 4. The disciples prayed and were filled with the Holy Spirit, spe |
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Arab-07 Martyrdom by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges faced by the church in overcoming historic prejudices and moving Israel to receive the Gospel. The speaker emphasizes the impor |