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Deuteronomy 10:16

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Deuteronomy 10:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more.

King James Version KJV

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.

American Standard Version ASV

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Let your circumcision be of the heart, and put away your pride.

Free Bible Version FBV

Dedicate yourselves to God. Don't be stubborn and hard-hearted anymore.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and harden your neckes no more.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and ye have circumcised the foreskin of your heart, and your neck ye do not harden any more;

World English Bible WEB

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and stiffen your neck no more.

Translation for Translators T4T

So you must stop sinning [MET] and stop being stubborn [IDM]!

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 10:16

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.

Deuteronomy 10:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/מַלְתֶּ֕ם אֵ֖ת עָרְלַ֣ת לְבַבְ/כֶ֑ם וְ/עָ֨רְפְּ/כֶ֔ם לֹ֥א תַקְשׁ֖וּ עֽוֹד
וּ/מַלְתֶּ֕ם mûwl H4135 to circumcise Conj | V-Qal-2mp
אֵ֖ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
עָרְלַ֣ת ʻorlâh H6190 foreskin N-fs
לְבַבְ/כֶ֑ם lêbâb H3824 heart N-ms | Suff
וְ/עָ֨רְפְּ/כֶ֔ם ʻôreph H6203 neck Conj | N-ms | Suff
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
תַקְשׁ֖וּ qâshâh H7185 to harden V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
עֽוֹד ʻôwd H5750 still Adv
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 10:16

וּ/מַלְתֶּ֕ם mûwl H4135 "to circumcise" Conj | V-Qal-2mp
Circumcision is the literal meaning of this word, but it can also imply destruction or cutting off. In Genesis 17:10, God commands Abraham to circumcise all males as a sign of covenant. It represents a physical and spiritual separation.
Definition: 1) to circumcise, let oneself be circumcised, cut, be cut off 1a) (Qal) to circumcise 1b) (Niphal) to be circumcised, circumcise oneself 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be circumcised 1c1) of destruction (fig.) 1d) (Hithpolel) to be cut off 1e) (Polel) cut down
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: circumcise(-ing), selves), cut down (in pieces), destroy, [idiom] must needs. See also: Genesis 17:10; Leviticus 12:3; Psalms 58:8.
אֵ֖ת 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.
עָרְלַ֣ת ʻorlâh H6190 "foreskin" N-fs
The Hebrew word for foreskin, referring to being uncircumcised. It appears in various Bible translations as foreskin or uncircumcised, emphasizing the physical and spiritual significance of circumcision in the Bible.
Definition: foreskin, uncircumcised
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: foreskin, [phrase] uncircumcised. See also: Genesis 17:11; Leviticus 19:23; Jeremiah 4:4.
לְבַבְ/כֶ֑ם lêbâb H3824 "heart" N-ms | Suff
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
וְ/עָ֨רְפְּ/כֶ֔ם ʻôreph H6203 "neck" Conj | 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.
לֹ֥א 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.
תַקְשׁ֖וּ qâshâh H7185 "to harden" V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
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.
עֽוֹד ʻôwd H5750 "still" Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 10:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 4:4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it, because of your evil deeds.”
2 Deuteronomy 30:6 The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, and you will love Him with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.
3 Leviticus 26:41 and I acted with hostility toward them and brought them into the land of their enemies—and if their uncircumcised hearts will be humbled and they will make amends for their iniquity,
4 Colossians 2:11 In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands.
5 Romans 2:28–29 A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.
6 Deuteronomy 9:6 Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people.
7 Jeremiah 4:14 Wash the evil from your heart, O Jerusalem, so that you may be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts within you?
8 Deuteronomy 9:13 The LORD also said to me, “I have seen this people, and they are indeed a stiff-necked people.
9 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!
10 James 4:6–7 But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Deuteronomy 10:16 Summary

This verse is calling us to surrender our hearts fully to God, removing any hardness or stubbornness, and instead being humble and obedient. It's like a call to soften our hearts and be open to God's love and guidance, as we see in Deuteronomy 30:6 and Romans 2:29. By doing so, we can experience a deeper relationship with Him and live out our faith in a more authentic way, as seen in Matthew 22:37. This is a lifelong process, and it requires us to be willing to let go of our own ways and follow God's lead, as we see in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'circumcise your hearts' in Deuteronomy 10:16?

This phrase means to surrender our hearts fully to God, removing any stubbornness or hardness, as seen in Romans 2:29, where it speaks of a circumcision of the heart by the Spirit.

Why is it important to 'stiffen your necks no more'?

Stiffening our necks refers to being stubborn or rebellious against God's will, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 9:13, and we are called to humble ourselves and obey Him, as seen in 1 Peter 5:6.

How does this verse relate to God's love and choice of His people?

This verse is connected to the previous verses, Deuteronomy 10:14-15, which highlight God's love and choice of the Israelites, and now He calls them to respond with obedience and a surrendered heart, as seen in Exodus 19:5-6.

What is the significance of this command in the context of the covenant?

This command is significant because it emphasizes the importance of internal obedience and heart surrender, which is a key aspect of the covenant relationship between God and His people, as seen in Jeremiah 31:33 and Ezekiel 36:26-27.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways can I practically 'circumcise my heart' and surrender to God's will in my life?
  2. How do I recognize and overcome stubbornness or rebellion in my own heart, and what are the consequences of not doing so?
  3. What does it mean to 'stiffen your necks no more' in my daily interactions with God and others, and how can I cultivate a humble and obedient heart?
  4. In what ways can I demonstrate my love and gratitude to God for His love and choice of me, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:14-15?
  5. How can I balance the idea of God's sovereign choice with my own responsibility to obey and surrender to Him?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 10:16

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart,.... Content not yourselves with, nor put your confidence in outward circumcision of the flesh, but be concerned for the circumcision of the heart; for

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 10:16

And I stayed in the mount, according to the first time, forty days and forty nights; and the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also, and the LORD would not destroy thee.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 10:16

Rest not in your bodily circumcision, but seriously set upon that substantial work which is signified and designed thereby: cleanse your hearts from all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, which is fitly compared to the foreskin, which if not cut off, made persons profane, unclean, and odious in the sight of God. Compare 9:25 ,29 Colossians 2:11.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 10:16

Deuteronomy 10:16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.Ver. 16. Circumcise therefore.] Deus iubendo iuvat. Set about this work in God’ s strength, and pray that the heaven may answer the earth. For it is a work that must be done "without hands." Beg of God to thrust his holy hand into our bosom, and to pull off that filthy foreskin; urge him with his promise; doubt not of his power: lex iubet, gratia iuvat, &c. August, in Exod., quaest. 55.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 10:16

(16) Circumcise . . . your heart.—“For circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter” (Romans 2:29). The verse literally runs thus: Circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and ye will harden your neck no more. It is the same line of thought as St. Paul’s (Galatians 5:16) “Walk in the Spirit, and (then) ye will not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” (17,18) A great God, a mighty, and a terrible . . . he doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow.—“Behold (says Rashi) His might! And close beside His might thou mayest find His humility.” It is not otherwise in later passages of Scripture: “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He telleth the number of the stars, and calleth them all by their names.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 10:16

Verse 16. Circumcise - the foreskin of your heart] A plain proof from God himself that this precept pointed out spiritual things, and that it was not the cutting away a part of the flesh that was the object of the Divine commandment, but the purification of the soul, without which all forms and ceremonies are of no avail. Loving God with all the heart, soul, mind, and strength, the heart being circumcised to enable them to do it, was, from the beginning, the end, design, and fulfilment of the whole law.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 10:16

16–19. The form of address changes to Pl., and a qualification is made of the great statement just given. Though God has elected (for reasons of His own) to love Israel’s fathers and to choose their posterity after them out of all peoples to be His peculiar people, He is not one that regards persons, but as He takes the part of the helpless within Israel so He loves also the foreigner resident among them, and therefore Israel must love the foreign sojourner, having themselves been sojourners in Egypt. No doubt all this is more or less relevant to the main theme of the discourse, but it is outside it, and as its introduction is coincident with the change to the Pl. address, the passage must be considered as a later addition, or additions (for Deuteronomy 10:18-19 is still a further departure from Deuteronomy 10:16-17). The same idea, that Israel cannot count on God’s partiality for them if they continue to be stiffnecked, had been already put by Amos in a more striking form, Amos 3:2, you only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will visit on you all your iniquities. Cp. John 8:31-45; and Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Galatians 2:6, in which the argument of this passage is developed.

Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 10:16

On “circumcision” see Genesis 17:10. This verse points to the spiritual import of circumcision.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 10:16

16. Circumcise… your heart — This verse suggests the spiritual significance of the rite of circumcision. Comp. Romans 2:29 : “Circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter.”

Sermons on Deuteronomy 10:16

SermonDescription
Art Katz Kber-01 the Coming Holocaust 1 of 3 by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to hear the word of God and emphasizes the importance of being changed by it. He then introduces the
Joshua Daniel God's Mercies - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining God's wisdom and teachings, highlighting the need to circumcise our hearts and words to align with His ways. It addresses the r
Anton Bosch Have You Been Circumcised? by Anton Bosch Anton Bosch delves into the significance of circumcision in the Old Testament as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, emphasizing that while it was not a condition for e
David Servant Day 48, Galatians 1 by David Servant David Servant delves into the letter of Galatians, written by Paul around 48 A.D., to address the unique problem of a distorted gospel that had surfaced among the churches. The ear
George Fox Trust Not in Man by George Fox The preacher delves into the significance of circumcision in the Bible, emphasizing the transition from physical circumcision to spiritual circumcision, symbolizing a removal of si
Zac Poonen Casting Away All Confidence in Self by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of true worship and dependence on God, highlighting the need to cut off all confidence in oneself and to worship in the spirit. It delves into
Art Katz K-529 Circumcision as Separation by Art Katz In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping the living God. He highlights that no religion or human effort can substitute for a genuine relationship with G
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