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Exodus 32:9

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Exodus 32:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The LORD also said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and they are indeed a stiff-necked people.

King James Version KJV

And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:

American Standard Version ASV

And Jehovah said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the Lord said to Moses, I have been watching this people, and I see that they are a stiff-necked people.

Free Bible Version FBV

“I know what these people are like,” the Lord continued saying to Moses. “They are so rebellious!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Againe the Lord said vnto Moses, I haue seene this people, and beholde, it is a stiffe necked people.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jehovah saith unto Moses, 'I have seen this people, and lo, it [is] a stiff-necked people;

World English Bible WEB

The LORD said to Moses, “I have seen these people, and behold, they are a stiff-necked people.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the LORD said to Moses, I have seen this people, and behold it is a stiff-necked people:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And again the Lord said to Moses: See that this people is stiffnecked:

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Yahweh said to Moses/me, “I have seen that these people are very stubborn.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 32:9

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.

Exodus 32:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֑ה רָאִ֨יתִי֙ אֶת הָ/עָ֣ם הַ/זֶּ֔ה וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה עַם קְשֵׁה עֹ֖רֶף הֽוּא
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
מֹשֶׁ֑ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper
רָאִ֨יתִי֙ râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הָ/עָ֣ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה hinnêh H2009 behold Conj | Part
עַם ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms
קְשֵׁה qâsheh H7186 severe Adj
עֹ֖רֶף ʻôreph H6203 neck N-ms
הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron
Hebrew Word Study

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

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 32:9

וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" 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.
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.
מֹשֶׁ֑ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
רָאִ֨יתִי֙ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
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.
הָ/עָ֣ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
הַ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
עַם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
קְשֵׁה qâsheh H7186 "severe" Adj
This word describes something or someone as severe or cruel, like the harsh treatment of the Israelites by their enemies in Judges.
Definition: 1) hard, cruel, severe, obstinate 1a) hard, difficult 1b) severe 1c) fierce, intense, vehement 1d) stubborn, stiff of neck, stiff-necked 1e) rigorous (of battle)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: churlish, cruel, grievous, hard((-hearted), thing), heavy, [phrase] impudent, obstinate, prevailed, rough(-ly), sore, sorrowful, stiff(necked), stubborn, [phrase] in trouble. See also: Genesis 42:7; 2 Samuel 2:17; Psalms 60:5.
עֹ֖רֶף ʻôreph H6203 "neck" 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.
הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

Study Notes — Exodus 32:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Acts 7:51 You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did.
2 Deuteronomy 9:13 The LORD also said to me, “I have seen this people, and they are indeed a stiff-necked people.
3 Isaiah 48:4 For I knew that you are stubborn; your neck is iron and your forehead is bronze.
4 Exodus 33:3 Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people; otherwise, I might destroy you on the way.”
5 Exodus 33:5 For the LORD had said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I should go with you for a single moment, I would destroy you. Now take off your jewelry, and I will decide what to do with you.’”
6 Exodus 34:9 “O Lord,” he said, “if I have indeed found favor in Your sight, my Lord, please go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our iniquity and sin, and take us as Your inheritance.”
7 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!
8 2 Chronicles 30:8 Now do not stiffen your necks as your fathers did. Submit to the LORD and come to His sanctuary, which He has consecrated forever. Serve the LORD your God, so that His fierce anger will turn away from you.
9 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.
10 Psalms 78:8 Then they will not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose heart was not loyal, whose spirit was not faithful to God.

Exodus 32:9 Summary

[This verse means that the people of Israel were being very stubborn and refusing to listen to God, even after all He had done for them. This is similar to what we see in other parts of the Bible, like in Psalms 95:8, where the people are warned not to harden their hearts. The LORD is telling Moses that the people are stubborn and unwilling to obey, and this is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves if there are areas in our own lives where we are being 'stiff-necked' or stubborn, and how we can surrender these areas to God.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for a people to be 'stiff-necked'?

In Exodus 32:9, when the LORD says the people are 'stiff-necked', it means they are stubborn and unwilling to listen to or obey God's commands, as also seen in Deuteronomy 9:6 and Jeremiah 17:23, where this phrase is used to describe those who resist God's will.

Why is God speaking to Moses about the people's behavior?

God is speaking to Moses about the people's behavior because, as their leader, Moses is responsible for guiding them and helping them stay faithful to God, as seen in Exodus 18:13-27 where Moses' leadership role is established.

Is being 'stiff-necked' the same as being rebellious?

While being 'stiff-necked' and being rebellious are related, they are not exactly the same - being 'stiff-necked' implies a stubborn refusal to listen or change, as opposed to outright rebellion, which can involve more intentional and aggressive actions against God or authority, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:23 where rebellion is compared to witchcraft.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible's teaching on sin and forgiveness?

This verse highlights the seriousness of sin and the importance of repentance, as seen in other verses like Romans 3:23 and 1 John 1:9, where the Bible teaches that all people have sinned and fallen short of God's glory, but that God offers forgiveness and restoration through faith and repentance.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I might be 'stiff-necked' in my own relationship with God, refusing to listen or obey His commands?
  2. How can I cultivate a more humble and receptive heart, willing to listen to God's voice and follow His leading?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I may be resisting God's will or refusing to change, and how can I surrender these areas to Him?
  4. How can I, like Moses, intercede for others who may be struggling with 'stiff-neckedness' or rebellion, praying for their repentance and restoration?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 32:9

And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people,.... He had observed their ways and works, their carriage and behaviour; he had seen them before this time; he knew from all eternity what they

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 32:9

And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 32:9

Untractable, wilful, and stubborn, incorrigible by my judgments, ungovernable by mine or by any laws. A metaphor from those beasts that will not bend their necks to receive the yoke or bridle.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 32:9

Exodus 32:9 And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it [is] a stiffnecked people:Ver. 9. A stiffnecked people.] And so they are still to this very day. Jerome complains that in his time they thrice a day curse Christ in their synagogue, and closed up their prayers with Maledic, Domine, Nazaraeis. They are thought to advise most of that mischief which the Turk puts in execution against Christians. They counterfeit Christianity in Portugal even to the degree of priesthood, and think they may do it, either for the avoiding of danger, or increasing their substance. There are very few of them that turn Christians in good earnest: Adeo in cordibus eorum radices fixit pertinacitas. So stubborn they are to this day, and stiffnecked, their necks are wholly possessed with an iron sinew. Jerome, in Isa., lib. xii. cap. 49, tom. 5, et lib. xiv. cap. 42. Rivet., Jesuita Vapul., 322.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 32:9

(9) It is a stiff-necked people.—This phrase, afterwards so common (Exodus 33:3; Exodus 33:5; Exodus 34:5; Deuteronomy 9:6; Deuteronomy 9:13; Deuteronomy 10:16; 2 Chronicles 30:8; 2 Chronicles 36:13; Psalms 75:5; Jeremiah 17:23; Acts 7:51), occurs here for the first time. It is generally explained as “obstinate,” but rather means “perverse,” the metaphor being taken from the horse that stiffens his neck against the pull of the rein, and will not be guided by the rider. The LXX. omit the verse, for no intelligible reason.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 32:9

Verse 9. A stiff-necked people] Probably an allusion to the stiff-necked ox, the object of their worship.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 32:9

9–14. Jehovah declares that He will exterminate the people: but allows Himself to be diverted from His purpose by Moses’ intercession.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 32:9

9. A stiffnecked people — Unmanageable and perverse, like the ox that stoutly resists all efforts to guide or drive him. Comp. the same expression in Exodus 33:3; Exodus 33:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 9:6; Deuteronomy 9:13.

Sermons on Exodus 32:9

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson Disappointments Can Be Dangerous by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a pastor who falls asleep while traveling and has a dream about a ladder reaching into heaven. He sees angels coming and going, sy
Milton Green (Blood Covenant) 6 - Intercession by Milton Green In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to the tapes in numerical order to fully understand the series. The sermon begins with a prayer of worship to God
Alan Martin Reigning in Life - Part 3 by Alan Martin In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the true meaning of grace, which goes beyond just unmerited favor. Grace is described as the person of Jesus Christ, full of power, wisdom, g
Stephen Kaung Isaiah Chapter 62 by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing the church from God's perspective, despite our current circumstances. He reminds the audience that God is working to
Richard Owen Roberts Manifest Presence - Part 4 by Richard Owen Roberts In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's judgment and how it is different from utter destruction. He uses the example of Moses pleading with God not to destroy t
Anton Bosch Meekness by Anton Bosch In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and how he was called by God despite feeling inadequate. Moses pleaded for the people of Israel even when God wanted to des
Erlo Stegen Listen to God's Whisper by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, the speaker describes a vision of hell that they had. They saw people of all races suffering and burning in the fire of hell. They were shocked by the horrific sigh
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