Jeremiah 17:23 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 17:23 mean?

Jeremiah 17:23 describes how the people refused to listen or obey, stubbornly resisting correction and instruction. The verse highlights their deliberate unwillingness to hear or accept what was being taught to them.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking about the people of Judah, relaying God's message of disappointment over their disobedience. The language paints a picture of people who not only ignore God's commands but actively harden themselves against any guidance, making it clear that their stubbornness is intentional and persistent.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 17:23

• "Obeyed" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ) often means more than just hearing; it carries the sense of listening with the intent to act. Here, it emphasizes that the people were not just inattentive but willfully disregarded what was said.
• "Inclined" (נָטָה, natah) literally means to stretch out or turn, often used for turning the ear toward someone. The verse uses it to show that the people made no effort to pay attention or be receptive.
• "Neck" (עֹרֶף, ʿoref) and "stiff" (קָשָׁה, qashah) together create the image of someone refusing to bow or yield, a common biblical metaphor for stubbornness or pride.
• "Instruction" (מוּסָר, musar) refers to discipline, correction, or teaching. The people’s refusal to "receive instruction" shows a rejection not just of information but of moral correction and growth.

Why Jeremiah 17:23 matters

• Jeremiah 17:23 clarifies that the people's disobedience was not accidental or due to misunderstanding; it was a conscious, repeated choice to resist God's guidance.
• The verse uses strong physical imagery ("made their neck stiff") to show the depth of their stubbornness, helping readers grasp the seriousness of their attitude.
• This verse connects to the wider message in Jeremiah, where the prophet repeatedly warns that ignoring God’s instruction leads to consequences, setting the stage for the coming judgment on Judah.