The meaning of “עֹרֶף”
Understanding ʻôreph reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
back ((stiff-) neck((-ed). - the nape or back of the neck (as declining) - hence, the back generally (whether literal or...
עֹרֶף
back ((stiff-) neck((-ed). - the nape or back of the neck (as declining) - hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative) 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.)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 49:8 | “Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father’s children shall bow down before thee.” Word: עֹרֶף (ʻôreph) | |
| Leviticus 5:8 | “And he shall bring them unto the priest, who shall offer that which is for the sin offering first, and wring off his head from his neck, but shall not divide it asunder:” Word: עֹרֶף (ʻôreph) | |
| Joshua 7:12 | “Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.” Word: עֹרֶף (ʻôreph) | |
| 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.” Word: עֹרֶף (ʻôreph) | |
| Nehemiah 9:17 | “And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.” Word: עֹרֶף (ʻôreph) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.