King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 10:16 Mean?

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

Context

Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD'S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.

Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day.

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

For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(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.”

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 10:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.