King James Version
Jeremiah 17:23 in the King James Version says “But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instru...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction.”
Jeremiah 17:23 · KJV
Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem;
Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers.
But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction.
And it shall come to pass, if ye diligently hearken unto me, saith the LORD, to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the sabbath day, but hallow the sabbath day, to do no work therein;
Then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and this city shall remain for ever.
KJV Study — Public Domain
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“But they obeyed”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“not neither inclined”
H5186to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“stiff”
H7185properly, to be dense, i.e., tough or severe (in various applications)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“but made their neck”
H6203the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
“But they obeyed”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
“instruction”
H4148properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Jeremiah 17:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Jeremiah 17:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge