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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Kings 17:14 But they would not listen, and they stiffened their necks like their fathers, who did not believe the LORD their God.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_kings/17-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/12_2Ki_17_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Kings 17:14 - Israel Exiled Because of Idolatry" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But they would not listen, and they stiffened their necks like their fathers, who did not believe the LORD their God." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_kings/17-14.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_kings/17-14.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_kings/">2 Kings</a> > <a href="/2_kings/17.htm">Chapter 17</a> > Verse 14</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_kings/17-13.htm" title="2 Kings 17:13">◄</a> 2 Kings 17:14 <a href="/2_kings/17-15.htm" title="2 Kings 17:15">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_kings/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_kings/17.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But they would not listen and were as stiff-necked as their ancestors, who did not trust in the LORD their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_kings/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But the Israelites would not listen. They were as stubborn as their ancestors who had refused to believe in the LORD their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_kings/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But they would not listen, but were stubborn, as their fathers had been, who did not believe in the LORD their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_kings/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But they would not listen, and they stiffened their necks like their fathers, who did not believe the LORD their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_kings/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_kings/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Nevertheless they would not hear, but stiffened their necks, like the necks of their fathers, who did not believe in the LORD their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_kings/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />However, they did not listen, but stiffened their neck like their fathers, who did not believe in the LORD their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_kings/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />However, they did not listen, but stiffened their neck like their fathers, who did not believe in the LORD their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_kings/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />However, they did not listen, but stiffened their neck like their fathers, who did not believe in the LORD their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_kings/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />However, they did not listen, but stiffened their neck like their fathers, who did not believe in Yahweh their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_kings/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />However they did not listen, but stiffened their necks as did their fathers who did not believe (trust in, rely on, remain steadfast to) the LORD their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_kings/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But they would not listen. Instead they became obstinate like their ancestors who did not believe the LORD their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_kings/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But they would not listen. Instead they became obstinate like their ancestors who did not believe the LORD their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_kings/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Notwithstanding, they would not hear, but hardened their neck, like to the neck of their fathers, who believed not in Jehovah their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_kings/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But the Israelites would not listen; they were as stubborn as their ancestors who had refused to worship the LORD their God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_kings/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their neck, like to the neck of their fathers, who believed not in the LORD their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_kings/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But they refused to listen. They became as impossible to deal with as their ancestors who refused to trust the LORD their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_kings/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But they would not obey; they were stubborn like their ancestors, who had not trusted in the LORD their God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_kings/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But they would not listen. Instead, they were stubborn, just like their ancestors had been, who did not believe in the LORD their God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_kings/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But they would not listen, and they stiffened their necks like their fathers, who did not believe the LORD their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_kings/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But they did not pay attention and were as stubborn as their ancestors, who had not trusted the LORD their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_kings/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Notwithstanding, they would not listen, but hardened their neck, like the neck of their fathers, who did not believe in the LORD their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_kings/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Notwithstanding, they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_kings/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Notwithstanding, they would not listen, but hardened their neck like the neck of their fathers who didn’t believe in Yahweh their God. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_kings/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and they have not listened, and harden their neck, like the neck of their fathers, who did not remain steadfast in their God YHWH,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_kings/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and they have not hearkened, and harden their neck, like the neck of their fathers, who did not remain stedfast in Jehovah their God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_kings/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they heard not, and they will harden their neck as the neck of their fathers who did not believe in Jehovah their God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_kings/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they hearkened not, but hardened their necks like to the neck of their fathers, who would not obey the Lord their God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_kings/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But they did not listen. Instead, they hardened their necks to be like the neck of their fathers, who were not willing to obey the Lord, their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_kings/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But they did not listen. They grew as stiff-necked as their ancestors, who had not believed in the LORD, their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They would not listen but were stubborn, as their ancestors had been, who did not believe in the LORD their God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But they would not hearken, but were stubborn more than were their fathers who did not believe in the LORD their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_kings/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they did not listen, and they hardened their necks more than the necks of their fathers, and they did not believe in LORD JEHOVAH their God<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_kings/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their neck, like to the neck of their fathers, who believed not in the LORD their God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_kings/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But they hearkened not, and made their neck harder than the neck of their fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_kings/17-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FiLs3w_mMFQ?start=5829" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_kings/17.htm">Israel Exiled Because of Idolatry</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">13</span>Yet through all His prophets and seers, the LORD warned Israel and Judah, saying, “Turn from your wicked ways and keep My commandments and statutes, according to the entire Law that I commanded your fathers and delivered to you through My servants the prophets.” <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">But they would not</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šā·mê·‘ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">listen,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7185.htm" title="7185: way·yaq·šū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To be hard, severe or fierce. A primitive root; properly, to be dense, i.e. Tough or severe.">and they stiffened</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6203.htm" title="6203: ‘ā·rə·pām (N-msc:: 3mp) -- Back of the neck, neck. From araph; the nape or back of the neck; hence, the back generally.">their necks</a> <a href="/hebrew/6203.htm" title="6203: kə·‘ō·rep̄ (Prep-k:: N-msc) -- Back of the neck, neck. From araph; the nape or back of the neck; hence, the back generally."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ă·ḇō·w·ṯām (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">like their fathers,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/539.htm" title="539: he·’ĕ·mî·nū (V-Hifil-Perf-3cp) -- To confirm, support. ">believe</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê·hem (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">their God.</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>They rejected His statutes and the covenant He had made with their fathers, as well as the decrees He had given them. They pursued worthless idols and themselves became worthless, going after the surrounding nations that the LORD had commanded them not to imitate.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/32-9.htm">Exodus 32:9</a></span><br />The LORD also said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and they are indeed a stiff-necked people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/9-6.htm">Deuteronomy 9:6</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/9-13.htm">Deuteronomy 9:13</a></span><br />The LORD also said to me, “I have seen this people, and they are indeed a stiff-necked people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-16.htm">Nehemiah 9:16-17</a></span><br />But they and our fathers became arrogant and stiff-necked and did not obey Your commandments. / They refused to listen and failed to remember the wonders You performed among them. They stiffened their necks and appointed a leader to return them to their bondage in Egypt. But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in loving devotion, and You did not forsake them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-8.htm">Psalm 78:8</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/81-11.htm">Psalm 81:11-12</a></span><br />But My people would not listen to Me, and Israel would not obey Me. / So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/48-4.htm">Isaiah 48:4</a></span><br />For I knew that you are stubborn; your neck is iron and your forehead is bronze.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/7-24.htm">Jeremiah 7:24-26</a></span><br />Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but they followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts. They went backward and not forward. / From the day your fathers came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have sent you all My servants the prophets again and again. / Yet they would not listen to Me or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks and did more evil than their fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/11-8.htm">Jeremiah 11:8</a></span><br />Yet they would not obey or incline their ears, but each one followed the stubbornness of his evil heart. So I brought on them all the curses of this covenant I had commanded them to follow but they did not keep.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/2-4.htm">Ezekiel 2:4</a></span><br />They are obstinate and stubborn children. I am sending you to them, and you are to say to them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/3-7.htm">Ezekiel 3:7</a></span><br />But the house of Israel will be unwilling to listen to you, since they are unwilling to listen to Me. For the whole house of Israel is hard-headed and hard-hearted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37</a></span><br />O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/7-6.htm">Mark 7:6-9</a></span><br />Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ / You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/13-34.htm">Luke 13:34</a></span><br />O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-37.htm">John 12:37-40</a></span><br />Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him. / This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” / For this reason they were unable to believe. For again, Isaiah says: ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">but hardened</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/31-27.htm">Deuteronomy 31:27</a></b></br> For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/36-13.htm">2 Chronicles 36:13</a></b></br> And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/29-1.htm">Proverbs 29:1</a></b></br> He, that being often reproved hardeneth <i>his</i> neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.</p><p class="hdg">did not believe</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/1-32.htm">Deuteronomy 1:32</a></b></br> Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/78-22.htm">Psalm 78:22,32</a></b></br> Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/106-24.htm">Psalm 106:24</a></b></br> Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/10-7.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-7.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/2_kings/13-4.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-14.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-13.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-6.htm">Harden</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-6.htm">Hardened</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-11.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/2_kings/16-9.htm">Hearkened</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-35.htm">However</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-41.htm">Neck</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-41.htm">Necks</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-12.htm">Notwithstanding</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-16.htm">Stedfast</a> <a href="/jeremiah/17-23.htm">Stiffened</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-27.htm">Stiff-Necked</a> <a href="/judges/2-19.htm">Stubborn</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-31.htm">Trust</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_chronicles/9-6.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-6.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-12.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-5.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-15.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/30-8.htm">Harden</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-13.htm">Hardened</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-12.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-40.htm">Hearkened</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-29.htm">However</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/3-16.htm">Neck</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-5.htm">Necks</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-26.htm">Notwithstanding</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/17-23.htm">Stedfast</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-13.htm">Stiffened</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/30-8.htm">Stiff-Necked</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-16.htm">Stubborn</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-19.htm">Trust</a><div class="vheading2">2 Kings 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/17-1.htm">Hoshea the Last King of Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/17-3.htm">Being subdued by Shalmaneser, he conspires against him with So, king of Egypt</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/17-5.htm">Samaria for sinning is led into captivity</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/17-24.htm">The strange nations transplanted into Samaria make a mixture of religions.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_kings/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But they would not listen</b><br>This phrase highlights the persistent disobedience of the Israelites. Throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly sent prophets to warn His people, yet they often ignored these messages (<a href="/jeremiah/7-25.htm">Jeremiah 7:25-26</a>). This refusal to listen is a recurring theme, illustrating the Israelites' hardened hearts and resistance to divine instruction. The Hebrew word for "listen" implies not just hearing but obeying, indicating a deeper level of rebellion.<p><b>and they stiffened their necks</b><br>The imagery of a stiff neck is a metaphor for stubbornness and rebellion. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a stiff neck was associated with an ox that refused to be guided by a yoke. This metaphor is used elsewhere in Scripture to describe Israel's obstinacy (<a href="/exodus/32-9.htm">Exodus 32:9</a>, <a href="/deuteronomy/9-6.htm">Deuteronomy 9:6</a>). It signifies a willful resistance to God's guidance and authority.<p><b>like their fathers</b><br>This phrase connects the current generation of Israelites with their ancestors, emphasizing a pattern of disobedience. The history of Israel is marked by cycles of rebellion and repentance, as seen in the book of Judges. This continuity of behavior underscores the deep-rooted nature of their spiritual rebellion, which was evident from the time of the Exodus (<a href="/psalms/78-8.htm">Psalm 78:8</a>).<p><b>who did not believe the LORD their God</b><br>Unbelief is at the heart of Israel's disobedience. Despite witnessing God's miracles and receiving His law, the Israelites struggled with faithfulness (<a href="/numbers/14-11.htm">Numbers 14:11</a>). This lack of belief is not merely intellectual but involves a failure to trust and rely on God. The New Testament echoes this theme, teaching that faith is essential for a relationship with God (<a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a>). The Israelites' unbelief serves as a warning and a call to faithfulness for future generations.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The primary subjects of this verse, the Israelites are being described as disobedient and stubborn, following the sinful patterns of their ancestors.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The God of Israel, who had established a covenant with the Israelites, expecting their faithfulness and obedience.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_fathers/ancestors.htm">The Fathers/Ancestors</a></b><br>Refers to the previous generations of Israelites who also exhibited unbelief and disobedience towards God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_prophets.htm">The Prophets</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the prophets were God's messengers who repeatedly called the Israelites to repentance.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_kingdom_of_israel.htm">The Kingdom of Israel</a></b><br>The northern kingdom, which is the context of this passage, facing impending judgment due to their persistent idolatry and rebellion.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_stubbornness.htm">The Danger of Stubbornness</a></b><br>Just as the Israelites stiffened their necks, we must be cautious of hardening our hearts against God's guidance and correction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_listening.htm">The Importance of Listening</a></b><br>True faith involves listening to and obeying God's word, rather than following our own desires or traditions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/generational_patterns.htm">Generational Patterns</a></b><br>We should be aware of the spiritual legacies we inherit and strive to break any patterns of unbelief or disobedience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_and_belief.htm">Faith and Belief</a></b><br>Belief in God is not just intellectual assent but involves trust and obedience, as demonstrated by the Israelites' failure.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_return.htm">Repentance and Return</a></b><br>God continually calls His people to repentance, offering grace and restoration to those who turn back to Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_kings_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_isaiah_17_unfulfilled.htm">Why does Isaiah 17's prophecy appear unfulfilled when compared to other passages predicting judgments on Israel's neighbors that were historically verified?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_amaziah's_reign_timeline.htm">How do we reconcile the timeline of Amaziah's reign in 2 Kings 14:2-3 with conflicting data in other historical sources?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_amaziah_follow_god,_then_idols.htm">Why does 2 Kings 14:3 say Amaziah followed God while 2 Chronicles 25:14 depicts him turning to idols?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/resolve_ezra_5_17_vs._persian_timeline.htm">(Ezra 5:17) How do we resolve apparent inconsistencies between this passage's account of Persian rule and known Persian chronology?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_kings/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) <span class= "bld">Notwithstanding . . . hear.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">and they hearkened not.</span><p><span class= "bld">Necks.</span>--Heb., <span class= "ital">neck.</span> (Comp. <a href="/deuteronomy/10-16.htm" title="Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff necked.">Deuteronomy 10:16</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/17-23.htm" title="But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction.">Jeremiah 17:23</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/36-13.htm" title="And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning to the LORD God of Israel.">2Chronicles 36:13</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Like to the neck.</span>--LXX. and Syriac, <span class= "ital">more than the neck.</span> One letter different in the Hebrew.<p><span class= "bld">Did not believe in the Lord their God.</span>--The reference is not to <span class= "ital">intellectual</span> but to <span class= "ital">moral</span> unbelief, evincing itself as disobedience. Vulg., "qui volerunt obediren." They did not render the obedience of faith. (Comp. the use of <span class= "greekheb">??????? ?</span> in the Greek Testament.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Notwithstanding they would not hear</span>; rather, <span class="accented">and they would not hear</span>. The construction still runs on without any change (see the comment on vers. 7 and 12). <span class="cmt_word">But hardened their necks.</span> (On the origin of the phrase, see 'Homiletic Commentary' on Exodus 32:9.) The obstinate perversity of the Israelites, which the phrase expresses, is noted through the entire history (see <a href="/exodus/33-3.htm">Exodus 33:3, 5</a>; <a href="/exodus/34-9.htm">Exodus 34:9</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/9-6.htm">Deuteronomy 9:6, 13</a>; <a href="/psalms/75-5.htm">Psalm 75:5</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/30-8.htm">2 Chronicles 30:8</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/36-13.htm">2 Chronicles 36:13</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/9-16.htm">Nehemiah 9:16, 17, 29</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/7-26.htm">Jeremiah 7:26</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/17-23.htm">Jeremiah 17:23</a>; <a href="/acts/7-51.htm">Acts 7:51</a>, etc.). <span class="cmt_word">Like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the Lord their God.</span> The reference is especially to the many passages in the Pentateuch where the Israelites are called "a stiff-necked people" (see, besides those already quoted, <a href="/deuteronomy/31-27.htm">Deuteronomy 31:27</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_kings/17-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But they would not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֖א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">listen,</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁמֵ֑עוּ</span> <span class="translit">(šā·mê·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and they stiffened</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּקְשׁ֤וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yaq·šū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7185.htm">Strong's 7185: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be hard, severe or fierce</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their necks</span><br /><span class="heb">עָרְפָּם֙</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·rə·pām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6203.htm">Strong's 6203: </a> </span><span class="str2">The nape, back of the neck, the back</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like their fathers,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבוֹתָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇō·w·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁר֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">did not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">believe</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶאֱמִ֔ינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(he·’ĕ·mî·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_539.htm">Strong's 539: </a> </span><span class="str2">To confirm, support</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּֽיהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their God.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֵיהֶֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/17-14.htm">2 Kings 17:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_kings/17-14.htm">2 Kings 17:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_kings/17-14.htm">2 Kings 17:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_kings/17-14.htm">2 Kings 17:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_kings/17-14.htm">2 Kings 17:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/17-14.htm">2 Kings 17:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/17-14.htm">2 Kings 17:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/17-14.htm">2 Kings 17:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/17-14.htm">2 Kings 17:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_kings/17-14.htm">2 Kings 17:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_kings/17-14.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 17:14 Notwithstanding they would not hear but hardened (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/17-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 17:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 17:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/17-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 17:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 17:15" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>