Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “But they, our ancestors, became arrogant and stiff-necked, and they did not obey your commands. New Living Translation “But our ancestors were proud and stubborn, and they paid no attention to your commands. English Standard Version “But they and our fathers acted presumptuously and stiffened their neck and did not obey your commandments. Berean Standard Bible But they and our fathers became arrogant and stiff-necked and did not obey Your commandments. Berean Literal Bible And they and our fathers seethed and hardened their necks, and they did not listen to Your commandments. King James Bible But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, New King James Version “But they and our fathers acted proudly, Hardened their necks, And did not heed Your commandments. New American Standard Bible “But they, our fathers, acted arrogantly; They became stubborn and would not listen to Your commandments. NASB 1995 “But they, our fathers, acted arrogantly; They became stubborn and would not listen to Your commandments. NASB 1977 “But they, our fathers, acted arrogantly; They became stubborn and would not listen to Thy commandments. Legacy Standard Bible “But they, our fathers, acted presumptuously; They became stiff-necked and would not listen to Your commandments. Amplified Bible “But they, our fathers, acted arrogantly; They stiffened their necks and would not heed Your commandments. Berean Annotated Bible But they and our fathers became arrogant and stiff-necked and did not obey Your commandments. Christian Standard Bible But our ancestors acted arrogantly; they became stiff-necked and did not listen to your commands. Holman Christian Standard Bible But our ancestors acted arrogantly; they became stiff-necked and did not listen to Your commands. American Standard Version But they and our fathers dealt proudly and hardened their neck, and hearkened not to thy commandments, Contemporary English Version Our stubborn ancestors refused to obey--they forgot about the miracles you had worked for them, and they were determined to return to Egypt and become slaves again. English Revised Version But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their neck, and hearkened not to thy commandments, GOD'S WORD® Translation But they-our own ancestors-acted arrogantly. They became stubborn and wouldn't obey your commands. Good News Translation But our ancestors grew proud and stubborn and refused to obey your commands. International Standard Version "But they—our ancestors—became arrogant and stubborn, refusing to listen to your commands. NET Bible "But they--our ancestors--behaved presumptuously; they rebelled and did not obey your commandments. New Heart English Bible "But they and our fathers dealt proudly and hardened their neck, did not listen to your commandments, Webster's Bible Translation But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut they and our fathers became arrogant and stiff-necked and did not obey Your commandments. World English Bible “But they and our fathers behaved proudly, hardened their neck, didn’t listen to your commandments, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd they and our fathers have acted proudly, "" And harden their neck, "" And have not listened to Your commands, Berean Literal Bible And they and our fathers seethed and hardened their necks, and they did not listen to Your commandments. Young's Literal Translation 'And they and our fathers have acted proudly, and harden their neck, and have not hearkened unto Thy commands, Smith's Literal Translation And they and our fathers acted proudly, and they will harden their neck, and will not hear to thy commands, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks and hearkened not to thy commandments. Catholic Public Domain Version Yet truly, they and our fathers acted arrogantly, and they hardened their necks, and they did not listen to your commandments. New American Bible But they, our ancestors, proved to be insolent; they were obdurate and did not obey your commandments. New Revised Standard Version “But they and our ancestors acted presumptuously and stiffened their necks and did not obey your commandments; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut they and their fathers dealt wickedly and were stubborn and did not give ear to thy commandments, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated But they and their fathers did evil and they hardened their necks, and they did not listen to your commandments. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their neck, and hearkened not to Thy commandments, Brenton Septuagint Translation But they and our fathers behaved proudly, and hardened their neck, and did not hearken to thy commandments, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The People Confess Their Sins…15In their hunger You gave them bread from heaven; in their thirst You brought them water from the rock. You told them to go in and possess the land which You had sworn to give them. 16But they and our fathers became arrogant and stiff-necked and did not obey Your commandments. 17They 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.… Cross References But they and our fathers Jeremiah 3:25 Let us lie down in our shame; let our disgrace cover us. We have sinned against the LORD our God, both we and our fathers; from our youth even to this day we have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.” Psalm 106:6 We have sinned like our fathers; we have done wrong and acted wickedly. Leviticus 26:40 But if they will confess their iniquity and that of their fathers in the unfaithfulness that they practiced against Me, by which they have also walked in hostility toward Me— became arrogant Deuteronomy 8:14 then your heart will become proud, and you will forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. Hosea 13:6 When they had pasture, they became satisfied; when they were satisfied, their hearts became proud, and as a result they forgot Me. 2 Chronicles 26:16 But when Uzziah became powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. and stiff-necked Exodus 32:9 The LORD also said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and they are indeed a stiff-necked people. Deuteronomy 9:6 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. Acts 7:51 You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did. and did not obey Your commandments. Deuteronomy 28:15 If, however, you do not obey the LORD your God by carefully following all His commandments and statutes I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: Jeremiah 11:8 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.” Psalm 78:10 They failed to keep God’s covenant and refused to live by His law. Psalm 78:8 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. Jeremiah 7:26 Yet they would not listen to Me or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks and did more evil than their fathers. Ezekiel 20:8 But they rebelled against Me and refused to listen. None of them cast away the abominations before their eyes, and they did not forsake the idols of Egypt. So I resolved to pour out My wrath upon them and vent My anger against them in the land of Egypt. Isaiah 63:10 But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. So He turned and became their enemy, and He Himself fought against them. Treasury of Scripture But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and listened not to your commandments, dealt. Nehemiah 9:10,29 And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day… Exodus 32:9 And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: Deuteronomy 9:6,13,23,24,27 Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people… hardened Deuteronomy 31:27 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? 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. 2 Chronicles 30:8 Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you. hearkened Exodus 15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee. Deuteronomy 5:29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever! Psalm 81:8,11-14 Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me; … Jump to Previous Acted Arrogant Arrogantly Attention Commandments Commands Dealt Fathers Forefathers Harden Hardened Hearkened Neck Necks Obey Orders Presumptuously Pride Proudly Stiff Stiffened Stiff-Necked StubbornJump to Next Acted Arrogant Arrogantly Attention Commandments Commands Dealt Fathers Forefathers Harden Hardened Hearkened Neck Necks Obey Orders Presumptuously Pride Proudly Stiff Stiffened Stiff-Necked StubbornNehemiah 9 1. A solemn fast, and repentance of the people4. The Levites make a confession of God's goodness, and their wickedness But they and our fathers This phrase refers to the Israelites, specifically the ancestors of those present during Nehemiah's time. It highlights a recurring theme in the Old Testament where the people of Israel repeatedly turned away from God despite His faithfulness. This pattern is seen throughout the books of Exodus, Judges, and Kings, where the Israelites often fell into cycles of disobedience and repentance. The mention of "our fathers" connects the current generation with their historical lineage, emphasizing the continuity of their identity as God's chosen people. became arrogant and stiff-necked and did not obey Your commandments Persons / Places / Events 1. NehemiahA Jewish leader who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the spiritual renewal of the people. He is known for his leadership and dedication to God's commandments. 2. The Israelites The people of God who were delivered from Egypt but often fell into disobedience and rebellion against God's commandments. 3. Jerusalem The city where Nehemiah led the rebuilding efforts and where the Israelites gathered to confess their sins and renew their covenant with God. 4. The Wilderness The place where the Israelites wandered for 40 years due to their disobedience and lack of faith in God's promises. 5. The Covenant The agreement between God and the Israelites, which included the commandments that they were to follow as His chosen people. Teaching Points The Danger of Pride and ArrogancePride leads to a hardened heart that resists God's commandments. We must guard against arrogance and remain humble before God. The Importance of Obedience Obedience to God's commandments is crucial for a faithful relationship with Him. Disobedience leads to spiritual downfall and separation from God. Learning from the Past The history of the Israelites serves as a warning and a lesson. We should learn from their mistakes and strive to remain faithful to God. The Need for Repentance When we recognize our disobedience, we must turn back to God in repentance, seeking His forgiveness and guidance. God's Faithfulness Despite Human Failure Despite our failures, God remains faithful. His mercy and grace are available to those who return to Him with a contrite heart. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 9:16?2. How does Nehemiah 9:16 highlight the Israelites' disobedience and pride? 3. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' "stiff-necked" behavior? 4. How does Nehemiah 9:16 connect to Exodus 32:9 regarding stubbornness? 5. In what ways can we avoid becoming "stiff-necked" in our spiritual walk? 6. How can acknowledging past failures help us grow in faith and obedience? 7. How does Nehemiah 9:16 reflect human nature's tendency to rebel against God? 8. What historical context led to the rebellion mentioned in Nehemiah 9:16? 9. How does Nehemiah 9:16 challenge the belief in humanity's inherent goodness? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 9? 11. What does the Bible say about critical thinking? 12. How can worldly wealth secure eternal friendships? 13. If God created humans with free will, why does He harden Pharaoh's heart (Exodus 9:12)? 14. Why does 2 Kings 14:8-14 record Amaziah's defeat by Israel if he was said to do right in the eyes of the LORD (2 Kings 14:3)? What Does Nehemiah 9:16 Mean But they and our fathersNehemiah speaks in the first-person plural, confessing collective guilt. This reminds us that sin is never merely individual; it ripples through families and generations. • Exodus 32:7–9 shows Israel quickly turning from God even after clear revelation. • Psalm 78:8 warns against being “a stubborn and rebellious generation” who were “not steadfast in His covenant.” • Daniel 9:5–6 offers a similar confession: “We have sinned and done wrong… we have not listened to Your servants the prophets.” By linking “they” with “our fathers,” Nehemiah owns the past rather than distancing himself from it, a pattern for genuine repentance today. became arrogant and stiff-necked Pride hardens the heart, making people resistant to God’s leading. “Stiff-necked” pictures an ox that refuses the yoke—strong but useless because it will not submit. • Deuteronomy 9:13 calls Israel “a stiff-necked people” right after the golden calf incident. • Jeremiah 7:24 describes the outcome: “They followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts; they went backward and not forward.” • Proverbs 29:1 warns, “A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.” • Stephen echoes this in Acts 7:51, accusing his listeners of resisting the Holy Spirit just as their ancestors did. Stubborn pride keeps God’s people from enjoying His blessings, because humility is the doorway to obedience (James 4:6). and did not obey Your commandments Disobedience is the inevitable fruit of an unyielding heart. While God’s law was clear, the people chose their own path. • Deuteronomy 28:15 lays down the principle: failing to obey leads to covenant curses. • Moses predicts the pattern in Deuteronomy 31:27: “I know how rebellious and stiff-necked you are.” • 1 Samuel 15:22–23 makes obedience central: “To obey is better than sacrifice… rebellion is like the sin of divination.” • James 1:22 reminds believers, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” God’s commandments are not suggestions; they are life-giving instructions. Neglecting them always carries consequences, both personally and corporately. summary Nehemiah 9:16 exposes a tragic cycle: inherited sin, prideful resistance, and consequent disobedience. The verse calls every generation to break that cycle by owning the past, humbling the heart, and submitting to God’s clear commands. When we respond with repentance and obedience, we experience the restoration and blessing the Lord delights to give. (16) Dealt proudly.--Like the Egyptians themselves (Nehemiah 9:10). It is remarkable that the same word is used as in the Hebrew of Exodus 18:11 and Deuteronomy 1:43.Verse 16. - They and our fathers. Rather, "they, our fathers." The vau is used exegetically. Dealt proudly. i.e. "acted insolently." Compare Deuteronomy 1:43, where the same verb is translated "were presumptuous" (marg.). Hardened their necks. So in 2 Kings 17:14.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But theyוְהֵ֥ם (wə·hêm) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They and our fathers וַאֲבֹתֵ֖ינוּ (wa·’ă·ḇō·ṯê·nū) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural Strong's 1: Father became arrogant הֵזִ֑ידוּ (hê·zî·ḏū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 2102: To boil up, seethe, act proudly or presumptuously or rebelliously and stiff-necked וַיַּקְשׁוּ֙ (way·yaq·šū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7185: To be hard, severe or fierce and did not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no obey שָׁמְע֖וּ (šā·mə·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently Your commandments. מִצְוֺתֶֽיךָ׃ (miṣ·wō·ṯe·ḵā) Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 4687: Commandment Links Nehemiah 9:16 NIVNehemiah 9:16 NLT Nehemiah 9:16 ESV Nehemiah 9:16 NASB Nehemiah 9:16 KJV Nehemiah 9:16 BibleApps.com Nehemiah 9:16 Biblia Paralela Nehemiah 9:16 Chinese Bible Nehemiah 9:16 French Bible Nehemiah 9:16 Catholic Bible OT History: Nehemiah 9:16 But they and our fathers dealt proudly (Neh Ne) |
    |