The term "stiff-hearted" is used in the Bible to describe individuals or groups who are obstinate, unyielding, and resistant to God's will and guidance. This condition of the heart is often associated with rebellion, pride, and a refusal to heed divine instruction. The concept is closely related to being "stiff-necked," a term frequently used in Scripture to denote stubbornness and a refusal to submit to God's authority.

Biblical References:

1. Ezekiel 2:4 : "The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stiff-hearted. Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’" In this passage, God is commissioning the prophet Ezekiel to speak to the Israelites, who are described as rebellious and resistant to His messages. The term "stiff-hearted" here underscores their unwillingness to listen and repent despite the warnings given by the prophets.

2. Ezekiel 3:7 : "But the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, for they are not willing to listen to Me, because all the house of Israel is obstinate and hard-hearted." This verse further emphasizes the spiritual condition of the Israelites, highlighting their persistent disobedience and the hardness of their hearts towards God's word.

Theological Implications:

The stiff-hearted condition is indicative of a deeper spiritual malaise. It reflects a heart that is closed off to the transformative power of God's word and Spirit. In the biblical narrative, a stiff-hearted attitude often leads to judgment and discipline, as it prevents individuals from experiencing the fullness of God's blessings and guidance.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons:

1. Call to Repentance: The Bible consistently calls those who are stiff-hearted to repentance. The prophetic messages in Ezekiel serve as a warning and an invitation to turn back to God. The stiff-hearted are urged to soften their hearts, listen to God's voice, and align their lives with His will.

2. Humility and Submission: A key antidote to a stiff-hearted disposition is humility. Scripture encourages believers to cultivate a humble and contrite heart, one that is open to correction and eager to follow God's commands. James 4:6 reminds us, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'"

3. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The transformation from a stiff-hearted to a receptive heart is a work of the Holy Spirit. Believers are encouraged to seek the Spirit's guidance and allow Him to soften their hearts, making them responsive to God's leading. Ezekiel 36:26 promises, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

Practical Application:

In contemporary Christian life, the concept of being stiff-hearted serves as a caution against spiritual complacency and resistance to God's will. Believers are encouraged to regularly examine their hearts, seek God's forgiveness, and remain open to His transformative work. By doing so, they can avoid the pitfalls of stubbornness and experience the joy and peace that come from a heart fully surrendered to God.(a.) Obstinate; stubborn; contumacious.2389. chazaq -- strong, stout, mighty
... harder, hottest, impudent, loud, mighty, sore, stiff-hearted, stronger. From
chazaq; strong (usu. In a bad sense, hard, bold, violent ...
/hebrew/2389.htm - 6k

The Greater Prophets.
... He was sent to "a rebellious nation;" to "impudent children and stiff-hearted,"
with the charge: "Be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

Stiffhearted (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Stiffhearted (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 2:4 For they
are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee ...
/s/stiffhearted.htm - 6k

Stiff-hearted (1 Occurrence)
Stiff-hearted. Stiffhearted, Stiff-hearted. Stiffnecked . Noah Webster's
Dictionary ... (WEB JPS BBE). Stiffhearted, Stiff-hearted. Stiffnecked . Reference ...
/s/stiff-hearted.htm - 6k

Stiffnecked (9 Occurrences)

/s/stiffnecked.htm - 11k

Impudent (5 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 2:4 The children are impudent and stiff-hearted: I am sending you
to them; and you shall tell them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh. ...
/i/impudent.htm - 7k

Brazen-faced (2 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 2:4 And the children are impudent and stiffhearted: I do sent thee unto
them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah. (See JPS YLT). ...
/b/brazen-faced.htm - 7k

Stiffens (2 Occurrences)

/s/stiffens.htm - 6k

Stubborn (40 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 2:4 The children are impudent and stiff-hearted: I am sending you to them;
and you shall tell them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh. (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/stubborn.htm - 18k

Sovereign (209 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Ezekiel 2:4 The children are impudent and stiff-hearted: I am sending
you to them; and you shall tell them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh. (See NIV). ...
/s/sovereign.htm - 36k

What does the Bible say about being stiff-necked? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about criticism? | GotQuestions.org

What is unrepentance? What does it mean to be unrepentant? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus