Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the term "stubbornly" often refers to a willful resistance to God's commands and guidance. This attitude is frequently associated with a hardened heart and a refusal to submit to divine authority. The Bible provides numerous examples and warnings against stubbornness, illustrating its spiritual dangers and consequences.
Old Testament ReferencesThe Old Testament frequently addresses the issue of stubbornness, particularly in the context of Israel's relationship with God. In
Deuteronomy 9:6, Moses reminds the Israelites of their stubborn nature: "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." Here, "stiff-necked" is synonymous with stubbornness, indicating a refusal to yield to God's will.
The prophet Jeremiah also speaks against the stubbornness of the people. In
Jeremiah 7:24, it is written, "Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but walked in the stubbornness of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward." This passage highlights the spiritual regression that results from stubbornness, as it leads individuals away from God's path.
New Testament InsightsIn the New Testament, stubbornness is addressed in the context of spiritual receptivity and obedience. Jesus often encountered stubbornness in the religious leaders of His time. In
Mark 3:5, Jesus is described as being grieved by the hardness of their hearts: "And looking around at them with anger, grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.' And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored." The hardness of heart here is akin to stubbornness, reflecting an unwillingness to accept Jesus' authority and message.
The Apostle Paul also warns against stubbornness in
Romans 2:5: "But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed." Paul emphasizes that stubbornness, characterized by an unrepentant heart, leads to divine judgment.
Spiritual ImplicationsStubbornness in the biblical sense is not merely a personality trait but a spiritual condition that hinders one's relationship with God. It is often linked with pride and self-reliance, which stand in opposition to the humility and submission required for a faithful walk with God.
Proverbs 28:14 warns, "Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble." This proverb underscores the blessings of a receptive and obedient heart contrasted with the troubles that accompany stubbornness.
Practical ApplicationFor believers, the biblical admonition against stubbornness serves as a call to self-examination and repentance. It encourages a posture of humility and openness to God's leading.
James 4:7 advises, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Submission to God is the antidote to stubbornness, fostering a spirit of obedience and alignment with His will.
In summary, the Bible consistently portrays stubbornness as a spiritual obstacle that impedes one's relationship with God. Through the examples and teachings found in Scripture, believers are urged to cultivate a heart that is pliable and responsive to the divine call.
Strong's Hebrew
5637. sarar -- stubborn or rebellious... Word Origin a prim. root. Definition stubborn or rebellious NASB Word Usage rebellious
(6), rebels (2), stubborn (8),
stubbornly rebellious (1).
...Library
But they Answer and Speak, Saying, "If the Will of Man Without any...
... [2666] Because concupiscence, whereof it cometh that persons sinning suffer all
thingsstubbornly, is of the world; but charity, whereof cometh that persons...
Conversational Phrases
... Are you still obdurate? [obdurate = Hardened in wrongdoing;stubbornly impenitent].
As it happens, your conjecture is right. Assuredly I do....
The Beatific vision. (Continued. )
... Westubbornly persist in seeking our happiness in creatures, though reason
itself loudly proclaims that in them it cannot be found....
Article iii: of Christ.
... for Christ's sake, through faith in Christ. [They reject quitestubbornly
both these statements. ] For they condemn us both for...
The Setting
... in the cities. Only gradually did it win the rural areas, where ancient
traditions were morestubbornly defended. Primary among...
The Eternity of Heaven's Happiness.
... This fickleness, which sostubbornly clings to us in our present state of existence,
and which puts an end to so many of our joys, is entirely removed by our...
James iii. 17
... that comes from above, he names first, purity,"ie freedom from all worldly stain;
then love of peace,"the truly wise not beingstubbornly attached to his...
The Coming of the Pharaoh
... Meneptah was none the less loved because Memphis understood him. The Pharaoh
was the apple of her eye and she worshiped himstubbornly....
viii
... It was a language, moreover, crippled by the introduction of ecclesiastical and
theological terms and phrases, whichstubbornly refuse to lend themselves to...
Intercession is Service.
... Then we go into this service with that fine spirit of expectancy that sweeps the
field at the start, and steadily sticks on thestubbornly contested spots...
Thesaurus
Stubbornly (10 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Stubbornly (10 Occurrences).
... (See RSV). Hosea 4:16 For
Israel has behaved extremely
stubbornly, like a stubborn heifer.
...Stubborn (40 Occurrences)
... Exodus 13:15 And it came to pass, when Pharaohstubbornly refused to let us go,
that Jehovah slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of...
Keys (2 Occurrences)
... CONCLUSION 1. Nature of the Power 2. Agent of the Power 3. Scope of the Power There
is no morestubbornly contested conception in Christian terminology....
Obdurate (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Hardened in feelings; unyielding; hard-hearted;
stubbornly wicked. 2. (a.) Hard; harsh; rugged; rough; intractable....
Extremely (15 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Hosea 4:16 For Israel has behaved extremelystubbornly, like a stubborn
heifer. Then how will Yahweh feed them like a lamb in a meadow. (WEB)....
Dogged (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.)Stubbornly persevering; obstinately persistent;
as, dogged resolution; dogged work. Multi-Version Concordance...
Meadow (8 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Hosea 4:16 For Israel has behaved extremelystubbornly, like a stubborn
heifer. Then how will Yahweh feed them like a lamb in a meadow. (WEB NIV)....
Power (862 Occurrences)
... CONCLUSION 1. Nature of the Power 2. Agent of the Power 3. Scope of the Power There
is no morestubbornly contested conception in Christian terminology....
Breaketh (49 Occurrences)
... Exodus 13:15 And it came to pass, when Pharaohstubbornly refused to let us go,
that Jehovah slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of...
Behaved (21 Occurrences)
... Hosea 4:16 For Israel has behaved extremelystubbornly, like a stubborn heifer.
Then how will Yahweh feed them like a lamb in a meadow. (WEB ASV)....
Resources
Who was Moses in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I receive emotional healing? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being stubborn / stubbornness? | GotQuestions.orgStubbornly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
