σκληροτράχηλος
sklērotráchēlos
G4644 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Literally 'hard-necked'; describes someone who is stubborn or obstinately unyielding—particularly in reference to unwillingness to be guided, corrected, or submit to authority. In figurative contexts, refers to a person or group who resists instruction, admonition, or change, displaying a rigid or hard-hearted disposition.
Semantic Range
stubborn, obstinate, unyielding, disobedient, resistant to instruction or correction, figuratively stiff-necked
Root / Etymology
Compound formed from σκληρός ('hard, stiff, harsh') and τράχηλος ('neck'). The imagery draws on the physical metaphor of a stiff or unbending neck, often used in ancient Near Eastern literature as a sign of obstinacy.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Septuagint, as well as the New Testament (notably Acts 7:51), σκληροτράχηλος is used to rebuke those characterized by persistent resistance to divine guidance or exhortation. Its Hebrew conceptual background is עָרֵף קָשֶׁה ('hard/obstinate neck'; e.g. Exodus 32:9), and it entered Greek lexicon through the translation of Hebrew idioms conveying stubbornness or unteachability. In post-biblical Greek, metaphors involving the neck often conveyed submission or defiance, and σκληροτράχηλος particularly marks a refusal to yield, as an ox refuses to bend its neck under a yoke. Standard English translations such as 'stiff-necked' or 'obstinate' capture the metaphor partially but may not fully express the physical and cultural connotations of the original phrase.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σκληρός and τράχηλος; hardnaped, i.e. (figuratively) obstinate:--stiffnecked.
Root Family
σκληρ-/τραχηλ- (sklērotráchēlos) — hard, stiff; neck
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4644-01 |
σκληροτράχηλοι | sklerotracheloi | ADJ.S VOC M PL |
stiff-necked | hard-necked ones | hard-necked ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4644-01 |
Acts 7:51 | σκληροτράχηλοι | sklerotracheloi | ADJ.S VOC M PL |
stiff-necked | hard-necked ones | hard-necked ones |