NECK (צַוָּר, צַוָּאר, H7418, צַוָּרַן, צַוָּארָה, צָבַר, H7392, neck; גַּרְגְּרﯴת, H1738, גָּרﯴן, H1744, throat; מַפְרֶ֫קֶת, H5154, τράχηλος, G5549, neck).

There are numerous places in the Bible where people, often the children of Israel, are called stiff-necked. In Exodus 33:5 the Lord tells Moses to “say to the people of Israel, ‘You are a stiff-necked people.’” Jeremiah, talking of the same people, says as God’s mouthpiece: “They did not listen to me, or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck” (Jer 7:26). (See also Exod 32:9; 34:9; Deut 9:6, 13; 31:27, KJV; Neh 9:29 RSV; Ps 75:5; Jer 17:23.)

In these contexts the word always is used to signify determination in an evil direction. This image is very apt, because when a person shows determination the muscles of not only the jaw but also the neck become tense. This gives a picture of someone with a head and neck set and immobile as a reflection of the mental attitude. The prophet again talking of the Israelites says “Your neck is an iron sinew” (Isa 48:4). The neck is used frequently as the part of the body bearing a yoke or burden. (See Gen 27:40; Deut 28:48; Isa 10:27; Jer 27:2, 8; 30:8; Acts 15:10.) To fall on one’s neck was to throw one’s arms about the neck. (See Gen 33:4; 45:14; 46:29; Luke 15:20; Acts 20:37 KJV.)