Strong’s G4644: A compound adjective meaning “stiff-necked,” combining “hard” (sklēros) and “neck” (trachēlos). Used metaphorically to describe stubborn resistance to God’s will. Specifically echoes Old Testament language about Israel’s rebelliousness, emphasizing willful disobedience.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σκληροτράχηλος represents a powerful metaphor drawn from agricultural imagery of unruly oxen refusing the yoke. In Stephen’s speech (Acts 7:51), it carries the weight of centuries of prophetic rebuke, connecting his audience’s resistance to the Holy Spirit with Israel’s historic pattern of rebellion. Early church fathers used this term to discuss the nature of human rebellion against divine authority and the need for spiritual submission. Today, it continues to illustrate how pride and stubbornness can manifest in resistance to God’s leading.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σκληροτράχηλος, sklērotrachēlos, sklay-ro-TRAKH-ay-los
• Detailed Pronunciation: σκληρο (sklay-ro) τράχ (trakh) η (ay) λος (los) – stress on third syllable
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Compound word from:
• σκληρός (hard, stubborn)
• τράχηλος (neck)
• Calque from Hebrew קְשֵׁה־עֹרֶף (qəšēh-‘ōrep)

D – Defining Meanings

• Stiff-necked
• Stubborn
• Rebellious

For compound words:

• σκληρο- contributes the sense of hardness or stubbornness
• -τράχηλος specifies the neck, creating the metaphor

Translation Options:

• Stiff-necked – preserving biblical imagery
• Stubborn – emphasizing the character trait
• Obstinate – focusing on willful resistance

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀπειθής (apeithēs, a-pay-THACE) – See G545: Disobedient
• σκληροκαρδία (sklērokardia, sklay-ro-kar-DEE-ah) – See G4641: Hardness of heart
• ἀνυπότακτος (anypotaktos, an-u-PO-tak-tos) – See G506: Unruly

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:
Masculine: σκληροτράχηλος
Feminine: σκληροτράχηλη
Neuter: σκληροτράχηλον

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its derivation from Hebrew usage. Thayer’s notes its agricultural origins. LSJ documents limited classical usage. Vine’s highlights its appearance in Stephen’s speech. Moulton and Milligan note its rarity outside biblical contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 7:51: “You [stiff-necked] [σκληροτράχηλος] people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!”

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σκληροτράχηλος powerfully illustrates human resistance to divine authority. Yet the good news of King Jesus includes the promise of a new heart and spirit, capable of yielding to His gentle yoke and finding rest for our souls.

D – Did You Know?

• Translates a common Hebrew phrase in the Old Testament
• Used only once in the New Testament, in Stephen’s martyrdom speech
• Forms part of early Christian teaching about submission to God

Strong’s G4644: A compound adjective meaning “stiff-necked,” combining “hard” (sklēros) and “neck” (trachēlos). Used metaphorically to describe stubborn resistance to God’s will. Specifically echoes Old Testament language about Israel’s rebelliousness, emphasizing willful disobedience.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: stubbornness, rebellion, resistance, stephen, holy-spirit, israel, disobedience, metaphor, agricultural-imagery, submission, pride, martyrdom​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​