Overview
The Bible addresses obduracy across 20 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Proverbs, Psalms and Hebrews. Closely related themes include Repentance, Impenitence, Punishment and Call of God, the. Figures whose stories touch this theme include David.
Key Bible verses about obduracy
Old Testament
2 Chronicles
And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: by: Heb. by the hand of betimes: that is, continually and carefully
But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy. remedy: Heb. healing
Psalms
Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: provocation: Heb. contention
When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.
Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways:
Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest. that: Heb. if they enter into my rest
Proverbs
Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. He: Heb. A man of reproofs
New Testament
Hebrews
Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Revelation
And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.
People in the Bible and obduracy
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying obduracy for yourself
- Begin with 2 Chronicles 36:15, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Proverbs, Psalms and Hebrews each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of David and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Repentance, Impenitence, Punishment and Call of God, the.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about obduracy?
The Bible addresses obduracy across 20 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Proverbs, Psalms and Hebrews. Closely related themes include Repentance, Impenitence, Punishment and Call of God, the. Figures whose stories touch this theme include David.
How many Bible verses are about obduracy?
The Bible references obduracy in 20 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention obduracy?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is 2 Chronicles 36:15: “And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: by: Heb. by the hand of betimes: that is, continually and carefully”
Which people in the Bible are associated with obduracy?
David.
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