Topical Bible: Necks

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Bible, the term "neck" is often used both literally and metaphorically, symbolizing various aspects of human experience and spiritual truths. The neck, as a part of the human body, is frequently mentioned in Scripture, reflecting its importance in both physical and symbolic contexts.

Literal References:

1. Physical Vulnerability and Strength: The neck is often depicted as a symbol of strength and vulnerability. In Genesis 27:40, Isaac tells Esau, "But when you grow restless, you will throw his yoke from off your neck." Here, the neck represents a place of burden and subjugation, highlighting its role in bearing loads or yokes.

2. Adornment and Beauty: The neck is also associated with beauty and adornment. In Song of Solomon 1:10, the beloved is praised: "Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels." This imagery underscores the neck as a place for displaying beauty and elegance.

Metaphorical and Symbolic Uses:

1. Stubbornness and Rebellion: The Bible frequently uses the term "stiff-necked" to describe stubbornness and rebellion against God. In Exodus 32:9, the Lord says to Moses, "I have seen this people, and indeed, it is a stiff-necked people." This metaphor illustrates the Israelites' resistance to divine guidance and their inclination toward disobedience.

2. Submission and Humility: Conversely, the neck can symbolize submission and humility. In Jeremiah 27:12, the prophet instructs the people to "bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him and his people, and you will live." Here, the act of placing one's neck under a yoke signifies acceptance of God's will and the necessity of submission to His ordained authority.

3. Deliverance and Freedom: The removal of a yoke from the neck is a powerful image of deliverance and freedom. In Isaiah 10:27, it is prophesied, "In that day his burden will be lifted from your shoulders, and his yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken because of the fatness." This passage speaks to God's intervention and the liberation of His people from oppression.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the neck was often associated with life and vitality, as it connects the head to the body and is essential for movement and communication. The biblical use of the neck as a symbol reflects these cultural understandings, emphasizing its role in expressing both physical and spiritual states.

Conclusion:

The biblical references to necks encompass a wide range of meanings, from physical descriptions to profound spiritual metaphors. Whether illustrating beauty, submission, rebellion, or deliverance, the neck serves as a powerful symbol in Scripture, reflecting the complex relationship between humanity and the divine.

Greek

5137. trachelos -- the neck
... the neck. Word Origin probably from trachus Definition the neck NASB Word
Usage embraced* (2), neck (4), necks (1). neck. Probably ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5137.htm - 6k

2218. zugos -- a yoke
... burden, pair of scales Definition: a yoke; hence met: (a Jewish idea) of a heavy
burden, comparable to the heavy yokes resting on the bullocks' necks; a balance ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2218.htm - 7k

Strong's Hebrew

6203. oreph -- back of the neck, neck
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition back of the neck, neck NASB Word Usage
back (5), backs (5), became stubborn* (2), neck (11), necks (2), obstinate* (4 ...
/hebrew/6203.htm - 6k

6677. tsavvar -- neck, back of neck
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition neck, back of neck NASB Word Usage headlong
(1), neck (30), necks (8), pride (1), support* (1). neck. ...
/hebrew/6677.htm - 6k

Library

Now Let the Proud and Swelling Necks of the Heretics Raise ...
... Book II. Chapter 3. " 4. Now let the proud and swelling necks of the
heretics raise themselves? "4. Now let the proud and ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 3 4 now.htm

Psalm CXXIX.
... 7. "The righteous Lord shall hew the necks of the sinners" (ver.4)....Which of us
doth not fix his eyes upon the earth, like the Publican, and say, "Lord, be ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxix.htm

The Highway of Holiness
... The stiff neck began in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve, who had always bowed
their heads in surrender to God's will, stiffened their necks, struck out ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hession/the calvary road/chapter 4 the highway of.htm

Argument: Christians Abstain from Things Connected with Idol ...
... the Colour and Scent of Flowers, for They are Accustomed to Use Them Scattered About
Loosely and Negligently, as Well as to Entwine Their Necks with Garlands ...
/.../chapter xxxviii argument christians abstain from.htm

How the People that were in the Fortress were Prevailed on by the ...
... all the rest; every one of whom laid himself down by his wife and children on the
ground, and threw his arms about them, and they offered their necks to the ...
/.../chapter 9 how the people.htm

Epistle Lxxiv. To Gennadius, Patrician and Exarch of Africa.
... For we have learnt that they are lifting up their necks against the Catholic Church,
the Lord being opposed to them, and desire to pervert the faith of the ...
/.../epistle lxxiv to gennadius patrician.htm

The Life of Mr. John Davidson.
... done, he turned to his brethren and said, "Now let me tell you what reward you shall
have for your lenity, these two men shall trample on your necks, and on ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 3.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... the centuries which elapsed between the destruction of David's kingdom and the coming
of Christ"was the promise, "Thy hand shall be in the necks of thine ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

Priscilla and Aquila
... ROMANS PRISCILLA AND AQUILA. 'Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus;
4. (Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/priscilla and aquila.htm

The Charm
... The woman of the house and her daughter had similar bags tied to their necks,
containing charms, which they said prevented the witches having power to harm them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/borrow/letters of george borrow/the charm.htm

Thesaurus

Necks (28 Occurrences)
...Necks (28 Occurrences). ... Romans 16:4 who for my life, laid down their own necks; to
whom not only I give thanks, but also all the assemblies of the Gentiles. ...
/n/necks.htm - 15k

Stiff (23 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 9:16 But they and our fathers, in their pride, made their necks
stiff, and gave no attention to your orders, (BBE RSV NIV). ...
/s/stiff.htm - 14k

Ornaments (50 Occurrences)
... And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments
that were on their camels' necks. (KJV BBE WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/o/ornaments.htm - 22k

Neck (97 Occurrences)
... Threatenings of coming judgments are represented by the prophets by their laying
bands upon the people's necks (Deuteronomy 28:48; Isaiah 10:27; Jeremiah 27:2 ...
/n/neck.htm - 45k

Bell (3 Occurrences)
... The "bells of the horses" mentioned by Zechariah (14:20) were attached to the bridles
or belts round the necks of horses trained for war, so as to accustom ...
/b/bell.htm - 10k

Commanders (93 Occurrences)
... that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the chiefs of the men
of war that went with him: 'Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these ...
/c/commanders.htm - 36k

Chain (21 Occurrences)
... (2.) It was used as an ornament (Proverbs 1:9; Cant. 1:10). The Midianites adorned
the necks of their camels with chains (Judges 8:21, 26). ...
/c/chain.htm - 18k

Crescents (3 Occurrences)
... and fall on us; for as the man is, so is his strength." Gideon arose, and killed
Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescents that were on their camels' necks. ...
/c/crescents.htm - 7k

Stiffened (7 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 9:16 But they and our fathers, in their pride, made their necks
stiff, and gave no attention to your orders, (See RSV). ...
/s/stiffened.htm - 8k

Captains (159 Occurrences)
... Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of
war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these ...
/c/captains.htm - 42k

Resources

What does yoke mean in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Should a Christian wear religious jewelry, such as a crucifix? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about vampires? | GotQuestions.org

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Concordance

Necks (28 Occurrences)

Acts 15:10
Now, therefore, why try an experiment upon God, by laying on the necks of these disciples a yoke which neither our forefathers nor we have been able to bear?
(WEY NIV)

Romans 16:4
who for my life, laid down their own necks; to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the assemblies of the Gentiles.
(WEB KJV ASV BBE WBS NAS RSV)

Joshua 10:24
It happened, when they brought those kings out to Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the chiefs of the men of war who went with him, "Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings." They came near, and put their feet on their necks.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Judges 5:30
'Have they not found, have they not divided the spoil? A lady, two ladies to every man; to Sisera a spoil of dyed garments, a spoil of dyed garments embroidered, of dyed garments embroidered on both sides, on the necks of the spoil?'
(WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT)

Judges 8:21
Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, "Rise and fall on us; for as the man is, so is his strength." Gideon arose, and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescents that were on their camels' necks.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Judges 8:26
The weight of the golden earrings that he requested was one thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold, besides the crescents, and the pendants, and the purple clothing that was on the kings of Midian, and besides the chains that were about their camels' necks.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Samuel 22:41
Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me.
(KJV WBS)

2 Kings 17:14
Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.
(KJV DBY WBS)

2 Chronicles 30:8
Now, harden not your necks, as your fathers; yield yourselves to Jehovah, and come to his sanctuary, which he has sanctified for ever; and serve Jehovah your God, that the fierceness of his anger may turn away from you.
(DBY)

Nehemiah 3:5
Next to them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles didn't put their necks to the work of their lord.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS RSV)

Nehemiah 9:16
But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,
(KJV BBE WBS)

Nehemiah 9:17
And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.
(KJV BBE WBS)

Nehemiah 9:29
And gave witness against them so that you might make them come back again to your law: but their hearts were lifted up, and they gave no attention to your orders and went against your decisions (which, if a man keeps them, will be life to him), and turning their backs on you, made their necks stiff and did not give ear.
(BBE)

Psalms 18:40
Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.
(KJV WBS)

Psalms 75:5
Let not your horn be lifted up: let no more words of pride come from your outstretched necks.
(BBE)

Isaiah 3:15
By what right are you crushing my people, and putting a bitter yoke on the necks of the poor? This is the word of the Lord, the Lord of armies.
(BBE)

Isaiah 3:16
Moreover Yahweh said, "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes, walking to trip as they go, jingling ornaments on their feet;
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS RSV NIV)

Jeremiah 7:26
But still they took no note and would not give ear, but they made their necks stiff, doing worse than their fathers.
(BBE)

Jeremiah 17:23
But they gave no attention and would not give ear, but they made their necks stiff so that they might not give ear and might not get teaching.
(BBE NAS)

Jeremiah 19:15
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words.
(KJV BBE DBY WBS NAS)

Jeremiah 27:12
I spoke to Zedekiah king of Judah according to all these words, saying, Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Jeremiah 28:11
And before all the people Hananiah said, The Lord has said, Even so will I let the yoke of the king of Babylon be broken off the necks of all the nations in the space of two years. Then the prophet Jeremiah went away.
(BBE)

Jeremiah 28:14
For the Lord of armies, the God of Israel, has said: I have put a yoke of iron on the necks of all these nations, making them servants to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon; and they are to be his servants: and in addition I have given him the beasts of the field.
(BBE NIV)

Jeremiah 30:8
And it hath come to pass, in that day, An affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts, I break his yoke from off thy neck, And thy bands I draw away, And lay no more service on him do strangers.
(See NIV)

Lamentations 5:5
Our pursuers are on our necks: We are weary, and have no rest.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Ezekiel 21:29
while they see for you false visions, while they divine lies to you, to lay you on the necks of the wicked who are deadly wounded, whose day is come in the time of the iniquity of the end.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Hosea 11:4
I drew them with cords of a man, with ties of love; and I was to them like those who lift up the yoke on their necks; and I bent down to him and I fed him.
(WEB)

Micah 2:3
Therefore thus says Yahweh: "Behold, I am planning against these people a disaster, from which you will not remove your necks, neither will you walk haughtily; for it is an evil time.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Subtopics

Necks

Related Terms

Pharaoh-neco (1 Occurrence)

Pharaohnecoh

Pharaoh-necoh (3 Occurrences)

Engage (20 Occurrences)

Josi'ah (50 Occurrences)

Euphra'tes (33 Occurrences)

Necks (28 Occurrences)

Armor (53 Occurrences)

Arms (166 Occurrences)