12 Bible Verses About Stubbornness

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
Published on:

Bible verses about stubbornness

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about stubbornness:

1. 1 Samuel 15:23 – “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.”
2. Proverbs 29:1 – “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”
3. Deuteronomy 9:27 – “Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin.”
4. Exodus 32:9 – “And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people.”
5. Nehemiah 9:16-17 – “But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, 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.”
6. Jeremiah 7:26 – “Yet they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck: they did worse than their fathers.”

7. Psalm 81:11-12 – “But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust: and they walked in their own counsels.”
8. Acts 7:51 – “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.”
9. Romans 2:5 – “But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.”
10. Zechariah 7:11-12 – “But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts.”
11. Hebrews 3:13 – “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”
12. 2 Chronicles 30:8 – “Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the Lord, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the Lord your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.”

What does the bible say about stubbornness?

The Bible warns against stubbornness, describing it as a negative trait that can lead to disobedience and rebellion against God.

It emphasizes the importance of humility, openness to correction, and willingness to follow God’s guidance.

Stubbornness is seen as a barrier to spiritual growth and can hinder one’s relationship with God and others.

The Bible encourages individuals to seek wisdom, listen to counsel, and be willing to change and grow in faith.

Ultimately, the message is that stubbornness can prevent us from fully experiencing God’s love and blessings in our lives.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about stubbornness?

1. Exodus 32: The chapter describes the Israelites’ stubbornness in creating and worshiping the golden calf despite God’s warnings and commandments. This story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of stubbornly following one’s own desires instead of obeying God.

2. 1 Samuel 15: In this chapter, King Saul disobeys God’s command to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions. Saul’s stubbornness and disobedience lead to his downfall and loss of favor with God. This chapter highlights the dangers of stubbornly clinging to one’s own way instead of submitting to God’s will.

3. Acts 7: In this chapter, Stephen confronts the Jewish religious leaders with their stubborn resistance to the message of Jesus Christ. Despite hearing the truth, they refuse to repent and continue to reject Jesus as the Messiah. This chapter illustrates the destructive nature of stubbornness in refusing to accept the truth and change one’s ways.

By studying these chapters, one can gain a deeper understanding of the consequences of stubbornness and the importance of humility, obedience, and submission to God’s will. These stories serve as cautionary examples of the dangers of stubbornly resisting God’s guidance and the need for repentance and obedience.

Ideas and concepts related to stubbornness that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Pride: In the Bible, pride is often associated with stubbornness. Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” When we are prideful, we are less likely to listen to others or admit when we are wrong, leading to stubbornness in our attitudes and actions.

2. Rebellion: The Bible frequently speaks against rebellion, which is closely linked to stubbornness. In 1 Samuel 15:23, Samuel tells King Saul, “For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.” When we rebel against God’s will or authority, we are demonstrating a stubborn refusal to submit and obey.

3. Hard-heartedness: The concept of having a hard heart is also related to stubbornness in the Bible. In Exodus 7:13, Pharaoh’s heart is described as being hardened, leading him to stubbornly refuse to let the Israelites go. When our hearts are hard, we are resistant to change or repentance, displaying stubbornness in our spiritual lives.

4. Stiff-necked: The term “stiff-necked” is used in the Bible to describe those who are stubborn and resistant to God’s guidance. In Deuteronomy 10:16, Moses admonishes the Israelites to “circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer.” When we are stiff-necked, we are unwilling to bend or yield to God’s will, demonstrating stubbornness in our relationship with Him.

Overall, these related concepts in the Bible emphasize the dangers of stubbornness and the importance of humility, obedience, and openness to God’s leading in our lives. Stubbornness can hinder our spiritual growth and lead us away from God’s best for us, making it essential to cultivate a humble and teachable spirit.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.