Psalm 75 5

Psalm 75:5 kjv

Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck.

Psalm 75:5 nkjv

Do not lift up your horn on high; Do not speak with a stiff neck.' "

Psalm 75:5 niv

Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak so defiantly.'?"

Psalm 75:5 esv

do not lift up your horn on high, or speak with haughty neck.'"

Psalm 75:5 nlt

Don't raise your fists in defiance at the heavens
or speak with such arrogance.'"

Psalm 75 verses

Psalm 75 5 Meaning

Psalm 75:5 issues a powerful twofold command, urging individuals, particularly those in positions of power or influence, against the displays of arrogant self-exaltation. The first admonition, "Lift not up your horn on high," warns against expressing pride, asserting self-derived strength, or boasting in one's own power. The second, "speak not with a stiff neck," condemns haughty, unyielding, and rebellious speech that defies authority, especially God's divine sovereignty. In essence, it is a call for humility, acknowledging God as the ultimate arbiter of judgment and promotion.

Psalm 75 5 Context

Psalm 75 is a psalm of Asaph, positioned in the middle of a divine announcement of judgment and governance. The psalm opens with thanksgiving to God, who is near and performs wonders (v. 1). It then shifts to God speaking, asserting His ultimate authority over justice and judgment (v. 2-3). God proclaims that even when the earth and its inhabitants melt away, He is the one who establishes its pillars. The warning in verse 5 is directed specifically at the wicked or arrogant rulers/individuals addressed in the preceding verse: "I said to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn’" (v. 4). The broader context emphasizes that exaltation comes not from human arrogance or self-assertion, but from God alone (v. 7). The psalm serves as a declaration of God's universal sovereignty and impending righteous judgment, asserting that the wicked will be punished and the righteous upheld.

Psalm 75 5 Word analysis

• Lift not up (אַל תָּרִימוּ - al tarimu): This is a strong, imperative prohibition. The use of "al" (do not) followed by a verb in the imperfect suggests a perpetual or repeated prohibition, an attitude to be consistently avoided, not just a single act. It implies a conscious, deliberate avoidance of arrogance.

• your horn (קַרְנְכֶם - qarnakhem): The "horn" is a potent symbol in biblical and ancient Near Eastern literature. Literally, it refers to the horn of an animal (e.g., bull or wild ox), a symbol of immense strength, power, and ferocity. Metaphorically, it signifies power, might, dignity, honor, kingship, or influence. To "lift up the horn" means to boast, to show off one's strength or status, to behave arrogantly, or to assert one's dominion proudly and defiantly, especially against higher authority. In a positive sense, God is said to "exalt the horn" of His people or chosen king (1 Sam 2:1, Psa 92:10), meaning to grant them strength and honor. Here, however, the human act of self-exaltation by lifting the horn is condemned as a usurpation of God's prerogative.

• on high (מָרוֹם - marom): This word signifies "height," "loftiness," or "high place." Lifting the horn on high intensifies the imagery of audacious and conspicuous pride. It speaks to a public display of one's supposed greatness, attempting to elevate oneself above others, perhaps even to challenge God's supreme position in the heavens (Isaiah 14:13-14 illustrates this hubris). It indicates an overt, unbridled manifestation of pride.

• speak not (אַל תְּדַבְּרוּ - al t'dabru): Another direct prohibition, similar in force to "lift not up." This targets the realm of speech, highlighting that inner arrogance often manifests outwardly through proud or defiant words. God condemns not just actions but also the verbal expression of haughtiness.

• with a stiff neck (בְּצַוָּאר עָרֶף / מִגְבָּה - b'tsavar `areph / migbah): The phrase "stiff neck" (often translated as "stubborn neck" or "haughty neck" in other versions) is a deeply rooted Hebrew idiom.

  • צַוָּאר (tsavar) means "neck."
  • עָרֶף (`areph) refers to the "nape of the neck" or the "back of the neck," implying an unyielding posture where one refuses to bow or submit.
  • Other renderings derive from migbah (proud, lofty, haughty).This metaphor is commonly used throughout the Old Testament to describe unyielding obstinacy, stubbornness, rebellion, and a refusal to submit to God's authority or His laws (Ex 32:9; Deut 9:13; Neh 9:16). A "stiff neck" posture signifies inflexibility and defiance, particularly against divine commands or counsel. To "speak with a stiff neck" means to utter proud, defiant, rebellious words that are rooted in an unyielding and disobedient spirit. This speaks of the audacity of speech that matches the audacity of prideful action.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Lift not up your horn on high": This phrase captures the imagery of outward action and self-exaltation. It warns against a proud demeanor, boastful display of power, and audacious self-promotion. It encompasses a general attitude of arrogant confidence in one's own capabilities, without deference to God.
  • "speak not with a stiff neck": This phrase focuses on verbal expression and inner stubbornness. It targets the haughty, defiant, and unyielding words that betray an insolent spirit. It emphasizes that pride manifests not only in actions but also through direct challenges and rebellions expressed in speech against divine or proper human authority. The two phrases together cover both the non-verbal and verbal expressions of arrogance, presenting a comprehensive warning against prideful rebellion.

Psalm 75 5 Bonus section

This verse carries a prophetic resonance, particularly in light of various empires and rulers depicted throughout biblical prophecy, whose pride and "lofty horns" led to their downfall. From the oppressive horns in Daniel's visions to the kings of the earth who set themselves against the Lord (Psalm 2:2), Psalm 75:5 provides a timeless warning applicable to every age. It also implies a polemic against ancient Near Eastern deification of rulers, where kings often claimed divine authority or attributes. This psalm unequivocally asserts that God alone is the judge; He controls all destiny and dignity, stripping any human being or entity of the right to claim such power for themselves. The "stiff neck" idiom highlights a particularly destructive form of rebellion: it’s not just an occasional stumble, but a sustained, unyielding attitude of non-submission.

Psalm 75 5 Commentary

Psalm 75:5 serves as a profound warning against all forms of human arrogance and self-assertion that ignore or defy God's ultimate authority. The imagery of "lifting the horn on high" directly confronts the tendency to boast in one's own power or achievements, reminding us that true strength and exaltation come only from the Almighty. This speaks to the leader who assumes personal power, the wealthy who trusts in riches, or any individual who takes credit for blessings as if self-generated. Likewise, "speaking with a stiff neck" targets the stubborn and rebellious heart that refuses to submit to divine wisdom or just authority. Such defiant speech exposes a spiritual insubordination. The verse is a powerful antidote to human hubris, declaring that pride is both a futile and offensive posture before the God who alone brings down and lifts up. It implores all people to live in humility, recognizing that our status and very existence are held firmly within the palm of God's righteous hand.

For practical usage, consider:

• A leader should avoid boastful rhetoric and humbly serve, acknowledging God as the true sovereign.
• When receiving praise, attribute glory to God rather than indulging in self-aggrandizement.
• In times of success, maintain a posture of gratitude and dependence on the Lord, not one of self-made confidence.