neck Summary and Overview

used sometimes figuratively. To "lay down the neck" (Rom. 16:4) is to hazard one's life. Threatenings of coming judgments are represented by the prophets by their laying bands upon the people's necks (Deut. 28:48; Isa. 10:27; Jer. 27:2). Conquerors put their feet on the necks of their enemies as a sign of their subjection (Josh. 10:24; 2 Sam. 22:41).

"Lay down necks," i.e. risked their lives (Romans 16:4). Psalm 18:40, "Thou hast given ... necks of enemies," i.e. made them turn their backs in flight before me (Keil); so Exodus 23:27, or enabled me to put my foot on their necks, subjecting them utterly to me; as Joshua 10:24; Joshua 11:8; Joshua 11:12; Psalm 110:5. Isaiah 8:8, "he shall overflow, he shall reach even to the neck": when the waters reach the neck a man is near drowning; Sennacherib's overflowing hosts reached so far, but Jerusalem the head was not overflowed (Isaiah 30:28; Habakkuk 3:13). The "stiff neck" is an image from oxen unpliant and casting the "yoke" off the neck (Acts 7:51; Matthew 11:29). Contrast the yoke men must wear who reject Christ's easy yoke (Deuteronomy 28:48).