1 tc The translation follows the LXX in reading the first person pronoun. The MT, followed by many English versions, has a second person masculine singular pronoun, “your.”
2 tn Heb “hardened his spirit” (so KJV, NASB, NRSV); NIV “made his spirit stubborn.”
3 tn Heb “made his heart obstinate” (so KJV, NASB); NRSV “made his heart defiant.”
4 tn Heb “into your hand.”
5 tn Heb “stiff-necked” (so KJV, NAB, NIV).
sn The Hebrew word translated stubborn means “stiff-necked.” The image is that of a draft animal that is unsubmissive to the rein or yoke and refuses to bend its neck to draw the load. This is an apt description of OT Israel (Exod 32:9; 33:3, 5; 34:9; Deut 9:13).
6 tc The LXX and Smr read “to the men,” probably to conform to this phrase in v. 21. However, since judicial cases were the responsibility of the elders in such instances (cf. Deut 19:12; 21:3, 6; 25:7-8) the reading of the MT is likely original and correct here.
7 tn Heb “he”; the referent (the subject of the warning in v. 18) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
8 tn Heb “in his heart.”
9 tn Or “invokes a blessing on himself.” A formalized word of blessing is in view, the content of which appears later in the verse.
10 tn Heb “heart.”
11 tn Heb “thus destroying.” For stylistic reasons the translation begins a new sentence here.
12 tn Heb “the watered with the parched.” The word “ground” is implied. The exact meaning of the phrase is uncertain although it appears to be figurative. This appears to be a proverbial observation employing a figure of speech (a merism) suggesting totality. That is, the Israelite who violates the letter and even spirit of the covenant will harm not only himself but everything he touches – “the watered and the parched.” Cf. CEV “you will cause the rest of Israel to be punished along with you.”