The Bible uses the word a number of times in different books in the sense of stubborn or obstinate, both of which are substituted for it in some books.

This is typical:

The Lord said to Moses, “I see this is a stiffnecked people. Now let Me be, that my anger may blaze forth against them and that I may destroy them...” (Exodus, 32: 9, 10)

Plus ça change, plus c'est la meme chose.