Exodus 10:11

KJV

Not so: go now ye [that are] men, and serve the LORD; for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence.

KJV (with Strong's)

Not so: go {H3212} now ye that are men {H1397}, and serve {H5647} the LORD {H3068}; for that ye did desire {H1245}. And they were driven out {H1644} from Pharaoh's {H6547} presence {H6440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Nothing doing! Just the men among you may go and worship ADONAI. That's what you want, isn't it?"And they were driven out of Pharaoh's presence.

Berean Standard Bible

No, only the men may go and worship the LORD, since that is what you have been requesting.” And Moses and Aaron were driven from Pharaoh’s presence.

American Standard Version

Not so: go now ye that are men, and serve Jehovah; for that is what ye desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 10:11 marks a pivotal moment in the escalating conflict between Pharaoh and Moses, where Pharaoh, in a desperate attempt to retain control, offers a final, manipulative compromise: only the Israelite men may depart to worship the Lord. Moses's immediate and unequivocal rejection of this partial concession, followed by their forceful expulsion from Pharaoh's presence, powerfully underscores God's demand for complete and uncompromised obedience, signaling the imminent and decisive judgments yet to fall upon Egypt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the dramatic sequence of the ten plagues, specifically following the devastating eighth plague of locusts. The narrative tension has been steadily building, with Pharaoh's heart progressively hardening despite the increasing destruction wrought upon Egypt. Prior to this verse, Pharaoh's own advisors, overwhelmed by the plagues' impact, implore him to release Israel, declaring, "Do you not yet know that Egypt is ruined?" ([Exodus 10:7](/exodus/10-7 "Pharaoh's servants urge him to let Israel go")). In response, Pharaoh summons Moses and Aaron, offering a deceptive compromise: only the men may go to worship Yahweh ([Exodus 10:8](/exodus/10-8 "Pharaoh's partial offer")). Moses, however, remains unyielding, insisting that the entire community—men, women, children, and all their livestock—must depart, as commanded by God ([Exodus 10:9](/exodus/10-9 "Moses insists on the whole community leaving")). Exodus 10:11 records Pharaoh's furious reaction to this non-negotiable stance, culminating in the immediate and violent expulsion of Moses and Aaron, setting the stage for the climactic ninth plague of darkness ([Exodus 10:21-23](/exodus/10-21-23 "The Plague of Darkness")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, the pharaoh was considered a divine king, holding absolute dominion over his land and its inhabitants. The concept of a large, productive workforce, like the Israelites, leaving en masse would have been an economic catastrophe, threatening the very fabric of Egyptian society and the pharaoh's power. Pharaoh's offer to allow only the "men" to leave was a calculated, self-serving strategy. By keeping the women, children, and livestock, he would retain a significant portion of his labor force and, crucially, hold collateral to ensure the men's return. This manipulative tactic was designed to maintain his oppressive grip while appearing to concede. Furthermore, ancient Near Eastern religious practices, particularly major festivals and pilgrimages, often involved entire families and communities, sometimes requiring travel to sacred sites. Pharaoh's attempt to limit Israelite worship to men alone was not only a logistical control mechanism but also a profound misrepresentation or deliberate distortion of Israelite worship, which was inherently communal, holistic, and involved all generations and possessions.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 10:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus. It highlights the **Sovereignty of God** over all earthly rulers, as Yahweh's will cannot be thwarted by Pharaoh's stubbornness or manipulative tactics. The escalating confrontation underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment** against those who resist God's authority, demonstrating that resistance only brings greater devastation. The verse also emphasizes the **Nature of True Freedom**, illustrating that it is not a partial concession granted by an oppressor but a complete release into God's service, encompassing every aspect of life. This contrasts sharply with Pharaoh's counterfeit freedom, which sought to maintain a form of bondage. Moreover, it reinforces the theme of **God's Demand for Total Obedience and Worship**, revealing that God accepts no compromise in the devotion of His people, a principle foundational to the covenant relationship established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "The Covenant at Mount Sinai"). The narrative of Pharaoh's hardening heart, evident in his refusal to fully release Israel, is a recurring motif throughout [Exodus 7-14](/exodus/7-14 "The Plagues and the Exodus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 10:11 succinctly captures the climax of Pharaoh's attempted compromise and Moses's steadfast refusal, highlighting the irreconcilable wills of God and Pharaoh.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **men (Hebrew, _geber'_):** This term (H1397) properly refers to a valiant man or warrior, but generally denotes a person simply, often with an emphasis on strength or capability. In this context, Pharaoh's specific mention of "men" highlights his strategic intent to allow only the able-bodied male workforce to leave, while retaining the women, children, and livestock as leverage, thereby preserving his economic interests and ensuring the men's eventual return.
* **serve (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** This primitive root (H5647) means "to work" in any sense, but by implication, "to serve," "to till," or "to enslave." Here, it refers to the Israelites' purpose in departing: "to serve the LORD" (H3068). This word choice underscores the fundamental conflict: Pharaoh demands Israel serve him in bondage, while God demands they be released to serve Him in freedom. The true nature of their "service" is at stake.
* **driven out (Hebrew, _gârash'_):** This primitive root (H1644) signifies "to drive out from a possession," "to expel forcefully," or "to cast out." It is a strong verb indicating a violent, non-consensual expulsion. The use of this word vividly portrays Pharaoh's rage and frustration at Moses's unwavering stance, signifying that the time for negotiation is over and that the relationship has deteriorated to outright hostility, with Moses and Aaron being forcibly ejected from the royal presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Not so:"** This concise opening, *Lo ken* (לֹא כֵן) in Hebrew, functions as a powerful and emphatic negation. It is Moses's firm, non-negotiable rejection of Pharaoh's partial offer. It conveys "absolutely not," "not in this manner," or "this is entirely unacceptable," signaling that God's terms are absolute and non-negotiable, leaving no room for further compromise.
* **"go now ye [that are] men, and serve the LORD; for that ye did desire."** This clause represents Pharaoh's final, desperate attempt at a manipulative compromise. By specifying only "men" (geber, H1397), he aims to retain the women, children, and livestock as collateral, ensuring the men's return and preserving his valuable labor force. The phrase "for that ye did desire" is Pharaoh's sarcastic or manipulative jab, twisting Moses's consistent demand for the entire community's departure into a limited "wish" that he is grudgingly granting. This reveals Pharaoh's continued hardened heart and his unwillingness to acknowledge or submit to Yahweh's comprehensive authority. His offer is a counterfeit freedom, designed to maintain his oppressive grip.
* **"And they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence."** The Hebrew verb *gârash* (H1644), translated "driven out," denotes a forceful, angry expulsion rather than a polite dismissal. Pharaoh, enraged by Moses's unwavering refusal to compromise on God's terms, physically ejects Moses and Aaron from his court. This dramatic and hostile exit underscores the profound chasm between Pharaoh's will and God's, signaling that the period of negotiation is definitively over and that divine judgment is now imminent. It also highlights Pharaoh's escalating frustration and his utter inability to control God's messengers.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Dramatic Irony**, as Pharaoh believes he is still in control, offering a "compromise" that is utterly unacceptable to God, while the audience knows his resistance will only lead to greater ruin. The **Direct Speech** of both Pharaoh and Moses heightens the tension, making the confrontation immediate and impactful. The abruptness of "Not so" followed by the forceful "driven out" creates a sense of **Climax** in this particular negotiation, propelling the narrative towards the next phase of divine judgment. The contrast between Pharaoh's limited, self-serving offer and Moses's uncompromising adherence to God's total demand serves as a powerful **Antithesis**, emphasizing the irreconcilable nature of their wills.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 10:11 profoundly illustrates several core theological truths that resonate throughout biblical history and into the New Testament. It underscores God's unwavering demand for complete surrender and devotion, revealing that He does not accept partial obedience or compromised worship. For Israel to truly "serve the LORD," it required the entire community, with all their possessions, to be fully liberated from Egyptian bondage. This holistic demand prefigures the New Covenant call to worship God "in spirit and truth," involving every aspect of one's being. Furthermore, the verse highlights the nature of true freedom, which is not a partial concession granted by an oppressor but a complete release into God's service. Pharaoh's offer was a deceptive form of bondage, designed to keep Israel under his control, contrasting sharply with God's comprehensive deliverance that leads His people into a new life of worship and covenant relationship. Finally, Pharaoh's continued resistance and his attempt to dictate terms demonstrate the escalating hardening of his heart, serving as a stark warning against resisting God's call and offering a parallel to those who refuse to acknowledge God's sovereignty.

* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength")
* [Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves of righteousness")
* [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17-18 "God hardens whom he desires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 10:11 challenges us to deeply examine the nature of our own obedience and worship. Like Pharaoh, we are often tempted to offer God only a part of ourselves—perhaps our time, our resources, or our talents—while subtly holding back other areas of our lives, such as our ambitions, relationships, or comfort zones. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that genuine spiritual freedom and true service to the Lord demand total surrender. God desires our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength, not merely a convenient or limited form of devotion that fits within our own parameters. Resisting the temptation to compromise our faith with worldly systems, to limit our commitment when God calls for everything, or to negotiate with God's clear commands is a continuous and vital spiritual battle for every believer. Our freedom in Christ is not partial; neither should our response of worship and obedience be.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life might you be offering God a "partial" commitment, similar to Pharaoh's compromise, rather than full surrender?**
* **How does the demand for "all" of Israel—men, women, children, and livestock—to serve God inform your understanding of corporate worship and the holistic nature of community in faith today?**
* **What practical steps can you identify and commit to taking this week to move from partial obedience to a more complete and unreserved surrender to God's will in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pharaoh keep offering partial compromises instead of just letting them go?**

Answer: Pharaoh's repeated partial compromises (e.g., only the men, leave the livestock, worship nearby) were strategic attempts to minimize his economic loss and maintain control over the Israelite workforce. He viewed the Israelites as valuable state property. By holding the women, children, and livestock, he sought to ensure the men's return, preventing a complete loss of his labor force. His immense pride and a heart progressively hardened by God's judgment also prevented him from fully submitting to God's authority until he was utterly broken. This stubborn resistance is a key theme throughout [Exodus 7-14](/exodus/7-14 "The Plagues and the Exodus").

**What was the significance of Pharaoh insisting only the "men" go to worship?**

Answer: Pharaoh's offer to let only the men go was a calculated, self-serving maneuver. In ancient societies, families and possessions were crucial for a community's survival and identity. By holding the women, children, and livestock, Pharaoh created leverage, guaranteeing the men would return to their families and property, thus ensuring the preservation of his valuable labor force. It also demonstrated his fundamental misunderstanding or deliberate distortion of Israelite worship, which was a communal, family-oriented affair, not just a male ritual. God's command was for *all* His people to be released to worship Him.

**Does the KJV phrase "for that ye did desire" imply Moses was only asking for the men to go?**

Answer: No, the KJV phrase "for that ye did desire" is Pharaoh's sarcastic, manipulative, or even contemptuous interpretation of Moses's request, not an accurate reflection of Moses's actual desire or God's command. Moses had consistently and unequivocally demanded that the entire community—men, women, children, and all their livestock—depart to worship the Lord ([Exodus 10:9](/exodus/10-9 "Moses insists on the whole community leaving")). Pharaoh is twisting Moses's words to make it seem like he is granting a limited favor, while still trying to control the situation and avoid full submission to God's will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 10:11, with its stark refusal of partial obedience and its emphasis on complete liberation for worship, finds profound fulfillment and amplification in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God demanded the complete release of Israel for full and unhindered worship, Christ offers a complete and uncompromised salvation, setting humanity free from a far greater bondage. Pharaoh's offer of partial freedom for Israel mirrors the world's deceptive offers of partial satisfaction or a limited liberation from sin. However, Jesus does not offer a partial rescue or a conditional release. His atoning death on the cross and His glorious resurrection provide a complete and definitive deliverance from the bondage of sin, the curse of the law, and the power of death ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Christ forgave our sins and disarmed the powers")). He does not leave us partially enslaved to our old masters; He sets us entirely free to serve God as new creations. Furthermore, the demand for "all" of Israel to serve the Lord prefigures Jesus's radical call to total discipleship. He summons us to follow Him with our whole being—our heart, soul, mind, and strength ([Matthew 22:37](/matthew/22-37 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart")). There is no room for partial commitment or divided loyalties in the kingdom of God, as Jesus Himself unequivocally states, "No one can serve two masters" ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "You cannot serve both God and money")). Our worship and service to Christ must be unreserved, encompassing every aspect of our lives, just as God demanded of Israel. The ultimate purpose of Israel's deliverance was to worship God fully. This finds its ultimate expression in Christ, who teaches that true worship is not confined to a specific place or a partial group, but is "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth")). Through Christ, all believers, regardless of gender, age, or status, are brought into the new covenant community, empowered by the Holy Spirit to offer their entire lives as a "living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Present your bodies as a living sacrifice")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 10:28

And Pharaoh said unto him, Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in [that] day thou seest my face thou shalt die.

Psalms 119:69

¶ The proud have forged a lie against me: [but] I will keep thy precepts with [my] whole heart.

Exodus 5:4

And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.

Psalms 52:3

Thou lovest evil more than good; [and] lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.

Psalms 52:4

Thou lovest all devouring words, O [thou] deceitful tongue.