Exodus 10:17

KJV

Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the LORD your God, that he may take away from me this death only.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore forgive {H5375}, I pray thee, my sin {H2403} only this once {H6471}, and intreat {H6279} the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}, that he may take away {H5493} from me this death {H4194} only.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now, therefore, please forgive my sin just this once; and intercede with ADONAI your God, so that he will at least take away from me this deadly plague!"

Berean Standard Bible

Now please forgive my sin once more and appeal to the LORD your God, that He may remove this death from me.”

American Standard Version

Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and entreat Jehovah your God, that he may take away from me this death only.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 10:17 records Pharaoh's desperate, yet profoundly superficial, plea to Moses and Aaron for the cessation of the devastating locust plague. His request, "Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the LORD your God, that he may take away from me this death only," reveals a confession born purely out of immediate crisis and a desire for relief from suffering, rather than genuine repentance or a humble submission to the LORD's supreme authority. This moment starkly illustrates the critical distinction between worldly sorrow, which laments consequences, and true contrition, which grieves over sin itself and leads to a changed heart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within the escalating narrative of the plagues, specifically following the unprecedented and utterly destructive locust plague, which has consumed every green thing left in Egypt after the preceding hail ([Exodus 10:1-16 "The Plague of Locusts"]). Pharaoh's words here are a direct, coerced response to the overwhelming devastation, a momentary crack in his hardened resolve under immense divine pressure. The phrase "only this once" foreshadows his immediate return to defiance. Significantly, the LORD removes the locusts immediately after this plea, but Pharaoh's heart is again hardened, setting the stage for the ninth plague, the three days of impenetrable darkness ([Exodus 10:21-23 "The Plague of Darkness"]). This pattern of temporary submission followed by renewed obstinacy is a recurring literary motif throughout the plague accounts, emphasizing God's patience and Pharaoh's unyielding rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, Pharaoh was revered as a divine king, the living embodiment of the god Horus, and the maintainer of cosmic order (Ma'at). The plagues, therefore, were not merely natural disasters but direct, escalating assaults on Pharaoh's divine authority, the efficacy of Egypt's gods, and the very fabric of their worldview. Each plague systematically dismantled the Egyptians' religious and societal structures, demonstrating the LORD's absolute sovereignty over creation and all other deities ([Exodus 7:4 "God's Purpose for the Plagues"]). Pharaoh's acknowledgment of "my sin" and his plea to "the LORD your God" represents a monumental, albeit fleeting, concession of Yahweh's power over his own perceived divinity and the gods of Egypt. His concern for "this death" reflects the existential threat posed to Egypt's agricultural economy, which was the lifeblood of the nation, making the locusts' destruction a truly catastrophic event.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 10:17 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes woven throughout the book of Exodus. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **divine sovereignty** versus human rebellion, showcasing God's persistent and overwhelming power to achieve His purposes despite the most stubborn resistance. It also highlights the critical theme of **true versus false repentance**, providing a stark example of a confession driven by crisis rather than genuine contrition, a theme echoed in later biblical wisdom literature ([Proverbs 28:13 "Confession and Forsaking Sin"]). Furthermore, the verse implicitly touches upon the theme of **intercession**, as Pharaoh appeals to Moses to "intreat the LORD your God," underscoring the vital role of God's chosen mediators in His redemptive plan. The escalating nature of the plagues, culminating in Pharaoh's desperate plea, also emphasizes God's **justice** and His unwavering commitment to liberate His people, even if it requires severe judgment upon their oppressors, as seen in the broader narrative of God's covenant faithfulness to Israel ([Exodus 6:6-8 "God's Covenant with Israel"]).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sin (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** From H2403, this term refers to an offense, habitual sinfulness, its penalty, or even a sacrifice for expiation. In Pharaoh's mouth, "my sin" (חַטָּאתִי, _chaṭṭâʼthî_) is an acknowledgment of wrongdoing, but its context and his subsequent actions reveal it to be a pragmatic admission of guilt for the purpose of immediate relief rather than a deep, heartfelt contrition or a desire for moral transformation. It signifies the consequence of his defiance more than a personal conviction of moral failure against God.
* **forgive (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** From H5375, this primitive root means "to lift" or "to bear," with a wide range of applications including "to accept," "to pardon," or "to take away." When Pharaoh asks Moses to "forgive" his sin, he is essentially asking for the burden or consequence of his sin to be lifted or removed. This highlights his desire for the cessation of the plague's effects rather than a true spiritual cleansing or reconciliation with the LORD. His focus is on the removal of the immediate punitive consequence.
* **death (Hebrew, _mâveth'_):** From H4194, this word denotes death (natural or violent), the dead, their place or state, or figuratively, pestilence or ruin. In this context, "this death" (הַמָּוֶת הַזֶּה, _hammaweth hazzeh_) refers to the catastrophic, life-threatening impact of the locust plague on Egypt's agricultural economy and food supply. The complete destruction of all vegetation felt like a "death blow" to the nation's ability to sustain itself, leading to widespread famine and ruin, rather than a literal threat to Pharaoh's personal life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once,"** Under the immense and immediate pressure of the devastating locusts, Pharaoh is compelled to acknowledge that the plagues are a direct consequence of his actions, referring to them as "my sin." However, the crucial qualifier "only this once" immediately undermines any semblance of genuine sincerity. This phrase reveals his request as a transactional plea for a temporary cessation of judgment, not a desire for true reconciliation with God or a lasting commitment to future obedience. It is a desperate attempt to escape present discomfort, not a turning of the heart.
* **"and intreat the LORD your God,"** Pharaoh recognizes Moses' unique and powerful position as an intercessor with the divine power that is afflicting Egypt. Significantly, he still refers to Yahweh as "your God," and not "my God." This distinction is critical, indicating his continued refusal to acknowledge the LORD as his own sovereign or to submit to Him personally. He sees God as a force to be appeased through Moses, rather than a deity to be worshipped and obeyed.
* **"that he may take away from me this death only."** Pharaoh's primary, indeed sole, focus remains entirely on the removal of the immediate consequence—the "death" (devastation, ruin) brought by the locusts. This highlights his self-centered motivation: he wants the pain and destruction to stop, but he shows no inclination to change the behavior or attitude that caused it. His plea is for relief from suffering, not for a transformation of his rebellious heart.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Exodus 10:17 employs several potent literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is prominent, as the reader is fully aware of Pharaoh's hardened heart and God's stated intention to harden it further, rendering Pharaoh's "repentance" a hollow and temporary gesture. This creates tension and underscores the futility of Pharaoh's resistance. The **escalation** of the plagues itself serves as a literary device, building suspense and demonstrating God's persistent and overwhelming power against Pharaoh's equally persistent defiance. Furthermore, the use of **contrast** is evident, pitting Pharaoh's superficial, crisis-driven plea against the genuine, heart-deep repentance that God truly desires, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 10:17 offers profound theological insights into the nature of true repentance, the unwavering justice of God, and His sovereign power over all creation and human will. Pharaoh's desperate plea serves as a classic biblical example of "worldly sorrow," a regret born solely from the painful consequences of sin rather than from a genuine turning from the sin itself. This passage powerfully demonstrates that God's judgment is a potent, persistent force designed not only to punish but also to expose the true condition of the human heart. Despite the clear superficiality of Pharaoh's confession, Moses' role as an intercessor highlights God's willingness to hear the prayers of His chosen servants, even when interceding on behalf of those who defiantly oppose Him.

This critical distinction between superficial confession and genuine repentance is a recurring and vital theme throughout the biblical narrative:
* [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow") explicitly differentiates between "godly sorrow that produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret" and "worldly sorrow that produces death." Pharaoh's experience is a quintessential illustration of the latter, leading only to further hardening and ultimate destruction.
* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Confession and Forsaking Sin") wisely states: "Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy." Pharaoh confessed but did not forsake.
* [Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "God's Kindness Leading to Repentance") reveals that God's kindness is intended to lead humanity to repentance: "Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 10:17 serves as a powerful and convicting mirror for self-examination, compelling us to deeply consider the true nature of our own confessions, prayers, and pleas for forgiveness. Are our appeals to God genuinely motivated by a contrite heart, a desire for a transformed character, and a humble submission to His sovereign will? Or are they, like Pharaoh's, merely crisis-driven attempts to escape uncomfortable consequences, temporary expressions of regret aimed solely at alleviating immediate pain? Pharaoh's tragic example stands as a stark warning against the profound danger of superficial repentance, which, while offering fleeting relief, ultimately fails to bring lasting peace, reconciliation with God, or true spiritual growth. Genuine spiritual maturity demands that we move beyond merely seeking deliverance from "this death"—whether it be financial hardship, relational strife, or personal suffering—and instead embrace a life of radical transformation rooted in humility, consistent obedience, and an abiding love for God. Our prayers should reflect a longing for God Himself, not just His hand of blessing or relief.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we honestly discern if our confession of sin is genuine remorse leading to lasting change, or merely a fleeting desire to escape immediate discomfort or the consequences of our actions?**
* **In what specific areas of our lives might we be exhibiting a "Pharaoh-like" resistance to God's clear will, only seeking Him out of desperation when a crisis hits, rather than in consistent, daily devotion?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the profound importance of cultivating a lifestyle of consistent obedience and humble submission to God, rather than relying on episodic, crisis-induced pleas for mercy?**

### FAQ

**Did Pharaoh truly repent here?**

Answer: No, the biblical narrative strongly indicates that Pharaoh's repentance was superficial and entirely self-serving. His crucial phrase "only this once" (Exodus 10:17) clearly signals a desire for temporary relief from the immediate plague rather than a genuine change of heart or a commitment to obey God's command to let Israel go. Immediately after the locusts are removed, the text explicitly states that "the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let the people of Israel go" ([Exodus 10:20 "Pharaoh's Heart Hardened Again"]), demonstrating that his plea was born of duress and expediency, not true contrition or a desire for reconciliation with the LORD.

**Why did God continue to harden Pharaoh's heart?**

Answer: The biblical text presents a complex interplay where both Pharaoh hardens his own heart through repeated defiance and God sovereignly hardens Pharaoh's heart. God's hardening often follows Pharaoh's initial acts of stubborn resistance, serving a dual purpose: to demonstrate God's absolute power and sovereignty over even the most unyielding human will, and to fully accomplish His redemptive purposes for Israel. This divine action ensures that God's glory is fully revealed through the spectacular display of the plagues and the miraculous exodus, proving His supremacy over all the gods of Egypt ([Exodus 9:16 "God's Purpose in Raising Pharaoh"]). It is a testament to God's control, ensuring His plan unfolds precisely as He intends.

**What does "this death only" refer to?**

Answer: "This death" (Exodus 10:17) refers to the devastating, life-threatening impact of the locust plague on Egypt's food supply and overall economy. The locusts had utterly consumed every remaining green thing in the land, leading to widespread famine and the collapse of the nation's ability to sustain itself. It was a "death blow" to the country's agricultural foundation and its very survival, rather than a literal threat to Pharaoh's personal physical demise. Pharaoh's concern was for the economic ruin and potential starvation of his people, which felt like national death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 10:17, with Pharaoh's crisis-driven and ultimately superficial repentance, stands in profound theological contrast to the call for genuine repentance that lies at the very heart of the gospel message in the New Testament. While Pharaoh desperately sought temporary relief from physical plagues and economic ruin, Jesus Christ offers humanity deliverance from the ultimate "death"—the spiritual death and eternal separation from God that is the just consequence of sin.

Unlike Pharaoh's conditional and self-serving plea, Jesus's earthly ministry began with an urgent and unconditional call to true repentance, a radical turning away from sin and a turning towards God ([Matthew 3:2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand"] and [Mark 1:15 "Repent and Believe the Good News"]). The sorrow that leads to salvation is not merely regret for the painful consequences of sin, but a profound and transformative reorientation of one's entire life, mind, and will towards Christ, embracing His Lordship.

Furthermore, just as Pharaoh begged Moses to "intreat the LORD your God," recognizing Moses' role as a mediator, so too is Jesus Christ the ultimate and perfect intercessor for humanity. Moses, though a powerful mediator, interceded for an often unrepentant people or ruler. Jesus, however, intercedes eternally for all who genuinely turn to God through Him, having offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin on the cross ([Hebrews 7:25 "Jesus Intercedes for Us"] and [Romans 8:34 "Christ Intercedes for Us"]). He does not merely remove the consequences of sin temporarily; through His atoning work, He removes the sin itself, reconciling humanity to a holy God. The "death" Pharaoh feared was temporal and physical; the "death" from which Christ delivers us is eternal and spiritual, offering not just a reprieve from judgment but the promise of abundant and everlasting life in communion with God ([John 10:10 "Life Abundant"] and [Romans 6:23 "The Wages of Sin and Gift of God"]). His victory on the cross is the supreme demonstration of God's power over sin and death, offering true and lasting freedom that Pharaoh could never comprehend or attain.

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 8:8

Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD.

Exodus 9:28

Intreat the LORD (for [it is] enough) that there be no [more] mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.

1 Kings 13:6

And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as [it was] before.

Romans 15:30

¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in [your] prayers to God for me;

2 Kings 4:40

So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O [thou] man of God, [there is] death in the pot. And they could not eat [thereof].

Isaiah 26:16

LORD, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer [when] thy chastening [was] upon them.

1 Samuel 15:25

Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD.