TRV
Translation
King James Version
But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.
Complete Jewish Bible
But ADONAI made Pharaoh hardhearted, and he didn't let the people of Isra'el go.
Berean Standard Bible
But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.
American Standard Version
But Jehovah hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the children of Israel go.
World English Bible Messianic
But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he didn’t let the children of Israel go.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But the Lord hardened Pharaohs heart, and hee did not let the children of Israel goe.
Young's Literal Translation
and Jehovah strengtheneth the heart of Pharaoh, and he hath not sent the sons of Israel away.
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In the KJVVerse 1,798 of 31,102
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Commentary on Exodus 10 verses 12–20
12 ¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail hath left.
13 And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the LORD brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.
14 And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such.
15 For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt.
16 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you.
17 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.
18 And he went out from Pharaoh, and intreated the LORD.
19 And the LORD turned a mighty strong west wind, which took away the locusts, and cast them into the Red sea; there remained not one locust in all the coasts of Egypt.
20 But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.
Here is, I. The invasion of the land by the locusts - God's great army, Joe 2:11. God bids Moses stretch out his hand (Exo 10:12), to beckon them, as it wee (for they came at a call), and he stretched forth his rod, Exo 10:13. Compare Exo 9:22 23. Moses ascribes it to the stretching out, not of his own hand, but the rod of God, the instituted sign of God's presence with him. The locusts obey the summons, and fly upon the wings of the wind, the east wind, and caterpillars without number, as we are told, Psa 105:34, Psa 105:35. A formidable army of horse and foot might more easily have been resisted than this host of insects. Who then is able to stand before the great God?
II. The desolations they made in it (Exo 10:15): They covered the face of the earth, and ate up the fruit of it. The earth God has given to the children of men; yet, when God pleases, he can disturb their possession and send locusts and caterpillars to force them out. Herbs grow for the service of man; yet, when God pleases, those contemptible insects shall not only be fellow-commoners with him, but shall plunder him, and eat the bread out of his mouth. Let our labour be, not for the habitation and meat which thus lie exposed, but for those which endure to eternal life, which cannot be thus invaded, nor thus corrupted.
III. Pharaoh's admission, hereupon, Exo 10:16, Exo 10:17. He had driven Moses and Aaron from him (Exo 10:11), telling them (it is likely) he would have no more to do with them. But now he calls for them again in all haste, and makes court to them with as much respect as before he had dismissed them with disdain. Note, The day will come when those who set at nought their counsellors, and despise all their reproofs, will be glad to make an interest in them and engage them to intercede on their behalf. The foolish virgins court the wise to give them of their oil; and see Psa 141:6. 1. Pharaoh confesses his fault: I have sinned against the Lord your God, and against you. He now sees his own folly in the slights and affronts he had put on God and his ambassadors, and seems at least, to repent of it. When God convinces men of sin, and humbles them for it, their contempt of God's ministers, and the word of the Lord in their mouths, will certainly come into the account, and lie heavily upon their consciences. Some think that when Pharaoh said, "The Lord your God," he did in effect say, "The Lord shall not be my God." Many treat with God as a potent enemy, whom they are willing not to be at war with, but care not for treating with him as their rightful prince, to whom they are willing to submit with loyal affection. True penitents lament sin as committed against God, even their own God, to whom they stand obliged. 2. He begs pardon, not of God, as penitents ought, but of Moses, which was more excusable in him, because, by a special commission, Moses was made a god to Pharaoh, and whosesoever sins he remitted they were forgiven; when he prays, Forgive this once, he, in effect, promises not to offend in like manner any more, yet seems loth to express that promise, nor does he say any thing particularly of letting the people go. Note, Counterfeit repentance commonly cheats men with general promises and is loth to covenant against particular sins. 3. He entreats Moses and Aaron to pray for him. There are those who, in distress, implore the help of other persons' prayers, but have no mind to pray for themselves, showing thereby that they have no true love to God, nor any delight in communion with him. Pharaoh desires their prayers that this death only might be taken away, not this sin: he deprecates the plague of locusts, not the plague of a hard heart, which yet was much the more dangerous.
IV. The removal of the judgment, upon the prayer of Moses, Exo 10:18, Exo 10:19. This was, 1. As great an instance of the power of God as the judgment itself. An east wind brought the locusts, and now a west wind carried them off. Note, Whatever point of the compass the wind is in, it is fulfilling God's word, and turns about by his counsel. The wind bloweth where it listeth, as it respects any control of ours; not so as it respects the control of God: he directeth it under the whole heaven. 2. It was as great a proof of the authority of Moses, and as firm a ratification of his commission and his interest in that God who both makes peace and creates evil, Isa 45:7. Nay, hereby he not only commanded the respect, but recommended himself to the good affections of the Egyptians, inasmuch as, while the judgment came in obedience to his summons, the removal of it was in answer to his prayers. He never desired the woeful day, though he threatened it. His commission indeed ran against Egypt, but his intercession was for it, which was a good reason why they should love him, though they feared him. 3. It was also as strong an argument for their repentance as the judgment itself; for by this it appeared that God is ready to forgive, and swift to show mercy. If he turn away a particular judgment, as he did often from Pharaoh, or defer it, as in Ahab's case, upon the profession of repentance and the outward tokens of humiliation, what will he do if we be sincere, and how welcome will true penitents be to him! O that this goodness of God might lead us to repentance!
V. Pharaoh's return to his impious resolution again not to let the people go (Exo 10:20), through the righteous hand of God upon him, hardening his heart, and confirming him in his obstinacy. Note, Those that have often baffled their convictions, and stood it out against them, forfeit the benefit of them, and are justly given up to those lusts of their own hearts which (how strong soever their convictions) prove too strong for them.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–20. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 10:20 marks a critical turning point in the plague narrative, where the LORD, through an act of divine sovereignty, confirms and strengthens Pharaoh's already stubborn resolve, preventing him from releasing the Israelites. This verse powerfully underscores God's absolute control over human will and His unwavering commitment to display His glory and accomplish His redemptive purposes, even by orchestrating events through the persistent defiance of His adversaries.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 10:20 presents a concise yet profound statement that is central to understanding the theological dynamics of the Exodus narrative: "But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go."
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
The verse can be broken down into two interconnected clauses, revealing the divine agent and the direct consequence:
Literary Devices
The recurring theme of Pharaoh's heart being hardened, sometimes self-inflicted and sometimes divinely ordained, functions as a powerful motif throughout the Exodus narrative. This repetition of the hardening theme builds dramatic tension, emphasizes the absolute necessity of divine intervention for Israel's liberation, and underscores the futility of human resistance against God's will. Furthermore, the narrative employs irony: Pharaoh's persistent resistance, intended to thwart God's will and maintain his power, ultimately serves to magnify God's power and fulfill His purposes more spectacularly than if Pharaoh had simply complied. The very means by which Pharaoh sought to assert his control became the instrument of his downfall and God's greater glory.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 10:20 profoundly illustrates several core theological truths that resonate throughout biblical theology. It unequivocally asserts God's ultimate Divine Sovereignty over all creation, including the wills of human leaders and the course of history. Even in the face of human rebellion and obstinacy, God remains sovereign, orchestrating events to fulfill His predetermined purposes. This provides immense comfort, assuring believers that God is always in control, even amidst chaos, injustice, or seemingly insurmountable opposition. Moreover, the verse highlights God's Purpose in Judgment: the hardening of Pharaoh's heart was not arbitrary but served a specific divine purpose, namely, to display God's power and glory to Egypt and Israel, and indeed to all nations Exodus 9:16. By prolonging the conflict, God ensured that His mighty acts would be undeniable, leaving no doubt about His identity as the one true God and His unique ability to deliver His people. This deepened Israel's faith and provided a powerful testimony for future generations. Finally, Pharaoh's story serves as a solemn warning, illustrating The Danger of Persistent Rebellion: his consistent refusal to obey God's command led to increasingly severe judgments and, ultimately, to a judicial hardening of his heart, demonstrating that prolonged resistance to God's will can lead to a spiritual callousness that makes repentance increasingly difficult.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 10:20 offers profound insights for believers today, reinforcing the truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and human affairs, including the decisions of powerful leaders and the unfolding of history. This truth can bring immense comfort and assurance, reminding us that God is always in control, even amidst chaos, injustice, or seemingly insurmountable opposition in our personal lives or in the world. We can trust that His purposes will ultimately prevail, whether through human obedience or even despite human resistance, and that He works all things for the good of those who love Him. Furthermore, this verse serves as a solemn warning: consistent rejection of God's truth and persistent rebellion can lead to a spiritual hardening of the heart, making one increasingly unresponsive to divine calls for repentance and faith. It compels us to cultivate a pliable and humble heart before God, ready to obey His voice and yield to His will, recognizing that spiritual stubbornness can have severe and lasting consequences, hindering our ability to experience God's grace and freedom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does 'the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart' mean God forced Pharaoh to sin against his will?
Answer: No, this verse does not imply that God forced Pharaoh to sin against his will or made him inherently evil. The biblical narrative consistently shows Pharaoh hardening his own heart multiple times before God is said to harden it (e.g., Exodus 7:13, Exodus 8:15, and Exodus 8:32). God's hardening can be understood as a judicial act where He confirms, strengthens, or allows Pharaoh's existing inclination to resist to become fixed. It's akin to God removing any softening influence or opportunities for repentance, thereby allowing Pharaoh's chosen path of rebellion to fully manifest and serve God's greater redemptive purposes.
Why would God harden Pharaoh's heart if He wanted Pharaoh to let His people go?
Answer: God's ultimate purpose was not simply for Pharaoh to let Israel go quickly, but to display His power and glory to both Egypt and Israel, and to all nations. By hardening Pharaoh's heart, God prolonged the conflict, allowing for a greater demonstration of His mighty acts (the plagues) and His absolute supremacy over all false gods and human rulers. This ensured that Israel's deliverance would be seen as undeniably divine, fostering their faith, and providing a powerful testimony for all generations Exodus 9:16. God used Pharaoh's obstinacy to magnify His own name and to teach both His people and His adversaries about His unique identity and power.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Pharaoh's hardened heart in Exodus, culminating in God's mighty deliverance of Israel, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment, serving as a foundational type or foreshadowing of the greater salvation accomplished through Jesus Christ. Just as God delivered Israel from the physical bondage of Pharaoh and Egypt, Jesus Christ delivers humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin and death; Pharaoh's hardened heart represents the human condition—a will enslaved by sin, unable and unwilling to yield to God's truth without divine intervention, a bondage from which only Christ can liberate us John 8:34-36. The plagues and the hardening of Pharaoh's heart served to display God's unparalleled power and glory over all earthly powers and false gods, a display that culminates in the New Testament with the ultimate demonstration of God's power in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, proving His supremacy over sin, death, and the grave Colossians 2:15. Pharaoh's obstinacy led to judgment, while Israel's faith (though imperfect) led to salvation; in Christ, this pattern is amplified, as those who harden their hearts against the truth of the Gospel face eternal judgment, while those who respond in faith receive salvation and eternal life John 3:18. The New Testament often frames Christ's death and resurrection as a "new Exodus" Luke 9:31, establishing the church as God's redeemed people, freed from a greater slavery and journeying towards a greater promised land, with Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb whose sacrifice secures our freedom and eternal inheritance 1 Corinthians 5:7.