Exodus 10:20

KJV

But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the LORD {H3068} hardened {H2388} Pharaoh's {H6547} heart {H3820}, so that he would not let the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} go {H7971}.

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.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 10:20 is strategically placed at a pivotal moment within the escalating series of plagues, specifically following the devastating eighth plague of locusts, which consumed all vegetation spared by the previous plague of hail. Immediately preceding this verse, Pharaoh, overwhelmed by the destruction, had once again pleaded with Moses for intercession, even admitting his sin against the LORD and Moses [Exodus 10:16-17](/exodus/10-16-17 "Pharaoh admits his sin and pleads for relief"). However, the moment the locusts were removed, Pharaoh's heart reverted to its hardened state. This verse serves as a divine confirmation of that hardening, directly setting the stage for the ninth plague of darkness [Exodus 10:21](/exodus/10-21 "The ninth plague of darkness"). The recurring pattern of Pharaoh's temporary repentance followed by renewed defiance, often explicitly attributed to the LORD's hardening, is a central and deliberate literary **motif** throughout the entire plague narrative, building dramatic tension and emphasizing God's ultimate control.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, Pharaoh was not merely a political ruler but was considered a divine king, a living god, embodying the very stability and order of the cosmos (Ma'at). His will was supreme, and his resistance to Yahweh's command was therefore not just a political dispute but a profound theological challenge to the core tenets of Egyptian religion and state power. The plagues, consequently, were understood by both Egyptians and Israelites as direct assaults on specific Egyptian deities and on Pharaoh's perceived divine authority, demonstrating Yahweh's absolute supremacy over all gods and creation. Pharaoh's hardened heart, whether initially self-initiated or divinely ordained, was a direct affront to the God of Israel, and his continued obstinacy served to magnify Yahweh's power and judgment in the eyes of both nations. The ancient Near Eastern concept of the "heart" (Hebrew: *lev*) encompassed not only emotions but also intellect, will, and moral character, making Pharaoh's hardened heart a complete and unyielding defiance of God's authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God's purposes will be accomplished regardless of human opposition, even through the hardened will of a powerful ruler like Pharaoh. It highlights the theme of **God's Self-Revelation**, as each plague and instance of hardening serves to reveal more of Yahweh's power, justice, and faithfulness to His covenant people, both to Egypt and to Israel [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's purpose for Pharaoh"). Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Redemption and Deliverance**, emphasizing that Israel's liberation is entirely a work of divine power, not human negotiation or strength, thereby establishing the foundation for their identity as a people uniquely chosen and delivered by God. The repeated cycle of hardening also develops the theme of **Human Stubbornness and Its Consequences**, serving as a potent warning against persistent rebellion against God's clear commands.

### 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
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, often translated "Jehovah" or "Yahweh," signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal One." The use of this specific name here emphasizes that the hardening of Pharaoh's heart is not an arbitrary act but a deliberate, purposeful action by the sovereign God who is actively engaged in the history of His people and is revealing His unique identity and power through these events. It underscores His absolute authority over all creation, including the wills of human rulers.
* **Hardened (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** The verb *châzaq* means "to fasten upon," "to seize," "to be strong," "to strengthen," or "to be obstinate." While other verbs like *kabad* ("to make heavy/dull") and *qasha* ("to make hard/severe") are also used to describe Pharaoh's heart, *châzaq* specifically emphasizes a divine strengthening, confirming, or making firm of an existing disposition. It suggests that God either fortified Pharaoh's inherent stubbornness or removed any softening influence, allowing Pharaoh's natural inclination to resist to become fixed and unyielding. This is not depicted as an imposition of evil, but rather a judicial act that allows a rebellious will to fully express itself, serving God's ultimate redemptive purpose.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** In ancient Hebrew thought, the *lêb* (heart) was understood as the seat of the entire inner person—encompassing not just emotions, but also the intellect, will, conscience, and moral character. Therefore, Pharaoh's "hardened heart" signifies a complete and unyielding defiance of God's authority and commands, affecting his reasoning, his decision-making, and his moral compass. It indicates a deep-seated spiritual and volitional resistance to the truth and power of Yahweh.

#### Verse Breakdown
The verse can be broken down into two interconnected clauses, revealing the divine agent and the direct consequence:

* **"But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart..."**: This initial clause unequivocally attributes the hardening to Yahweh, the God of Israel. It emphasizes divine agency as the ultimate force driving the unfolding drama. This divine action is presented not as an arbitrary imposition, but as a sovereign response to Pharaoh's prior, self-initiated hardening (e.g., [Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Pharaoh hardens his heart after the frogs") and [Exodus 8:32](/exodus/8-32 "Pharaoh hardens his heart after the flies")). God's hardening can be understood as a judicial act, confirming Pharaoh in his chosen path of rebellion, or as a sovereign act that ensures His plan for Israel's deliverance and the display of His glory will be fully realized. It highlights the complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, where God works through and even confirms human choices to achieve His purposes.
* **"...so that he would not let the children of Israel go."**: This concluding clause reveals the direct consequence and ultimate purpose of the hardening. Pharaoh's unyielding heart directly prevented him from releasing the Israelites, thereby prolonging the conflict and allowing for more of God's mighty acts to be displayed. This outcome was integral to God's larger plan to demonstrate His power and identity to both Egypt and Israel, ensuring that His deliverance would be undeniable and His name glorified among the nations. It underscores that God's purpose in hardening Pharaoh was not capricious, but served a specific, redemptive end.

#### 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](/exodus/9-16 "God's purpose in raising up Pharaoh"). 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.

* [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17-18 "God's purpose for Pharaoh and hardening hearts")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD")
* [Hebrews 3:7-8](/hebrews/3-7-8 "Warning against hardening hearts")

### 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
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty in hardening Pharaoh's heart impact your perspective on difficult situations or leaders in the world today?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be subtly resisting God's will, and what steps can you take to cultivate a more pliable heart before Him?**
* **How does the Exodus narrative, particularly God's display of power over Pharaoh, strengthen your faith in God's ability to deliver you from your own forms of bondage or oppression?**

### 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/7-13 "Pharaoh's heart hardened"), [Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Pharaoh hardens his heart after the frogs"), and [Exodus 8:32](/exodus/8-32 "Pharaoh hardens his heart after the flies")). 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](/exodus/9-16 "God's purpose for Pharaoh"). 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](/john/8-34-36 "Jesus on freedom from sin"). 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](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's triumph over spiritual powers"). 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](/john/3-18 "He who believes is not condemned"). The New Testament often frames Christ's death and resurrection as a "new Exodus" [Luke 9:31](/luke/9-31 "Jesus' 'departure' (exodos) in Jerusalem"), 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](/1_corinthians/5-7 "Christ, our Passover lamb").

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 4:21

And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.

Exodus 11:10

And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land.

Deuteronomy 2:30

But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as [appeareth] this day.

Romans 9:18

Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will [have mercy], and whom he will he hardeneth.

Isaiah 6:9

¶ And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.

Isaiah 6:10

Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

2 Thessalonians 2:11

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: