Exodus 11:1

KJV

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague [more] upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let [you] go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Yet will I bring {H935} one {H259} plague {H5061} more upon Pharaoh {H6547}, and upon Egypt {H4714}; afterwards {H310} he will let you go {H7971} hence: when he shall let you go {H7971}, he shall surely {H1644} thrust you out {H1644} hence altogether {H3617}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe, "I'm going to bring still one more plague on Pharaoh and Egypt, and after that he will let you leave here. When he does let you go, he will throw you out completely!

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will bring upon Pharaoh and Egypt one more plague. After that, he will allow you to leave this place. And when he lets you go, he will drive you out completely.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Moses, Yet one plague more will I bring upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 11:1 serves as a divine declaration of the climactic tenth plague, signaling the imminent and forceful expulsion of the Israelites from Egypt. This pivotal verse reveals the LORD's unwavering sovereignty, demonstrating His absolute power to overcome Pharaoh's hardened defiance and fulfill His ancient covenant promises, thereby establishing His supremacy over all earthly and spiritual opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a crucial turning point, bridging the preceding nine escalating plagues (detailed in [Exodus 7](/exodus/7 "The Plagues Begin") through [Exodus 10](/exodus/10 "The Plagues of Locusts and Darkness")) with the devastating final plague and the subsequent Exodus. Immediately prior to this pronouncement, Pharaoh, reeling from the plague of darkness, had vehemently threatened Moses with death if he ever appeared before him again ([Exodus 10:28-29](/exodus/10-28-29 "Pharaoh's Final Threat to Moses")). Moses's response, that Pharaoh would indeed never see his face again, sets the stage for God's definitive word in [Exodus 11:1](/exodus/11-1 "God Announces the Final Plague"). Following this divine declaration, the narrative shifts to God's detailed instructions for the Passover observance and the precise execution of the tenth plague, culminating in the death of the firstborn and Israel's urgent, divinely orchestrated departure from Egypt in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "The Passover and the Exodus").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, Pharaoh was not merely a king but was revered as a living god, the embodiment of cosmic order (Ma'at), and the primary mediator between gods and humanity. The plagues, therefore, were not random disasters but direct, targeted assaults on the very foundations of Egyptian theology and Pharaoh's perceived divine authority. Each plague systematically deconstructed the power and efficacy of specific Egyptian deities (e.g., the Nile god Hapi, the frog goddess Heket, the sun god Ra), demonstrating the LORD's absolute and unrivaled supremacy. Pharaoh's persistent hardening of his heart, despite the catastrophic impact on his nation, was an act of profound hubris and defiance against the true God, rooted in his self-proclaimed divine status and the cultural imperative for a ruler to maintain an unwavering will. The concept of "honor and shame" was paramount; Pharaoh's refusal to release Israel was an attempt to preserve his honor and avoid the profound shame of capitulating to a foreign deity and a subjugated people. God's ultimate act would strip Pharaoh of all honor, forcing a humiliating and urgent expulsion of the very people he had enslaved, thereby vindicating His own name and the honor of His people.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 11:1](/exodus/11-1 "God Announces the Final Plague") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Primarily, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God**, demonstrating that no human will or earthly power can ultimately thwart His divine plan for redemption. Despite Pharaoh's persistent resistance, God's purpose for Israel's deliverance remains steadfast, culminating in a decisive act of judgment that reveals His absolute control over history and nations. Secondly, it highlights God's **Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**. The liberation of Israel from Egypt was a direct fulfillment of God's ancient pledge to Abraham that his descendants would endure affliction but then emerge with great possessions ([Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham")). Finally, the verse emphasizes God's **Justice and Power** in confronting evil and oppression. The plagues are not arbitrary acts but righteous judgments against Pharaoh's tyrannical rule and the pervasive idolatry of Egypt, proving that the LORD is the one true God who triumphs over all false deities and human rebellion, as seen throughout the narrative of the plagues in [Exodus 7-10](/exodus/7-10 "The Plagues of Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 11:1 is a direct and authoritative divine declaration, underscoring God's absolute control over the unfolding drama of the Exodus and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred covenant name of God (YHWH), emphasizing His self-existent, eternal, and personal character. Its use here signifies that the God who is acting in decisive judgment is the same faithful God who established a covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and who is now actively fulfilling His promises to Israel. This is not a generic deity, but the specific, powerful, and relational God of Israel, revealing His identity through His mighty acts.
* **plague (Hebrew, _negaʻ'_):** While commonly translated "plague," the Hebrew term *negaʿ* more broadly denotes a "stroke," "blow," or "affliction," often implying a direct, impactful, and supernaturally inflicted act of divine judgment. It suggests a devastating and decisive intervention from God, rather than a mere natural disaster or disease. This final *negaʿ* is presented as the ultimate, most severe, and most conclusive stroke of God's judgment against Egypt.
* **thrust you out (Hebrew, _gârash'_):** This verb is crucial for understanding the intensity and nature of Pharaoh's eventual action. *Gârash* means "to drive out," "expel," "banish," or even "divorce." It conveys a forceful, urgent, and complete removal, far beyond a reluctant permission. The repetition and the use of the infinitive absolute construction in the Hebrew ("he shall surely thrust you out") powerfully emphasize the certainty, urgency, and totality of this impending expulsion, highlighting that Pharaoh will not merely "let go" but will actively, desperately drive them out.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Moses":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine initiative and authority behind the coming events. God is not merely reacting to Pharaoh's latest defiance but is executing His pre-ordained plan. The communication is direct, clear, and authoritative, emphasizing that the subsequent actions are divinely orchestrated.
* **"Yet will I bring one plague [more] upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt":** God declares His intention to deliver a final, decisive blow. This "one plague more" signifies the culmination of the preceding nine judgments, building to an ultimate act that will not only impact Pharaoh personally but also comprehensively judge the entire nation of Egypt. It underscores the completeness and finality of God's judicial process.
* **"afterwards he will let you go hence":** This clause states the inevitable outcome of the final plague. Pharaoh's hardened will, which has resisted nine divine interventions, will finally be broken, leading to his concession and release of the Israelites. This is presented as a certain consequence of God's impending action.
* **"when he shall let [you] go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether":** This emphatic statement clarifies the nature of Israel's release. It will not be a reluctant permission or a negotiated settlement, but an urgent, forceful expulsion. The double emphasis ("surely thrust you out... altogether") highlights the complete and immediate removal of all Israelites, with all their possessions, without exception, driven by Pharaoh's desperation and fear following the final, devastating plague.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the verse explicitly announces the climactic tenth plague and the dramatic, forced departure of Israel, building immense narrative tension and anticipation. The authoritative, declarative tone ("I will bring," "he will let," "he shall surely thrust") exemplifies **Divine Pronouncement**, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty and the certainty of His meticulously planned actions. Furthermore, the repeated idea of "letting go" and especially "thrusting out," amplified by the Hebrew infinitive absolute, demonstrates **Emphasis through Repetition**. This rhetorical device powerfully highlights the complete reversal of Pharaoh's obstinate stance and the overwhelming, irresistible nature of God's final judgment, which compels the very one who refused to release Israel to actively expel them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 11:1 offers profound theological insights into the character of God and the nature of His redemptive plan. It unequivocally underscores the **divine sovereignty** of the LORD, demonstrating that no human ruler, no earthly power, and no amount of stubborn defiance can ultimately thwart His will or derail His purposes. Despite Pharaoh's persistent hardening of heart and his formidable power, God's plan for Israel's deliverance remains on course, culminating in a decisive act of judgment that reveals His absolute control over history and nations. This passage also highlights God's **unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises**. The deliverance of Israel from Egypt was a direct fulfillment of God's ancient pledge to Abraham that his descendants would be afflicted but then emerge from bondage with great possessions, a promise recorded in [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding His Descendants"). Finally, it powerfully reveals God's **justice and power** in confronting evil, tyranny, and idolatry. The plagues are not arbitrary acts but righteous judgments against Pharaoh's oppression and the systemic idolatry of Egypt, demonstrating that the LORD is the one true God who triumphs over all false deities and human rebellion.

* [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding His Descendants")
* [Exodus 12:33](/exodus/12-33 "The Egyptians Urge Israel to Leave")
* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "God's Purpose in Raising Up Pharaoh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 11:1 provides enduring lessons for believers today, reminding us of the profound truths about God's character and our response to Him. First, it powerfully affirms **God's unwavering faithfulness** to His promises. Just as He was absolutely committed to delivering Israel despite immense opposition and delay, we can trust that He remains faithful to His word in our lives. Even when circumstances seem bleak, opposition appears insurmountable, or answers are delayed, God is sovereignly at work, orchestrating His purposes according to His perfect timing. Second, Pharaoh's story serves as a stark and sobering reminder of the **futility and severe consequences of resisting God's clear will**. While God is patient and long-suffering, His ultimate judgment is certain for those who stubbornly refuse to humble themselves and obey Him. This should prompt us to examine our own hearts for areas of resistance or defiance. Finally, for the Israelites, this divine pronouncement would have been a beacon of hope in their long and bitter oppression. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, when we feel trapped or overwhelmed, God is sovereignly at work, preparing a way for our deliverance and the fulfillment of His purposes. We are called to trust His timing and His methods, knowing that His ultimate victory is assured, and that He will bring about His perfect will, even if it requires severe circumstances to break the chains of oppression.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life might I be subtly or overtly resisting God's clear will, and what might be the potential consequences of continued defiance?**
* **How does the certainty of God's ultimate victory and the fulfillment of His promises in this passage encourage me in my current challenges or seasons of waiting?**
* **In what specific ways do I need to trust God's timing and His methods for deliverance or breakthrough in my life, even when His ways seem delayed, difficult, or require drastic circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why did God need so many plagues? Couldn't He just deliver Israel immediately?**

Answer: God's purpose in the plagues extended far beyond mere immediate deliverance. The series of plagues served multiple, interconnected functions: to systematically demonstrate His absolute supremacy over all Egyptian gods and Pharaoh himself, thereby dismantling the entire pagan worldview; to establish His name and power among the Egyptians, the Israelites, and all nations for generations to come ([Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's Purpose in Pharaoh's Resistance")); and to harden Pharaoh's heart further, providing a greater stage for God's glory and power to be displayed in a climactic victory. Each plague was a profound theological statement, progressively proving that YHWH alone is sovereign, and that He is the only true God.

**Does "thrust you out" imply God forced Pharaoh against his will?**

Answer: Pharaoh retained his free will throughout the narrative, making conscious choices to resist God. However, God's escalating judgments created such overwhelming and desperate circumstances that Pharaoh's only rational choice, driven by fear and self-preservation, was to expel Israel. God did not override Pharaoh's will in a mechanistic way, but rather brought such immense pressure to bear that Pharaoh's own choices led him to command the Israelites' departure. It was a forced eviction driven by Pharaoh's terror and desperation, not a willing or gracious release, ultimately demonstrating God's sovereign control over even the will of His enemies.

**Is this a just act of God, given the severity of the plagues?**

Answer: Yes, the plagues, including the final one, represent God's righteous judgment. In light of Pharaoh's prolonged and brutal enslavement of Israel, his repeated defiance of God's commands, and the systemic idolatry of Egypt, these acts were just retribution. God had given Pharaoh multiple opportunities to repent and release His people, demonstrating His patience. The severity of the final plague, targeting the firstborn, was a direct and proportional consequence of Pharaoh's refusal to let God's "firstborn" son, Israel, go free ([Exodus 4:22-23](/exodus/4-22-23 "Israel is God's Firstborn Son")). It was a just and necessary act to liberate His people and demonstrate His holiness and power over all injustice and rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 11:1, by announcing the final, decisive blow against Egypt that would lead to Israel's forced liberation, stands as a profound foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate work of salvation. The entire Exodus narrative is the foundational Old Testament type of redemption, and Jesus Christ is the ultimate Deliverer. Pharaoh's stubborn resistance and eventual, humiliating defeat at the hand of God prefigure the comprehensive defeat of sin, death, and Satan accomplished through Jesus Christ's life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection. Just as God brought a final "plague" to break Pharaoh's power and compel Israel's release, so too did Christ, through His crucifixion, absorb the ultimate divine judgment for humanity's sin, thereby breaking the power of sin and death over all who believe in Him. The "thrusting out" of Israel from the spiritual and physical bondage of Egypt parallels the believer's liberation from the spiritual slavery of sin and the dominion of the world, a freedom secured not by human effort or negotiation, but by God's mighty hand through Christ. The Passover, which immediately follows this declaration and is central to Israel's deliverance, finds its full and perfect fulfillment in Christ, the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John the Baptist Identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God")), whose shed blood secures true and eternal freedom for all who trust in Him, as proclaimed by Paul in [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "Christ Our Passover Lamb"). This ultimate deliverance is the greater Exodus, leading us not to a promised land on earth, but to eternal life and communion with God, as seen in the broader redemptive narrative of the New Testament, culminating in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "New Heaven and New Earth")).

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

Leviticus 26:21

And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.

Genesis 15:14

And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

Exodus 9:14

For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that [there is] none like me in all the earth.

Exodus 3:20

And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.

Deuteronomy 4:34

Or hath God assayed to go [and] take him a nation from the midst of [another] nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?

Exodus 12:31

And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, [and] get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said.

Exodus 12:39

And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual.