Exodus 11:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} and Aaron {H175} did {H6213} all these wonders {H4159} before {H6440} Pharaoh {H6547}: and the LORD {H3068} hardened {H2388} Pharaoh's {H6547} heart {H3820}, so that he would not let the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} go out {H7971} of his land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe and Aharon did all these wonders before Pharaoh, but ADONAI had made Pharaoh hardhearted, and he didn't let the people of Isra'el leave his land.

Berean Standard Bible

Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart so that he would not let the Israelites go out of his land.

American Standard Version

And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and Jehovah hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the children of Israel go out of his land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 11:10 serves as a critical summation, highlighting that despite Moses and Aaron faithfully performing numerous divine "wonders" before Pharaoh, the Lord sovereignly hardened Pharaoh's heart, ensuring his continued refusal to release the Israelites. This verse profoundly illustrates the interplay between human stubbornness and God's overarching plan, demonstrating His absolute control and unwavering commitment to His covenant purposes, even when faced with powerful human resistance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 11:10 functions as a pivotal concluding statement to the first nine plagues and a crucial bridge to the tenth and final plague. Immediately preceding this verse, [Exodus 11:9](/exodus/11-9 "The Lord's Declaration of Pharaoh's Refusal") reiterates God's prior declaration that Pharaoh would not listen, setting the stage for the ultimate display of divine power. The preceding chapters, from [Exodus 7](/exodus/7 "The Beginning of the Plagues") through [Exodus 10](/exodus/10 "The Plagues of Locusts and Darkness"), meticulously detail the escalating series of judgments upon Egypt, each met with Pharaoh's increasing, yet divinely influenced, obstinacy. Following this verse, [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "The Passover and the Exodus") describes the institution of the Passover and the devastating tenth plague—the death of the firstborn—which finally compels Pharaoh to release the Israelites, culminating in their dramatic departure from Egypt.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, Pharaoh was not merely a king but was revered as a living god, the son of Ra, and the divine embodiment of cosmic order (Ma'at). His word was absolute law, and his will was considered supreme. The "wonders" performed by Moses and Aaron were not simple magical feats but direct, confrontational challenges to Pharaoh's perceived divine authority and to the very pantheon of Egyptian gods. Each plague systematically targeted a specific aspect of Egyptian life and often a corresponding deity, demonstrating the absolute supremacy of Yahweh, the God of Israel, over all creation and all other gods. Pharaoh's hardening of heart, therefore, was not merely personal stubbornness but a cosmic defiance, a direct affront to the one true God, which demanded an equally powerful divine response to uphold God's honor and secure His people's liberation. This context underscores the incredibly high stakes of the confrontation: a battle between the gods, culminating in a dramatic and undeniable display of Yahweh's unparalleled power.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, illustrating God's absolute control over human will and historical events, even the resistance of the most powerful ruler on earth. It highlights God's **Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, as He acts decisively to liberate His chosen people, Israel, in fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (e.g., [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham - Deliverance from Bondage")). The "wonders" underscore God's **Omnipotence and Unique Identity**, demonstrating His power over creation, His superiority over all other gods, and His unparalleled ability to judge and to save. Finally, the repeated hardening of Pharaoh's heart serves as a **Leitmotif of Resistance and Judgment**, emphasizing the consequences of defying God and setting the stage for the ultimate display of God's justice and redemptive power in the Exodus.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 11:10 states: "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."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wonders (Hebrew, _môwphêth'_):** From H4159, this term refers to "a miracle; by implication, a token or omen." In the context of the Exodus, these "wonders" were not mere spectacles but powerful, supernatural signs (often paired with `ʼôṯ`, "signs") that served to authenticate Moses' divine commission, demonstrate Yahweh's supreme power over nature and the gods of Egypt, and provide undeniable evidence of God's presence and purpose. They were divine demonstrations designed to compel Pharaoh to release Israel and to reveal God's glory to both Egyptians and Israelites.
* **Hardened (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** From H2388, this primitive root means "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer." While other Hebrew words for hardening are used in Exodus (`kāḇēḏ` - "heavy" or "dull," and `qāšâ` - "stubborn"), `châzaq` specifically implies that God strengthened or fortified Pharaoh's existing resolve. This was not God coercing an unwilling heart against its nature, but rather intensifying Pharaoh's inherent stubbornness and pride, allowing his rebellion to fully manifest. This divine action served to prolong the confrontation, thereby maximizing the display of God's power and glory through a series of escalating judgments.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** From H3820, this term refers to "the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything." In ancient Hebrew thought, the heart was considered the seat of one's inner being, encompassing not just emotions but also intellect, will, and moral character. When Pharaoh's heart was "hardened," it signifies a hardening of his entire inner disposition—his will to resist, his refusal to acknowledge God's power, and his determination not to comply with divine commands. This hardening was a deep-seated spiritual and volitional obstinacy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh:"** This clause highlights the faithful obedience and instrumental role of God's chosen agents. Moses and Aaron were not acting on their own initiative or power but were conduits through whom God performed miraculous signs and judgments. The phrase "all these wonders" explicitly refers back to the preceding nine plagues, emphasizing the cumulative and undeniable evidence of Yahweh's power that Pharaoh had already witnessed. This sets the stage for the theological assertion that follows.
* **"and the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart,"** This is the theological crux of the verse, explicitly attributing divine agency to Pharaoh's continued resistance. While Pharaoh clearly exercised his own will in refusing to release Israel, the text consistently affirms that God was ultimately in control of the situation. God's action here is not to be understood as coercing an innocent party into sin, but rather as intensifying Pharaoh's pre-existing, self-chosen obstinacy. This divine hardening served a specific, redemptive purpose: to ensure that Pharaoh's defiance continued until God's full plan for judgment and deliverance could be executed, leaving no doubt about Yahweh's supreme authority and glory.
* **"so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land."** This final clause states the direct, intended consequence of the hardened heart. Pharaoh's refusal, though his own choice, was part of God's larger design to orchestrate a spectacular and undeniable deliverance for His people. This prolonged resistance allowed for the full sequence of plagues, culminating in the Passover and the dramatic crossing of the Red Sea, ensuring that Israel's liberation would be undeniably attributed to the mighty, outstretched hand of God, thereby glorifying His name among all nations.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 11:10 employs a clear **cause-and-effect structure**, directly linking Moses and Aaron's actions as God's instruments, God's sovereign hardening of Pharaoh's heart, and Pharaoh's subsequent refusal to release Israel. This structure emphasizes divine causality in the unfolding narrative. There is also a strong element of **divine irony**: Pharaoh's persistent attempts to assert his power and defy God ultimately served to magnify God's power and ensure his own downfall and the glorious liberation of Israel. The repeated motif of Pharaoh's hardened heart throughout the Exodus narrative functions as a **leitmotif**, emphasizing God's sovereignty over human will and His unwavering determination to fulfill His promises, even through the most formidable human opposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 11:10 powerfully illustrates several core theological truths. Primarily, it speaks to the profound interplay between **divine sovereignty and human responsibility**. While Pharaoh clearly made choices to resist God, the text consistently affirms that God was ultimately in control, even over Pharaoh's stubbornness. This verse teaches that God's purposes will prevail, even through the most formidable human opposition. It highlights God's **justice** in judging those who defiantly oppose His will and His **faithfulness** in delivering His covenant people. The "wonders" demonstrate God's **absolute power** over all creation and all other gods, revealing His unique identity as the one true God.

This theme of God's sovereign control over human hearts and the fulfillment of His purposes is foundational to the broader biblical narrative. From the very beginning of Moses' commission, God foretold this resistance, stating, "But I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go." This shows that Pharaoh's hardening was not an unexpected turn but a crucial part of God's pre-ordained plan. This theological tension between divine sovereignty and human will is explored throughout Scripture, from God's choice of Israel to His work in individual lives.

* [Romans 9:18](/romans/9-18 "God's Sovereignty in Mercy and Hardening"): "Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth." Paul directly references the Pharaoh narrative to explain God's sovereign right to show mercy or allow hardening, all for His ultimate purposes in redemptive history.
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in the Lord's Hand"): "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." This proverb reinforces the principle that God exercises ultimate control even over the decisions of powerful rulers, aligning perfectly with the Exodus narrative's depiction of Pharaoh.
* [John 12:40](/john/12-40 "Jesus Quotes Isaiah on Hardened Hearts"): "He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them." Jesus, quoting Isaiah, speaks of a similar divine hardening in response to persistent unbelief, demonstrating that this principle of God's sovereign action in response to human rebellion extends into the New Testament era.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 11:10 offers profound insights for our lives today, reminding us that God is ultimately in control, even over the most formidable resistance and seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

* **God's Purpose Prevails:** This verse assures us that despite the opposition we may face—whether from individuals, systems, or our own internal struggles—God's ultimate purposes for His people and His world will be accomplished. Pharaoh's stubbornness, far from thwarting God, became the very means by which His glory was magnified and His people were delivered. This encourages us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or contrary to His promises. We can rest in the knowledge that God is always working, even through adversity, to bring about His perfect will.
* **Consequences of Resistance:** The narrative of Pharaoh's hardening serves as a sobering warning. Continual rebellion against God's clear will, despite repeated warnings and divine intervention, leads to increasing spiritual insensitivity and severe judgment. Pharaoh's stubbornness ultimately brought ruin upon himself and his nation. This calls us to cultivate a soft heart, quick to respond to God's voice and repent of our sin, recognizing that persistent defiance can lead to a hardening that makes genuine repentance increasingly difficult.
* **Trust in Divine Timing:** God patiently worked through ten escalating plagues to achieve Israel's liberation, allowing Pharaoh's resistance to fully manifest His power. Similarly, we can trust that God is working out His purposes in our lives and in the world, even when circumstances seem to delay or oppose His promises. He uses all things, even resistance, to bring about His perfect will and to display His glory, often in ways that we cannot foresee. Our role is to remain faithful and patient, knowing His timing is perfect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God hardening Pharaoh's heart challenge or affirm your understanding of human free will and divine sovereignty?**
* **In what areas of your life or in the world do you see resistance to God's will, and how might this verse encourage you to trust in God's ultimate purpose despite that resistance?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a "soft heart" that is responsive to God's voice, rather than allowing stubbornness or pride to harden your heart?**

### FAQ
**If God hardened Pharaoh's heart, does that mean Pharaoh wasn't truly responsible for his actions?**

This is a common and important theological question that highlights the complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in Scripture. The biblical text presents both realities without fully resolving the tension. It's crucial to note that several passages indicate that Pharaoh hardened his own heart *before* God is said to harden it (e.g., [Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Pharaoh hardens his own heart after the frogs"), [Exodus 8:32](/exodus/8-32 "Pharaoh hardens his heart again"), [Exodus 9:34](/exodus/9-34 "Pharaoh hardens his heart after the hail")). God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart, particularly with the Hebrew word *chazaq* (to strengthen or make firm), is best understood not as God forcing an unwilling person to be evil or to make a choice against their nature. Instead, it implies that God strengthened or intensified Pharaoh's existing, self-chosen stubbornness and pride. Pharaoh was already defiant and resistant to God's commands and the evidence of His power. God's action allowed this pre-existing disposition to fully manifest, ensuring that Pharaoh's rebellion would continue until God's power could be displayed in a more profound and undeniable way, ultimately leading to Israel's glorious deliverance. Therefore, Pharaoh remained fully responsible for his choices and their consequences, even as God sovereignly used and worked through those choices to accomplish His greater redemptive purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 11:10, with its emphasis on divine sovereignty, the hardening of hearts, and the ultimate deliverance of God's people through powerful wonders, finds profound fulfillment and amplification in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Moses was God's chosen deliverer who led Israel out of Egyptian bondage, but Jesus is the ultimate Deliverer, who liberates humanity from the far greater bondage of sin and death. The Exodus, orchestrated by God through Moses and the plagues, serves as a powerful type (a prefiguring pattern) of the greater salvation accomplished by Christ. Just as Pharaoh's hardened heart necessitated a series of divine judgments for Israel's physical liberation, so too does humanity's hardened heart necessitate the ultimate divine act of redemption through Christ's sacrifice for spiritual liberation.

The hardening of Pharaoh's heart by God demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over all human wills, even those most resistant. This theme finds its ultimate expression in the gospel, where God sovereignly draws individuals to Himself, opening hearts that were once hardened by sin (as affirmed in [John 6:44](/john/6-44 "No one can come to me unless the Father draws him")). Conversely, just as Pharaoh's persistent rejection led to divine hardening, those who continually reject Christ and His truth may experience a spiritual hardening, a judicial giving over to their own chosen path, as seen in various New Testament passages (e.g., [Romans 1:24-32](/romans/1-24-32 "God gives them over to their sinful desires")). The "wonders" performed by Moses were acts of judgment that displayed God's power over the gods of Egypt. In Christ, God's ultimate judgment against sin and evil was executed at the cross, where Jesus triumphed over the powers of darkness (as declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's triumph over spiritual powers")). His resurrection is the ultimate "wonder," demonstrating God's supreme power over death itself, securing the final deliverance for all who believe. The Exodus narrative, culminating in the death of the firstborn and the Passover, points forward to the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), whose sacrificial death brings salvation and new life to those who trust in Him, enabling a greater "exodus" from the dominion of darkness into the glorious kingdom of light ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Delivered from the domain of darkness")).

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 10:20

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

Exodus 10:27

But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go.

Romans 9:22

[What] if God, willing to shew [his] wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:

Exodus 7:13

And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

Exodus 7:14

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart [is] hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.

Job 9:4

[He is] wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened [himself] against him, and hath prospered?