Exodus 11:8

KJV

And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all these thy servants {H5650} shall come down {H3381} unto me, and bow down {H7812} themselves unto me, saying {H559}, Get thee out {H3318}, and all the people {H5971} that follow {H7272} thee: and after {H310} that I will go out {H3318}. And he went out {H3318} from Pharaoh {H6547} in a great {H2750} anger {H639}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All your servants will come down to me, prostrate themselves before me and say, "Get out! - you and all the people who follow you!" and after that, I will go out!'"And he went out from Pharaoh in the heat of anger.

Berean Standard Bible

And all these officials of yours will come and bow before me, saying, ‘Go, you and all the people who follow you!’ After that, I will depart.” And hot with anger, Moses left Pharaoh’s presence.

American Standard Version

And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in hot anger.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 11:8 records Moses' final, prophetic confrontation with Pharaoh, declaring a dramatic reversal of power where the Egyptian king's own officials will humbly plead for Israel's immediate departure. This pivotal verse culminates with Moses' departure from Pharaoh's presence in a state of "great anger," signifying a righteous indignation that mirrors God's unwavering resolve to judge unrepentant defiance and decisively deliver His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic conclusion to Moses' final direct interaction with Pharaoh, immediately following God's detailed announcement of the tenth and most devastating plague—the death of the firstborn throughout Egypt ([Exodus 11:4-7](/exodus/11-4 "The Tenth Plague Announced")). Pharaoh has repeatedly hardened his heart through nine prior plagues, stubbornly refusing to release the Israelites. Moses' words in this verse are not a negotiation but a divinely inspired ultimatum, marking the point of no return. The narrative then swiftly transitions to the elaborate preparations for the Passover and the swift, terrifying execution of the final judgment, leading to Israel's exodus ([Exodus 12:1-30](/exodus/12-1 "The Passover and the Tenth Plague")). This verse thus functions as a critical bridge, sealing Pharaoh's fate and setting the stage for the ultimate demonstration of God's power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the act of "bowing down" (Hebrew: _shachah_) was a profound gesture of submission, reverence, or even worship, typically performed before a superior, a king, or a deity. For the high-ranking servants of Pharaoh—who was considered a god-king in Egyptian theology—to "come down" from their positions and prostrate themselves before Moses, a former shepherd and representative of an enslaved people, would have been an utterly unthinkable and deeply humiliating act. This prophesied act underscores the complete subversion of the established power hierarchy and the utter defeat of Egyptian might. Pharaoh's "great anger" is not merely human frustration but resonates with the concept of divine wrath, a righteous indignation understood in ancient cultures as a manifestation of a deity's displeasure against unrepentant sin and rebellion, often expressed through human agents.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 11:8 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights God's **absolute sovereignty** over all earthly rulers and political powers, demonstrating that even the most formidable human will is ultimately subject to divine decree. The verse also underscores the theme of **divine judgment against unrepentant sin and oppression**, illustrating that persistent defiance of God's commands leads to increasingly severe consequences and inevitable defeat. Furthermore, it foreshadows God's **vindication and deliverance of His chosen people**, proving His faithfulness to His covenant promises. The tension between Pharaoh's hardening heart and God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart, a theme introduced earlier in the narrative (e.g., [Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart")), reaches its zenith here, culminating in the final, decisive act of liberation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **servants (Hebrew, _ʻebed_):** This term (H5650) refers to a bondman, a servant, or one in bondage. In this context, it specifically denotes Pharaoh's high-ranking officials and courtiers. The prophecy that *these* servants, accustomed to power and privilege, would "come down" and "bow down" to Moses highlights the profound humiliation and reversal of status that God's judgment would bring upon the Egyptian hierarchy. It underscores the complete subversion of human authority before divine power.
* **bow down (Hebrew, _shâchâh_):** The verb (H7812) signifies prostration, an act of deep reverence, submission, or worship. Its usage here is highly significant, emphasizing the extreme humiliation of Pharaoh's officials. They would be reduced to begging Moses, a former slave, to leave, a stark contrast to the customary practice of subjects bowing before their king. This act vividly portrays the absolute triumph of God's will over Pharaoh's stubbornness and the complete breakdown of Egyptian pride and power.
* **great anger (Hebrew, _chŏrîy_ H2750, _ʼaph_ H639):** The combination of _chŏrîy_ (meaning "burning" or "fierce heat") and _ʼaph_ (referring to the nose/nostril, from which breath is expelled in passion, thus "ire" or "wrath") denotes an intense, profound, and righteous indignation. This is not a petty human outburst from Moses but a holy wrath, reflecting God's own profound displeasure with Pharaoh's unyielding heart, his cruel oppression of Israel, and his repeated defiance of divine commands. Moses' anger is justified by the profound injustice and spiritual rebellion he has witnessed, aligning his emotion with God's divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee:"** This opening clause is Moses' prophetic declaration, a direct and audacious challenge to Pharaoh's authority. It foretells that the very officials who serve Pharaoh, those who have likely scorned Moses and Israel, will be compelled by the impending, unbearable judgment to humble themselves before Moses. Their desperate plea, "Get thee out," signifies their overwhelming desire for the plagues to cease, even if it means losing their enslaved workforce. This highlights the complete breakdown of Pharaoh's control and the overwhelming, irresistible power of God's judgment.
* **"and after that I will go out."** Moses asserts his agency and God's ultimate sovereignty. He is not being expelled by Pharaoh's decree or fleeing in fear. Instead, he declares that he will depart on his own terms, and more importantly, on God's terms, only after the prophecy of the servants' supplication has been fulfilled. This emphasizes that Israel's departure is not a desperate escape but a divinely orchestrated exodus, executed according to God's precise timing and plan.
* **"And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger."** This final clause describes Moses' emotional state as he leaves Pharaoh's presence for the very last time. His "great anger" is a righteous indignation, born of witnessing Pharaoh's persistent rebellion against the Almighty, the prolonged suffering of his people, and the repeated rejection of divine commands. It is an anger that mirrors God's own holy wrath against sin, injustice, and defiance, signaling the immediate imminence of the final, decisive, and irreversible judgment upon Egypt.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 11:8 is rich with **dramatic irony** and the literary device of **reversal of fortunes**. Pharaoh, who has wielded absolute power and treated Moses and the Israelites with contempt, is about to witness his own highest officials begging his former slave to depart. The **prophetic declaration** by Moses serves as a final, unheeded warning, intensifying the narrative tension and building anticipation for the climax of the tenth plague. The phrase "great anger" functions as a powerful **symbol** of divine wrath and the impending, unavoidable judgment that Pharaoh's stubbornness has brought upon his nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's **absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers**. Even the most defiant and seemingly invincible ruler, Pharaoh, is ultimately a pawn in God's grand design, subject to His will and purposes. It demonstrates that God's prophecies are not mere threats but **unwavering declarations that will inevitably be fulfilled**, showcasing His faithfulness and omnipotence. The profound humiliation of Pharaoh's servants underscores God's ability to completely reverse fortunes, bringing down the proud and exalting the humble, vindicating His people against their oppressors. The theme of **divine judgment against unrepentant sin** is central, showing that persistent rebellion against God's clear commands leads to increasingly severe consequences and ultimate, devastating defeat. Moses' righteous anger reflects God's own holy displeasure with injustice and defiance, serving as a conduit for divine wrath.

* God's control over rulers: [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord") states, "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."
* Consequences of resisting God: [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "God's Purpose in Pharaoh's Hardness") explains that God raised up Pharaoh to demonstrate His power and make His name known, showing His sovereign right to have mercy or harden hearts.
* God's vindication of His people: [Psalm 105:23](/psalm/105-23 "God's Faithfulness to Israel in Egypt") recounts how God sent Moses and Aaron to perform signs and wonders, bringing judgment upon Egypt and powerfully delivering His people.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 11:8 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It provides immense comfort and encouragement by assuring us that God's ultimate purposes cannot be thwarted by human defiance, no matter how powerful, stubborn, or oppressive the opposition may appear. This truth empowers us to trust in God's sovereign plan even when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles or systemic injustices. Conversely, the verse serves as a stark warning about the inevitable consequences of persistent rebellion against God's will; stubbornness and pride ultimately lead to humiliation, defeat, and severe judgment. Furthermore, Moses' "great anger" teaches us a crucial distinction: not all anger is sinful. There is a legitimate and necessary place for righteous indignation against injustice, oppression, and defiance of God's truth. Such anger, when rooted in God's heart and aligned with His justice, can be a powerful catalyst for seeking righteousness and advocating for what is right, without devolving into sinful rage or bitterness (cf. [Ephesians 4:26](/ephesians/4-26 "Be Angry and Do Not Sin")). We are called to discern when our emotions align with God's character and to act justly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's ultimate triumph over all opposition impact your perspective on current challenges or injustices you or your community face?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be subtly resisting God's revealed will, and what lessons can you draw from Pharaoh's stubbornness regarding the consequences of such resistance?**
* **When is anger a righteous response, and how can we ensure our anger aligns with God's character and purposes rather than being driven by human sinfulness or self-interest?**

### FAQ
**Was Moses' anger in this verse sinful?**

Answer: No, Moses' anger here, described as "great anger" (Hebrew: _chŏrîy ʼaph_), signifies a righteous indignation. It was not a petty, selfish, or uncontrolled outburst, but a deep, justified displeasure reflecting God's own holy wrath against Pharaoh's persistent rebellion, cruelty towards Israel, and defiance of divine commands. This is an example of anger that is aligned with God's justice and serves as a prophetic indicator of impending judgment, rather than a personal failing on Moses' part.

**Did Pharaoh's servants actually bow down to Moses as prophesied?**

Answer: While the narrative in [Exodus 12:31](/exodus/12-31 "Pharaoh Summons Moses and Aaron") describes Pharaoh summoning Moses and Aaron and urging them to leave, it does not explicitly state that his servants literally prostrated themselves before Moses. However, the prophecy in [Exodus 11:8](/exodus/11-8 "Moses' Final Warning to Pharaoh") is a divine declaration of what *would* happen, emphasizing the complete reversal of power and the utter humiliation of the Egyptian court. The spirit of the prophecy is undeniably fulfilled in the subsequent events, where the Egyptians, including Pharaoh's officials, were so desperate for the Israelites to leave that they urged them out with haste and even gave them valuable articles (cf. [Exodus 12:33](/exodus/12-33 "Egyptians Urge Israelites to Leave")). This desperate plea, born of overwhelming divine judgment, represents the ultimate submission and humiliation, even if not every servant performed a literal prostration.

**Why did God allow Pharaoh to harden his heart so many times?**

Answer: The biblical text indicates a complex, dual process: Pharaoh repeatedly hardened his own heart (e.g., [Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart")), and God also hardened Pharaoh's heart (e.g., [Exodus 9:12](/exodus/9-12 "The Lord Hardens Pharaoh's Heart")). This served several profound theological purposes. Firstly, it was to demonstrate God's absolute power and sovereignty over all earthly rulers and false gods, proving that the God of Israel is the one true God. Secondly, it was to display His glory and mighty acts to both Israel and Egypt, ensuring that His name would be proclaimed throughout the earth (cf. [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's Purpose for Pharaoh")). Thirdly, it provided a clear and undeniable example of the severe consequences of resisting divine will, offering a stark lesson for all generations. This prolonged resistance allowed for the full scope of God's judgments to be revealed, leading to a more profound, undeniable, and miraculous deliverance for Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 11:8, with its portrayal of a divinely appointed deliverer confronting a defiant ruler and securing the release of God's people through decisive judgment, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Moses, in his role as a type of Christ, stands before Pharaoh, but Jesus is the greater Moses, the definitive and ultimate Deliverer. Just as Moses' departure in "great anger" signaled impending, devastating judgment on Egypt for its sin and oppression, Jesus' righteous anger was consistently directed at sin, hypocrisy, spiritual blindness, and the demonic powers that enslave humanity (e.g., His authoritative cleansing of the temple in [Matthew 21:12](/matthew/21-12 "Jesus Cleanses the Temple")).

The prophesied humiliation of Pharaoh's servants, bowing before Moses in desperate submission, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and universal submission of all earthly and spiritual powers before Christ. Through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Jesus triumphed decisively over Satan, sin, and death—the ultimate oppressive "Pharaohs" that hold humanity captive. His victory means that those who once served these dark powers are now called to bow the knee to Him, acknowledging His supreme authority and Lordship (cf. [Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). The Exodus, initiated by God's judgment and Moses' leadership, is a magnificent shadow of the greater spiritual exodus from sin's bondage that Christ accomplishes for all who believe, leading them into true freedom, reconciliation with God, and the promised inheritance of eternal life (cf. [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Redemption in Christ")).

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 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 12:33

And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We [be] all dead [men].

Ezekiel 3:14

So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.

Daniel 3:19

¶ Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: [therefore] he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.

Isaiah 49:23

And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

Deuteronomy 32:24

[They shall be] burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust.

Deuteronomy 29:24

Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what [meaneth] the heat of this great anger?