Exodus 14:4

KJV

And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I [am] the LORD. And they did so.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will harden {H2388} Pharaoh's {H6547} heart {H3820}, that he shall follow {H7291} after {H310} them; and I will be honoured {H3513} upon Pharaoh {H6547}, and upon all his host {H2428}; that the Egyptians {H4714} may know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}. And they did {H6213} so.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will make Pharaoh so hardhearted that he will pursue them; thus I will win glory for myself at the expense of Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will realize at last that I am ADONAI."The people did as ordered.

Berean Standard Bible

And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart so that he will pursue them. But I will gain honor by means of Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.” So this is what the Israelites did.

American Standard Version

And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he shall follow after them; and I will get me honor upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host: and the Egyptians shall know that I am Jehovah. And they did so.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 14:4 unveils God's explicit and sovereign intention to strengthen Pharaoh's resolve, orchestrating a final, decisive confrontation. This divine act is not arbitrary but a strategic move designed to lure Pharaoh into pursuit, thereby setting the stage for God's ultimate purpose: to display His absolute sovereignty and unparalleled glory over the most powerful earthly ruler and his formidable army. Through this climactic event, both Egyptians and Israelites would experientially "know" Yahweh as the one true and supreme LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial divine declaration, immediately following Israel's initial departure from Egypt after the tenth plague and Pharaoh's reluctant release of them, detailed in [Exodus 12-13](/exodus/12 "The Passover and the Exodus"). It provides the divine rationale for Pharaoh's subsequent, seemingly irrational decision to pursue the Israelites, thus setting the stage for the dramatic [parting of the Red Sea](/exodus/14-21 "The Parting of the Red Sea") and the subsequent destruction of the Egyptian army. The preceding chapters meticulously chronicle the ten plagues, a series of escalating divine judgments that progressively revealed God's power and Pharaoh's increasing obstinacy, often noting both Pharaoh hardening his own heart (e.g., [Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Pharaoh hardens his own heart")) and God hardening it (e.g., [Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "God hardens Pharaoh's heart")), demonstrating a complex interplay of human will and divine sovereignty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the "heart" (לֵבָב, _levav_) of a king was understood as the seat of his intellect, will, and emotions—the very core of his being and the source of his decisions and intentions. Pharaoh, in particular, was revered as a divine king, a living god, and the embodiment of Egypt's power and stability. The plagues were not merely natural disasters but a profound cosmic contest between Yahweh, the God of Israel, and the pantheon of Egyptian gods, personified by Pharaoh himself. God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart, therefore, was a direct and audacious challenge to Pharaoh's perceived divine authority and an unequivocal assertion of Yahweh's supreme control over all human and cosmic powers. It ensured that the final, miraculous deliverance of Israel would be undeniably God's doing, leaving no ambiguity regarding His identity and unparalleled power.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 14:4 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes woven throughout the book of Exodus. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over all creation, including human rulers and their wills, to accomplish His purposes. It also underscores the theme of **God's Glory and Self-Revelation**, as the entire episode is framed as a means for God to make His name known and His power evident, not only to Israel but also to the Egyptians and surrounding nations. This ties into the broader theme of **Judgment and Deliverance**, where God's righteous judgment upon the oppressors (Egypt) is inextricably linked to the miraculous deliverance of His chosen people (Israel), a pattern seen throughout the biblical narrative, from the [flood in Genesis](/genesis/7 "The Great Flood") to the eschatological judgments in [Revelation](/revelation/19 "The Judgment of Babylon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The KJV text of Exodus 14:4 states: "And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I [am] the LORD. And they did so."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Harden (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** While often translated "harden" in this context, the Hebrew root H2388 (*châzaq*) primarily means "to fasten upon," "to seize," "to be strong," or "to strengthen." In the context of Pharaoh's heart, it implies God strengthening or making firm Pharaoh's existing inclination toward resistance, defiance, and obstinacy, rather than coercing him against his inherent will. God did not implant evil in Pharaoh but empowered Pharaoh's own stubbornness to persist for a divine purpose. This strengthening allowed Pharaoh to fully manifest his rebellion, thereby providing the perfect stage for God's power to be displayed.
* **Honoured (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** The Hebrew word H3513 (*kâbad*) carries the primary sense of "to be heavy," which extends to concepts of "weight," "glory," "honor," "significance," or "dignity." When God declares He will be "honoured," it means He will reveal His inherent glory, majesty, and supreme authority in a weighty and undeniable manner. It speaks to God's reputation and intrinsic worth being demonstrated and acknowledged by all, particularly through the overwhelming display of His power in both judgment and salvation.
* **Host (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** The term H2428 (*chayil*) refers to "a force," encompassing "men, means or other resources." It denotes an "army," "wealth," "virtue," "valor," or "strength." In this verse, "all his host" specifically refers to Pharaoh's formidable military power—his chariots, cavalry, and soldiers—representing the pinnacle of ancient military might. God's intention to be honored "upon all his host" signifies that His glory will be demonstrated through the decisive defeat and destruction of Egypt's entire military strength, proving His supremacy over all earthly powers.
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** The Hebrew root H3045 (*yâdaʻ*) signifies "to know," but not merely intellectual apprehension. It implies a deep, experiential, and relational knowledge gained through observation, encounter, and direct experience of God's mighty acts. When the Egyptians "know" that God is the LORD, it means they will be forced to acknowledge His unique identity, power, and sovereignty through undeniable evidence, regardless of whether that knowledge leads to worship or fear.
* **The LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** The Hebrew term H3068 (*Yᵉhôvâh*) is the covenant name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh (YHWH). It signifies His self-existent, eternal, and faithful nature. The phrase "I am the LORD" is a recurring self-revelation formula throughout Exodus and the Old Testament, emphasizing His unique identity as the singular, sovereign God who fulfills His promises and executes His will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them;"**: This clause establishes God's proactive and sovereign initiative in the unfolding drama. God is not simply reacting to Pharaoh's choices; He is intentionally shaping events by strengthening Pharaoh's existing stubbornness. Pharaoh's subsequent pursuit of Israel is thus presented not as an independent decision but as a direct consequence of God's divine enablement, serving God's larger, predetermined plan.
* **"and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host;"**: This clause reveals the specific *means* by which God's glory will be demonstrated. The judgment and ultimate destruction of Pharaoh, the divine king, and his elite military "host" will serve as a dramatic and public stage for God's power, majesty, and supreme authority to be revealed. The decisive defeat of what was arguably the world's most formidable military power at that time underscores the absolute supremacy of Yahweh over all earthly might.
* **"that the Egyptians may know that I [am] the LORD."**: This clause states the ultimate *purpose* and desired outcome of the entire episode. The plagues and the climactic Red Sea event were not solely about Israel's deliverance but fundamentally about God's self-revelation to the nations, particularly Egypt. Through these undeniable acts of power and judgment, the Egyptians (and by extension, all peoples) would be compelled to acknowledge the unique, sovereign identity of Yahweh, the God of Israel. This "knowing" is an experiential recognition of His unparalleled existence and power.
* **"And they did so."**: This concise, declarative statement confirms the immediate and certain execution of God's divine decree. It signifies the effectiveness of God's word and the unfailing accomplishment of His will. This refers to Pharaoh's subsequent action of pursuing Israel, thereby setting in motion the final act of God's plan for His glory and Israel's deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 14:4 employs several potent literary devices. The verse is structured with clear **causal language** ("that he shall follow," "that the Egyptians may know"), which emphatically highlights God's intentionality and the divine purpose behind His actions. There is a profound sense of **dramatic irony** at play: Pharaoh, in his divinely strengthened defiance, unwittingly becomes the primary instrument for God's greater glory, leading himself and his entire army directly to their destruction. This irony underscores God's ultimate control over even the most resistant human wills. Furthermore, the **parallelism** between God being "honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host" and the Egyptians being forced to "know that I am the LORD" emphasizes the direct and undeniable link between divine judgment and divine revelation, where God's power in judgment serves as the means of His self-disclosure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 14:4 powerfully articulates several core theological truths that resonate throughout biblical theology. It unequivocally asserts God's **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that His absolute control extends even over the hearts and actions of defiant rulers and wicked intentions. He orchestrates events, even human resistance and evil, to fulfill His righteous purposes, proving that no human will or power can ultimately thwart His grand design. Secondly, the verse highlights that God's **Glory is His Ultimate Aim**. The primary objective of God's actions in history is the magnification of His own name and the display of His supreme authority and intrinsic worth. His glory is not a mere byproduct but the central reason for His interventions. Lastly, it underscores God's commitment to **Self-Revelation**. Through these mighty acts of judgment and deliverance, God reveals His unique identity as Yahweh—the self-existent, faithful, and sovereign Lord—to both His covenant people Israel and the surrounding nations. This "knowing" is experiential and undeniable, forcing even His enemies to acknowledge His unparalleled existence.

This verse connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's ongoing work of salvation and judgment. It foreshadows how God continually uses human opposition and even evil for His righteous ends, a profound theme seen throughout Scripture. The "knowing" of God through His mighty deeds is a recurring motif, emphasizing that true knowledge of God comes from observing His character revealed in action.

* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "God's purpose for Pharaoh's existence"): This concept of God raising up a ruler for His specific purposes is explicitly echoed in Paul's letter, where he quotes [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's purpose for Pharaoh's existence") to explain God's sovereign right to choose whom He will use for the display of His glory.
* [Isaiah 45:5-6](/isaiah/45-5-6 "God alone is Lord"): The ultimate goal of God's actions, "that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD," resonates deeply with prophetic passages where God declares His unique identity to the nations, asserting that there is no God besides Him and that He is the only source of righteousness and strength.
* [John 12:27-28](/john/12-27-28 "Jesus prays for God's glory"): The pervasive theme of God being "honoured" or glorified through His mighty acts of judgment and salvation finds its ultimate and profound expression in the New Testament, particularly in the passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, where God's glory is supremely revealed.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 14:4 offers profound assurance that God remains absolutely sovereign, even over the most defiant hearts, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and the darkest human intentions. For believers, this truth provides immense comfort and stability, reminding us that God has a grand, overarching purpose even amidst trials, opposition, and apparent setbacks. He is able to orchestrate events, sometimes through the very resistance of His enemies, to ultimately bring about His glory and reveal His character. This encourages unwavering trust in His ultimate plan and His ability to deliver, even when circumstances seem dire or opponents appear invincible. It reminds us that our personal challenges and the broader struggles of the world are not outside of God's control, but can actually be part of His intricate design to reveal His power, faithfulness, and the supremacy of His name. This verse calls us to look beyond immediate circumstances and fix our gaze on the God who is always at work, accomplishing His will for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's sovereignty over defiant hearts comfort or challenge your perspective on current difficulties or opposition in your life, whether personal or global?**
* **In what ways might God be using seemingly negative circumstances or resistant individuals to ultimately bring about His glory and reveal His character, even if you cannot fully discern the complete picture yet?**
* **How can reflecting on God's purpose in hardening Pharaoh's heart deepen your trust in His ultimate plan for your life and the world, even when His methods are mysterious or His timing seems delayed?**

### FAQ
**Does God force people to sin by hardening their hearts?**

Answer: The biblical concept of "hardening" is complex, involving both divine action and human responsibility. In Exodus, Pharaoh is explicitly stated to harden his own heart multiple times ([Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Pharaoh hardens his own heart"), [Exodus 8:32](/exodus/8-32 "Pharaoh hardens his heart again"), [Exodus 9:34](/exodus/9-34 "Pharaoh hardens his heart once more")). God's hardening, particularly with the Hebrew *chazaq* (H2388), often means strengthening or firming up an *existing* inclination or resolve. God did not implant evil or sin in Pharaoh; rather, He allowed Pharaoh's inherent stubbornness, pride, and defiance to persist and even intensified it for His divine purposes. This allowed Pharaoh to fully express his rebellion, thereby providing the perfect stage for God to display His overwhelming power and justice. It's a profound demonstration of God's sovereign control over human choices without negating human culpability or responsibility for their actions.

**Why would God want the Egyptians to "know" Him through judgment and destruction?**

Answer: The "knowing" (יָדַע, *yâdaʻ*, H3045) in this context is not necessarily a salvific knowledge leading to personal redemption, but an undeniable, experiential recognition of God's unique power, identity, and supremacy. In the ancient world, a god's power and authority were demonstrated through their actions, particularly in battle, over nature, and in their ability to deliver their people. By decisively defeating Pharaoh and his army, and demonstrating absolute control over creation through the plagues and the Red Sea, Yahweh proved Himself to be superior to all Egyptian gods and the only true God. This dramatic display served as a powerful testimony, forcing even His enemies to acknowledge His existence and supreme authority. It was a revelation of His glory that served both to vindicate His people and to establish His name among the nations, even if that knowledge led to fear and awe rather than worship for some.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of God hardening Pharaoh's heart and triumphing over him finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Just as God used Pharaoh's defiant heart to display His glory and deliver His people from physical bondage, so too did God sovereignly use the hardened hearts and evil intentions of humanity to bring about the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ. The crucifixion of Jesus, a supreme act of human rebellion and injustice, was simultaneously God's predetermined plan to achieve salvation for humanity ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Jesus delivered up by God's plan")). Jesus is the ultimate deliverer, leading a new and greater exodus from the bondage of sin and death, a "departure" (Greek: _exodos_) He discussed with Moses and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration ([Luke 9:30-31](/luke/9-30-31 "Moses and Elijah speak of Jesus's departure")). Where Pharaoh was defeated by God's mighty hand, Christ definitively triumphed over the spiritual "Pharaohs"—Satan, sin, and death—through His own death and resurrection, disarming and leading them captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ disarmed the powers")). The supreme revelation of God's glory and identity is not merely in the judgment of an earthly king, but in the self-giving love of God demonstrated on the cross, where God's power is made perfect in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "God's power made perfect in weakness")). Through Christ, the world truly "knows that I am the LORD," not just as a God of overwhelming power and judgment, but as a God of redemptive love, offering reconciliation and new life to all who believe and call upon His name.

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

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:

Romans 9:23

And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

Romans 9:17

For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

Exodus 7:5

And the Egyptians shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.

Exodus 7:3

And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.

Ezekiel 28:22

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her.

Exodus 7:17

Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that [is] in mine hand upon the waters which [are] in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.