Exodus 3:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will stretch out {H7971} my hand {H3027}, and smite {H5221} Egypt {H4714} with all my wonders {H6381} which I will do {H6213} in the midst {H7130} thereof: and after {H310} that he will let you go {H7971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I will reach out my hand and strike Egypt with all my wonders that I will do there. After that, he will let you go.

Berean Standard Bible

So I will stretch out My hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders I will perform among them. And after that, he will release you.

American Standard Version

And I will put forth 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 3:20 marks a pivotal moment in God's revelation to Moses at the burning bush, serving as a resolute divine declaration of His unwavering intent to liberate the Israelites from their oppressive Egyptian bondage. This verse unveils God's decisive plan, assuring Moses that despite any anticipated resistance from Pharaoh, His direct and overwhelming intervention through miraculous "wonders" will undeniably compel the ruler to release God's people, thereby setting the immutable stage for their grand exodus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 3:20 is strategically placed within the narrative of God's initial encounter with Moses at the burning bush. It immediately follows God's solemn [commissioning of Moses](/exodus/3-10 "God Commissions Moses to Lead Israel") to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery. Moses, grappling with the enormity of the task and anticipating Pharaoh's inevitable stubbornness, expresses profound doubt regarding the king's willingness to comply. God directly addresses this apprehension in the preceding verse, [Exodus 3:19](/exodus/3-19 "Pharaoh's Initial Refusal to Let Israel Go"), where He explicitly states, "I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand." Exodus 3:20 then serves as God's powerful counter-assurance, revealing the divine method by which Pharaoh's resistance will be overcome, thereby setting the immutable foundation for the dramatic sequence of the ten plagues and the subsequent Exodus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Exodus 3:20 is the deeply entrenched oppression of the Israelites by the Egyptian empire, a period spanning approximately 400 years as foretold in [Genesis 15:13](/genesis/15-13 "God's Prophecy of Israel's Affliction"). Egypt was a dominant world power, characterized by its advanced civilization, formidable military, and a complex polytheistic religion where Pharaoh himself was considered a divine being, a living god. The "wonders" God promises to perform were not merely isolated acts of power but direct assaults on the Egyptian pantheon and Pharaoh's supposed divinity. Each plague would systematically challenge and dismantle the authority of specific Egyptian deities, demonstrating Yahweh's absolute supremacy over all other gods and the natural order. This cultural context underscores the immense spiritual and political defiance inherent in Pharaoh's refusal, making God's promised intervention a direct confrontation of cosmic proportions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, unequivocally asserting God's supreme authority over all earthly rulers and nations, including the mighty Pharaoh. It highlights God's active and decisive involvement in human history, demonstrating that no human will can thwart His ultimate purpose. Closely related is the theme of **Deliverance and Redemption**, as God's promised actions are solely aimed at liberating His oppressed people, a motif that echoes throughout salvation history. The verse also underscores **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, particularly those made to Abraham regarding his descendants' affliction and eventual release with great possessions (cf. [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham and Prophecy of Israel's Deliverance")). Finally, the "wonders" serve the theme of **Revelation of God's Character and Name**, as these acts are designed not only to secure Israel's freedom but also to make His name known to both Israel and Egypt, compelling recognition of Him as the one true God, as further emphasized in [Exodus 7:5](/exodus/7-5 "God's Name Made Known Through Plagues").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stretch out (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** (H7971) This primitive root means "to send away, for, or out," encompassing a great variety of applications including to cast, conduct, give up, or let go. In this context, combined with "hand," it denotes a deliberate and forceful extension of power, indicating an active and direct intervention by God. It signifies the initiation of a powerful action that will lead to a specific outcome.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** (H3027) This word refers to the open hand, distinguishing it from the closed fist. It is used extensively, both literally and figuratively, to denote power, means, direction, and authority. When God "stretches out His hand," it is a powerful anthropomorphism signifying His personal, sovereign, and irresistible power being exerted to accomplish His will, often in acts of judgment or salvation.
* **wonders (Hebrew, _pâlâʼ'_):** (H6381) This primitive root means to "separate," "distinguish," or by implication, "to be great, difficult, or wonderful." It describes acts that are extraordinary, beyond human capability, and designed to reveal God's unique power and character. In the context of the plagues, these "wonders" are not mere magic tricks but divine, miraculous interventions that demonstrate God's supremacy and serve His redemptive purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will stretch out my hand,"**: This opening clause is a potent anthropomorphic idiom, "stretching out the hand," which universally signifies a direct, forceful, and active exertion of power. In the divine context, it communicates God's personal and sovereign intervention, emphasizing that He will not merely observe or command from a distance, but will actively engage His omnipotence to accomplish His will. This phrase underscores the certainty and directness of God's impending actions.
* **"and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof:"**: This segment reveals the nature and location of God's intervention. To "smite Egypt" signifies a decisive act of judgment and righteous retribution against the nation that has oppressed His people. The phrase "with all my wonders" indicates that this smiting will occur through a series of miraculous, supernatural acts, far beyond human capability. These "wonders" (Hebrew: _pâlâʼ_) are not random displays but purposeful signs designed to demonstrate God's power, validate Moses' message, and reveal His glory to both Israel and Egypt. The declaration that these will be done "in the midst thereof" emphasizes their public, undeniable, and inescapable nature, directly impacting the very heart of Egyptian society and challenging its false gods.
* **"and after that he will let you go."**: This final clause states the inevitable and divinely ordained outcome of God's intervention. Despite Pharaoh's anticipated stubbornness and initial refusal, God's overwhelming power and the impact of His wonders will ultimately compel the Egyptian ruler to release the Israelites. This demonstrates the unwavering certainty of God's promise and His commitment to His covenant people, assuring Moses that divine judgment will directly lead to the liberation of His chosen nation.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 3:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, seen in the phrase "I will stretch out my hand." This attributes a human action (stretching out a hand) to God, making His abstract power and direct intervention more relatable and comprehensible to human understanding, emphasizing His active engagement in human affairs. The phrase "all my wonders" functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, underscoring the comprehensive and overwhelming nature of the miraculous judgments God is about to unleash upon Egypt, implying a totality of divine power that leaves no doubt about His supremacy. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as potent **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the dramatic and miraculous events of the ten plagues that will follow, directly leading to the Exodus narrative. It is also part of a **Divine Monologue**, where God directly communicates His sovereign will and plan to Moses, establishing His authority and the certainty of His word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 3:20 is rich with profound theological implications, primarily asserting God's absolute **Divine Sovereignty and Power** over all earthly rulers and nations. His declaration to act decisively and powerfully demonstrates that no human will, not even that of a mighty Pharaoh, can thwart His ultimate divine purpose. This verse unequivocally highlights God's **Unwavering Promise** and His unbreakable commitment to His covenant people; despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacle of Pharaoh's oppression, God's word is utterly reliable, and His plan for deliverance will be fulfilled. The "smiting" of Egypt with "wonders" represents God's righteous **Judgment and Deliverance**, showcasing His dual role as both the just judge of the wicked and the faithful redeemer of His people. These "wonders" are not arbitrary displays of power but serve the **Purpose of Miracles** as purposeful demonstrations of God's presence and authority, designed to reveal His glory, validate His messengers, and compel both Israel and Egypt to acknowledge Him as the one true God, thereby fulfilling His overarching redemptive plan.
* [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham and Prophecy of Israel's Affliction and Deliverance")
* [Exodus 7:5](/exodus/7-5 "God's Name Made Known to Egypt")
* [Psalm 77:14](/psalms/77-14 "God's Wonders and Redemption")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 3:20 offers profound encouragement and a steadfast anchor for faith in the face of life's seemingly insurmountable challenges. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness and His absolute omnipotence, assuring believers that His promises are utterly reliable, even when circumstances appear impossible or human opposition seems overwhelming. This verse teaches us that God possesses the ultimate power to intervene decisively in our personal lives and in the broader sweep of history, overcoming obstacles that are far beyond our control or comprehension. When confronted with situations that feel oppressive, intractable, or hopeless, we are called to trust in God's sovereign ability to "stretch out His hand" and work His wonders to fulfill His righteous purposes. It reinforces the timeless truth articulated in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "God is Not a Man That He Should Lie"), that "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent," affirming that His sovereign plans will ultimately prevail, bringing about His desired outcome for His people and His glory in the world. We are invited to rest in the certainty that the God who delivered Israel from Pharaoh's iron grip is the same God who is active and mighty in our present realities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What seemingly insurmountable obstacles or oppressive situations in your life today require God to "stretch out His hand"?**
* **How does the certainty of God's intervention in Exodus 3:20 strengthen your trust in His promises for your own life?**
* **In what ways can you actively acknowledge God's sovereignty and power when faced with circumstances beyond your control?**

### FAQ
**Why does God need to "stretch out His hand" if He is omnipotent?**

Answer: The phrase "stretch out my hand" is an **anthropomorphism**, a literary device describing God's actions in human terms to make them comprehensible to us. It does not imply any limitation on His omnipotence, but rather emphasizes His direct, personal, and forceful intervention. It underscores the deliberate, mighty, and undeniable nature of His forthcoming acts against Egypt, signifying that He is not merely observing but actively engaging His power to accomplish His sovereign will and deliver His people.
**What are the "wonders" God refers to in this verse?**

Answer: The "wonders" God refers to are the ten miraculous [plagues He inflicts upon Egypt](/exodus/7 "The Plagues of Egypt"). These divine judgments, detailed from [Exodus 7](/exodus/7 "Exodus Chapter 7") through [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus Chapter 12"), included events such as the turning of the Nile to blood, the frogs, gnats, flies, livestock disease, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and finally the devastating death of the firstborn. Each plague was designed to demonstrate God's power over all creation and the false gods of Egypt, ultimately compelling Pharaoh to release Israel, culminating in Pharaoh finally [urging the Israelites to leave](/exodus/12-31 "Pharaoh Urges Moses and Aaron to Leave").
**Does God force Pharaoh's will, or does Pharaoh willingly let Israel go?**

Answer: This is a complex theological question that highlights the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While Pharaoh initially hardens his own heart in defiance of God's command, God's "smiting" with wonders ultimately breaks his resistance. The text indicates that "after that he will let you go," implying that Pharaoh's release of Israel is a direct, albeit reluctant and compelled, consequence of God's overwhelming judgment. God's actions bring Pharaoh to a point where his stubbornness is overcome, demonstrating God's ultimate sovereignty even over human will, without negating Pharaoh's initial and persistent responsibility for his choices.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 3:20 serves as a profound and powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate and far greater deliverance accomplished through Jesus Christ. Just as God "stretched out His hand" to smite Egypt with overwhelming wonders and deliver Israel from physical bondage, so too did God, in Christ, stretch out His hand in decisive judgment against sin and death, and in glorious deliverance for all humanity. The plagues against Egypt, demonstrating God's sovereign power over earthly oppressors and false gods, find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ's triumphant victory over the spiritual forces of darkness, the dominion of sin, and the sting of the grave. His crucifixion, a seemingly weak act, was in fact the supreme "wonder" where God disarmed the powers and authorities (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")), and His resurrection definitively broke the power of our ultimate oppressor, Satan, who held the power of death (cf. [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Christ's Deliverance from the Fear of Death")). Through Christ, God achieves a spiritual exodus, leading His people not merely to a temporal promised land, but into an eternal kingdom and a new creation, securing eternal freedom and life for all who were once in bondage to sin (cf. [Romans 6:22](/romans/6-22 "Freedom from Sin, Slavery to God")). This ultimate act of divine judgment and redemption culminates in the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), fulfilling the very purpose for which God's hand was stretched out.

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

Acts 7:36

He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

Nehemiah 9:10

And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as [it is] this day.

Exodus 9:15

For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth.

Deuteronomy 6:22

And the LORD shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes:

Exodus 6:6

Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I [am] the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:

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.

Psalms 105:27

They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.