Exodus 4:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, When thou goest {H3212} to return {H7725} into Egypt {H4714}, see {H7200} that thou do {H6213} all those wonders {H4159} before {H6440} Pharaoh {H6547}, which I have put {H7760} in thine hand {H3027}: but I will harden {H2388} his heart {H3820}, that he shall not let the people {H5971} go {H7971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe, "When you get back to Egypt, make sure that you do before Pharaoh every one of the wonders I have enabled you to do. Nevertheless, I am going to make him hardhearted, and he will refuse to let the people go.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD instructed Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put within your power. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Moses, When thou goest back into Egypt, see that thou do before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in thy hand: but I will harden his heart and he will not let the people go.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 4:21 reveals a pivotal divine declaration to Moses, forewarning him that despite the powerful signs and wonders he would perform before Pharaoh, God Himself would supernaturally strengthen Pharaoh's resolve to resist. This divinely orchestrated hardening would prevent Pharaoh from immediately releasing the Israelites, thereby setting the stage for a prolonged series of judgments upon Egypt, ultimately ensuring a more profound demonstration of God's absolute power and a glorious, undeniable deliverance for His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial part of Moses' initial commission at the burning bush. Following Moses' repeated objections regarding his inadequacy and the people's potential disbelief, God provides him with miraculous signs to authenticate his message and authority ([Exodus 4:1-9](/exodus/4-1-9 "God Equips Moses with Signs and Wonders")). The immediate preceding verses detail these signs—the staff turning into a serpent and his hand becoming leprous—as divine credentials. This specific declaration in [Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "God's Warning to Moses about Pharaoh's Heart") serves as a pre-emptive warning to Moses, preparing him for the seemingly paradoxical resistance he will face despite performing undeniable miracles. It frames the entire subsequent narrative of the plagues as a divinely controlled drama, not merely a human struggle.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a polytheistic society, with Pharaoh considered a divine figure, the son of Ra, and the embodiment of national power and prosperity. The Egyptians believed their gods controlled the Nile, the sun, and all aspects of life. The concept of "heart" (Hebrew: *lev*) in the ancient Near East encompassed not only emotions but also intellect, will, and moral character. Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites was not just a political stance but a direct challenge to the authority of Yahweh, the God of Israel. The plagues, therefore, were not random acts of destruction but targeted judgments against specific Egyptian deities and their perceived domains, culminating in the humbling of Pharaoh and the demonstration of Yahweh's supremacy over all gods and powers, as promised in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God Raises Up Pharaoh to Show His Power").
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "God's Warning to Moses about Pharaoh's Heart") introduces several foundational themes that permeate the book of Exodus. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over human wills and historical events to accomplish His purposes. Secondly, it highlights the **Authentication of God's Messenger**, as the "wonders" are God's chosen means to validate Moses' authority before both Pharaoh and the Israelites. Thirdly, it sets the stage for the theme of **Judgment and Deliverance**, revealing that Pharaoh's resistance is not an obstacle to God's plan but an integral part of it, necessary for the full display of God's power in judging Egypt and delivering Israel. This divine strategy ultimately leads to the profound revelation of God's glory and name, as seen throughout the plague narratives, particularly in passages like [Exodus 7:5](/exodus/7-5 "Egyptians Will Know I Am the LORD") and [Exodus 14:4](/exodus/14-4 "God Will Be Honored Through Pharaoh").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The verse presents a profound theological statement regarding divine sovereignty and human will, outlining God's strategic plan for Israel's deliverance.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, frequently translated as "LORD" in English Bibles. It signifies the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging God who is faithful to His promises. In this context, the use of YHWH emphasizes that the speaker is the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel, whose will cannot be thwarted, and who is about to demonstrate His unique power and authority to the world.
* **wonders (Hebrew, _môwphêth'_):** This term refers to a miracle, a token, or an omen. These are not mere tricks but supernatural signs designed to attest to divine presence and power, validating the messenger and the message. God explicitly states He has "put" these wonders in Moses' hand, signifying that the power originates solely from God and is merely channeled through Moses, underscoring God's ultimate agency.
* **harden (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** While commonly translated "harden" in this context, the primary meaning of *châzaq* is "to strengthen," "make firm," or "make bold." It implies God will fortify Pharaoh's existing resolve or disposition to resist, enabling him to persist in his rebellion. This divine act is not about coercing an unwilling heart but confirming and empowering an already stubborn one, allowing God's greater purposes to unfold through Pharaoh's continued defiance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt":** This phrase reiterates the divine commission given to Moses at the burning bush. It emphasizes that Moses' journey back to Egypt is not a personal venture but a direct obedience to God's command, initiating the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
* **"see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand":** This is a direct command and a reaffirmation of Moses' divine enablement. The "wonders" are the miraculous signs God has already demonstrated to Moses (e.g., the staff to serpent, the leprous hand) and others yet to come. The phrase "which I have put in thine hand" highlights that Moses is merely an instrument; the power and authority for these supernatural acts reside entirely with God, authenticating Moses as His chosen representative.
* **"but I will harden his heart":** This is the pivotal, prophetic declaration. God explicitly states His intention to intervene in Pharaoh's will. This divine hardening is a sovereign act that will ensure Pharaoh's continued resistance, not to prevent Israel's eventual release, but to prolong the confrontation. It sets the stage for the series of plagues, revealing God's absolute control over human rulers and His strategic plan for demonstrating His glory.
* **"that he shall not let the people go."**: This clause reveals the immediate purpose of the hardening: to ensure Pharaoh's refusal. This refusal is necessary for God to unleash the full scope of His judgments upon Egypt, thereby demonstrating His unparalleled power over all creation and the false gods of Egypt. The ultimate goal is not to keep Israel enslaved, but to achieve their deliverance in a manner that maximizes God's glory and teaches both Egyptians and Israelites about His unique identity and might.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 4:21 powerfully employs **Divine Foreknowledge** and **Prophecy**, as God explicitly declares Pharaoh's future resistance before Moses even confronts him. This establishes God's absolute control over the unfolding events and His comprehensive plan. There is a profound **Paradox** or **Irony** at play: God commands Moses to perform wonders to persuade Pharaoh, yet simultaneously states He will harden Pharaoh's heart, ensuring the persuasion fails in the short term. This highlights the deeper, revelatory purpose behind the plagues. The phrase "which I have put in thine hand" uses **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like action (putting something in a hand) to God, conveying His direct involvement and empowerment of Moses. Furthermore, the verse sets up a clear **Thematic Juxtaposition** between human agency (Moses performing wonders) and divine sovereignty (God hardening Pharaoh's heart), laying the groundwork for the complex interplay of human will and divine decree that characterizes the Exodus narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 4:21 introduces a profound theological tension between God's absolute sovereignty and human responsibility, a theme that resonates throughout biblical theology. God's declaration, "I will harden his heart," asserts His ultimate control, even over the wills of powerful rulers, to achieve His righteous purposes. This act is not arbitrary but serves a specific divine agenda: to facilitate the full demonstration of God's justice against Egyptian oppression and His unwavering faithfulness in delivering His covenant people. The ensuing plagues are thus not merely punitive but revelatory, designed to manifest God's unparalleled power and glory to both the Egyptians and the Israelites, proving His unique identity as the one true God. This divine hardening, therefore, is an integral part of God's redemptive strategy, ensuring that His name and power are made known throughout the earth.

* [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17-18 "God's Sovereignty Over Pharaoh")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in the Hand of the LORD")
* [John 12:39-40](/john/12-39-40 "Hearts Hardened to Not See or Understand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 4:21 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that God remains sovereign even in the face of seemingly insurmountable human resistance and opposition to His will. When confronted with unyielding circumstances, defiant authorities, or personal trials, we are called to trust that God can work through, and even influence, hearts and events to achieve His ultimate, righteous purposes. This passage teaches us that difficulties and prolonged struggles may sometimes be part of God's larger, strategic plan to display His power and faithfulness, much as Pharaoh's resistance was necessary for God to demonstrate His glory and deliver Israel spectacularly. Our call is to maintain faithfulness in obedience to God's commands, to perform the "wonders" (our God-given tasks and witness) He has put in our hands, even when the path ahead appears daunting or resistant. We can rest in the assurance that God has equipped us with all that is needed to fulfill His divine will, and His purposes will ultimately prevail, bringing Him the greatest glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over Pharaoh's heart influence your perspective on seemingly insurmountable obstacles in your own life or in the world?**
* **In what ways might God be using difficult or resistant situations in your life to reveal His power or character to you or to others?**
* **What "wonders" (gifts, callings, opportunities) has God "put in your hand," and how might you be called to faithfully exercise them even in the face of resistance?**
* **How does the ultimate outcome of the Exodus story (Israel's deliverance) encourage you to trust God's long-term plan, even when the immediate path is challenging?**

### FAQ
**Does God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart negate Pharaoh's free will or culpability?**

Answer: No, the biblical narrative presents a complex interplay rather than a simple negation of free will. Initially, Pharaoh repeatedly hardened his own heart (e.g., [Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart After the Frogs"), [Exodus 8:32](/exodus/8-32 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart After the Flies"), [Exodus 9:34](/exodus/9-34 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart After the Hail")). God's subsequent hardening, as declared in [Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "God's Warning to Moses about Pharaoh's Heart"), can be understood as confirming, strengthening, or enabling Pharaoh's already existing rebellious disposition. It allowed Pharaoh to persist in his chosen path of resistance, serving God's greater purposes without removing Pharaoh's full accountability for his choices, as evidenced by the severe judgments he incurred. This dynamic illustrates that God can use human choices, even sinful ones, to accomplish His sovereign will.

**Why would God harden Pharaoh's heart if He wanted the people to go?**

Answer: God's ultimate purpose was not simply to release Israel, but to do so in a way that would maximally display His glory and power to both Egypt and Israel, and indeed to all nations. By hardening Pharaoh's heart, God ensured that Pharaoh would resist long enough for the full series of ten plagues to unfold. This prolonged confrontation served multiple divine objectives: to demonstrate God's absolute supremacy over all the gods of Egypt, to teach both nations about His unique identity and might, and to provide a lasting testimony of His faithfulness to His covenant promises. It was a strategic act to reveal God's character and secure a more profound and memorable deliverance for His people, establishing His name throughout the earth (as stated in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God Raises Up Pharaoh to Show His Power")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the Exodus, initiated by God's declaration in [Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "God's Warning to Moses about Pharaoh's Heart"), serves as a profound Old Testament type of Christ's redemptive work. Pharaoh, whose heart God hardened to resist, embodies the oppressive power of sin and Satan, holding humanity in spiritual bondage. Moses, commissioned by God and empowered with wonders, foreshadows Christ, the ultimate Deliverer who comes with divine authority and power from the Father. Just as God's mighty acts against Pharaoh secured physical liberation for Israel, Christ's victory over sin, death, and the devil through His crucifixion and resurrection achieves spiritual liberation for all who believe. The ultimate purpose of God's actions in Exodus—to reveal His glory, establish His covenant, and save His people—finds its supreme and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through Christ, God's power and love are fully displayed, not merely in a national deliverance, but in a universal salvation that frees humanity from the bondage of sin and death, offering new life and an eternal inheritance (as seen in [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Redemption Through Christ's Blood") and [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Christ Destroys the Power of Death")). Christ is the greater Moses, leading His people out of a greater bondage into a greater promised land.

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 9:18

Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will [have mercy], and whom he will he hardeneth.

Isaiah 63:17

O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, [and] hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants' sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.

Joshua 11:20

For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, [and] that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Exodus 14:8

And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.

John 12:40

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.

Exodus 7:13

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

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.