Exodus 7:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Pharaoh's {H6547} heart {H3820} is hardened {H3515}, he refuseth {H3985} to let the people {H5971} go {H7971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe, "Pharaoh is stubborn. He refuses to let the people go.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is unyielding; he refuses to let the people go.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Moses, Pharaoh’s heart is stubborn, he refuseth to let the people go.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 7:14 serves as a pivotal divine declaration to Moses, revealing that Pharaoh's heart has become hardened, leading to his continued refusal to release the Israelite people. This pronouncement, delivered by the Lord, marks a significant turning point, signaling the end of appeals and setting the stage for the escalating series of divine judgments—the ten plagues—that will demonstrate God's sovereign power and unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a period of initial confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh, where Moses and Aaron have delivered God's command to "Let my people go" [Exodus 5:1](/exodus/5-1 "Exodus 5:1 - Let My People Go"). Pharaoh's response was not only dismissive but also oppressive, increasing the forced labor upon the Israelites. The Lord's statement in [Exodus 7:14](/exodus/7-14 "Exodus 7:14 - Pharaoh's Hardened Heart") serves as a divine explanation and confirmation to Moses regarding Pharaoh's unyielding stance, directly preceding the initiation of the first plague—the turning of the Nile into blood [Exodus 7:19-21](/exodus/7-19-21 "Exodus 7:19-21 - The First Plague: Water to Blood"). It reinforces God's prior revelation to Moses in [Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "Exodus 4:21 - God Will Harden Pharaoh's Heart"), where He explicitly stated His intention to harden Pharaoh's heart to display His wonders.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a highly structured society ruled by a Pharaoh who was considered a divine king, a living god, and the embodiment of order (Ma'at). The Nile River was the lifeblood of Egypt, central to its agriculture, economy, and religious beliefs, often personified as the god Hapi. The confrontation between Yahweh and Pharaoh, therefore, was not merely a political dispute but a cosmic battle between the God of Israel and the pantheon of Egyptian deities, represented by Pharaoh himself. The plagues, beginning with the Nile, were direct assaults on Egypt's gods, economy, and very way of life, designed to demonstrate Yahweh's supreme power and expose the impotence of the Egyptian gods.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 7:14](/exodus/7-14 "Exodus 7:14 - Pharaoh's Hardened Heart") contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus. Firstly, it highlights the **Sovereignty of God** over all rulers and nations, demonstrating His ability to orchestrate events, even the stubbornness of a king, to fulfill His purposes. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment** against unrepentant rebellion and idolatry, setting the stage for the plagues as righteous retribution. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Liberation and Redemption**, as Pharaoh's resistance necessitates God's mighty acts, ultimately leading to the miraculous deliverance of Israel from bondage. Finally, it explores the complex interplay between **Divine Will and Human Responsibility**, as Pharaoh's initial self-hardening is recognized by God, who then uses and intensifies that very resistance for His glory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh_):** This is the covenant name of God, often translated as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah," derived from the verb "to be" (H1961, _hayah_). It signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His covenant faithfulness. The fact that "the LORD" is the speaker underscores the divine authority and unwavering purpose behind the unfolding events. His declaration is not a mere observation but a sovereign pronouncement.
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb_):** In biblical anthropology, the "heart" is not merely the seat of emotions but the center of one's being, encompassing intellect, will, conscience, and moral character. When Pharaoh's "heart" is described as hardened, it refers to his entire inner disposition—his will, his understanding, his resolve—being set against God's command. It indicates a deep-seated spiritual and volitional resistance.
* **hardened (Hebrew, _kâbêd_):** This specific Hebrew word, _kâbêd_, literally means "heavy," "weighty," or "dull." When applied to the heart, it conveys a sense of unresponsiveness, dullness of perception, or a lack of sensitivity to divine instruction. In [Exodus 7:14](/exodus/7-14 "Exodus 7:14 - Pharaoh's Hardened Heart"), it implies Pharaoh's own initial culpability and self-imposed spiritual denseness, indicating that his heart was already heavy or unresponsive before God's more active hardening.
* **refuseth (Hebrew, _mâʼên_):** This primitive root means "to refuse" or "to be unwilling." It emphasizes Pharaoh's active, volitional rejection of God's command. It's not merely a passive state of being hardened but an active, persistent choice to deny God's will and retain the Israelites in bondage. This word highlights Pharaoh's personal agency and responsibility in his defiance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Moses,"**: This opening phrase establishes the divine origin and authority of the message. It is not Moses's interpretation or observation, but a direct communication from Yahweh, the sovereign God, to His chosen mediator. This divine declaration sets the tone for the ensuing confrontation, emphasizing that God is in control and is revealing His plan.
* **"Pharaoh's heart is hardened,"**: This clause is a declarative statement of fact regarding Pharaoh's inner disposition. The use of _kâbêd_ ("heavy" or "dull") here indicates that Pharaoh's heart has already become unresponsive and resistant to God's demands. This is not God actively hardening it at this precise moment, but rather recognizing and confirming a state of stubbornness that Pharaoh has cultivated, setting the stage for God to further act upon this existing condition.
* **"he refuseth to let the people go."**: This final clause describes the practical outcome and manifestation of Pharaoh's hardened heart: his persistent and active refusal to release the Israelites. The verb _mâʼên_ ("to refuse") highlights Pharaoh's willful defiance and obstinacy. This refusal is the direct catalyst for the subsequent divine judgments, as God will now act powerfully to compel Pharaoh to release His people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. It functions as a **Divine Declaration**, where God authoritatively states a truth about Pharaoh's condition and the impending events, underscoring His omniscience and sovereignty. This declaration also serves as **Foreshadowing**, signaling the end of negotiations and the inevitable onset of the plagues, which will be God's forceful response to Pharaoh's unyielding heart. There is also an element of **Irony** at play: Pharaoh, who sees himself as a god and ruler of the world's most powerful empire, is ultimately powerless against the will of the true God, and his very stubbornness becomes the means by which God's glory is maximally displayed. The phrase "the LORD said" is a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like communication to God, making His interaction with Moses relatable and direct.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The declaration in [Exodus 7:14](/exodus/7-14 "Exodus 7:14 - Pharaoh's Hardened Heart") is foundational to understanding the Exodus narrative, highlighting profound theological truths about God's character and His interaction with humanity. It underscores the tension between God's sovereign will and human responsibility, a theme woven throughout biblical theology. Pharaoh's hardened heart serves as a stark illustration of humanity's capacity for persistent rebellion against divine authority, even in the face of overwhelming evidence. Yet, it also reveals God's patient yet resolute justice, demonstrating that while He offers opportunities for repentance, He will ultimately act to uphold His righteousness and deliver His people, using even human obstinacy to magnify His name.

* [Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "God's Intention to Harden Pharaoh's Heart")
* [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17-18 "God's Sovereignty Over Pharaoh")
* [Hebrews 3:7-8](/hebrews/3-7-8 "Do Not Harden Your Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Pharaoh's hardened heart in [Exodus 7:14](/exodus/7-14 "Exodus 7:14 - Pharaoh's Hardened Heart") serves as a timeless cautionary tale for all who encounter God's truth and commands. Just as Pharaoh's persistent defiance led to his nation's devastation and his own downfall, so too can an unyielding spirit lead to spiritual blindness and severe consequences in our lives. This verse calls us to a profound self-examination: are there areas in our hearts where we are resistant to God's will, where we refuse to "let go" of our own desires or control? True spiritual health is marked by a humble and responsive heart, eager to yield to God's leading. Furthermore, this passage encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable opposition or inexplicable delays, knowing that He is orchestrating all things—even human stubbornness—to accomplish His ultimate, glorious purposes for His people and His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my heart be resistant or "hardened" to God's will?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over Pharaoh's heart impact my trust in His control over difficult circumstances in my own life?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a more responsive and pliable heart towards God's Word and Spirit?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that Pharaoh's heart was "hardened" in [Exodus 7:14](/exodus/7-14 "Exodus 7:14 - Pharaoh's Hardened Heart")?**

Answer: In [Exodus 7:14](/exodus/7-14 "Exodus 7:14 - Pharaoh's Hardened Heart"), the Hebrew word for "hardened" is _kâbêd_ (כָּבֵד), which literally means "heavy" or "dull." When applied to the heart, it implies a lack of responsiveness, a spiritual denseness, or an ability to perceive and yield to God's will. This particular usage suggests Pharaoh's own initial culpability and self-imposed obstinacy. It indicates that his heart was already in a state of unresponsiveness, which God then recognized and allowed to persist, eventually strengthening it for His own purposes.

**Did God make Pharaoh stubborn, or was Pharaoh responsible for his own choices?**

Answer: The biblical narrative presents a complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While [Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "Exodus 4:21 - God's Intention to Harden Pharaoh's Heart") reveals God's foreknowledge and intention to harden Pharaoh's heart, verses like [Exodus 7:14](/exodus/7-14 "Exodus 7:14 - Pharaoh's Hardened Heart") (using _kâbêd_) and others where Pharaoh "hardened his own heart" ([Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Exodus 8:15 - Pharaoh Hardened His Heart")) demonstrate his personal responsibility and active choice in resisting God. God's hardening can be understood as allowing Pharaoh to persist in his chosen rebellion, removing any inclination to yield, and using that very resistance to display His power and glory. It is not that God forced an unwilling heart to be stubborn, but rather that He solidified an already resistant heart for His divine purposes.

**What is the significance of the different Hebrew words used for "hardening" Pharaoh's heart throughout Exodus?**

Answer: The text uses several Hebrew verbs to describe the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, each with a slightly different nuance, highlighting both Pharaoh's agency and God's sovereignty. **_Kâbêd_** (כָּבֵד): Used in [Exodus 7:14](/exodus/7-14 "Exodus 7:14 - Pharaoh's Hardened Heart"), meaning "heavy" or "dull." It often describes Pharaoh's initial self-imposed denseness or lack of responsiveness. **_Chazaq_** (חָזַק): Meaning "to be strong," "to be firm," or "to strengthen." This verb is frequently used when God hardens Pharaoh's heart ([Exodus 9:12](/exodus/9-12 "Exodus 9:12 - God Hardened Pharaoh's Heart")), implying that God made Pharaoh's resolve firm or resolute. **_Qasha_** (קָשָׁה): Meaning "to be hard" or "to be stiff." Also used for God hardening Pharaoh's heart ([Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "Exodus 7:3 - God Will Harden Pharaoh's Heart")), conveying a sense of rigidity or stubbornness. These variations underscore that Pharaoh's stubborn disposition was both a result of his own choices and a divinely orchestrated element in God's plan to demonstrate His power and deliver His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Pharaoh's hardened heart and God's mighty acts of deliverance in Exodus finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as God demonstrated His supreme power over the oppressive ruler of Egypt to liberate His people from physical slavery, Christ, through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, triumphed over the ultimate oppressors: sin, death, and the spiritual powers that enslave all humanity [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities"). Pharaoh's persistent refusal to acknowledge God's authority, though serving God's immediate purpose of revealing His glory, ultimately led to his destruction and the judgment of his nation. In stark contrast, Christ's perfect obedience, even unto death on the cross [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death"), provided the means for ultimate spiritual liberation and reconciliation with God. The plagues, a display of divine judgment against unrepentant rebellion, foreshadow the final judgment that awaits those whose hearts remain hardened against the gospel of grace [John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Condemnation for Unbelief"), while Christ offers a path to freedom, forgiveness, and new life for all who believe in Him, delivering them from a far greater bondage than that of ancient Egypt [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God"). He is the true Lamb of God, whose sacrifice secures the exodus from sin's dominion for all who trust in Him [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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 10:20

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

Exodus 10:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him:

Exodus 8:15

But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

Exodus 10:27

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

Jeremiah 9:6

Thine habitation [is] in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD.

Exodus 10:4

Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, to morrow will I bring the locusts into thy coast:

Exodus 4:23

And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, [even] thy firstborn.