Exodus 8:10

KJV

And he said, To morrow. And he said, [Be it] according to thy word: that thou mayest know that [there is] none like unto the LORD our God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, To morrow {H4279}. And he said {H559}, Be it according to thy word {H1697}: that thou mayest know {H3045} that there is none like unto the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered, "Tomorrow." Moshe said, "It will be as you have said, and from this you will learn that ADONAI our God has no equal.

Berean Standard Bible

“Tomorrow,” Pharaoh answered. “May it be as you say,” Moses replied, “so that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God.

American Standard Version

And he said, Against to-morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word; that thou mayest know that there is none like unto Jehovah our God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
A pivotal exchange during the plague of frogs, where Pharaoh, overwhelmed by the pervasive infestation, finally requests Moses to intercede for their removal. Moses, in a remarkable display of God's sovereignty, challenges Pharaoh to name the precise time for the plague's cessation. Pharaoh's response, "To morrow," sets the stage for Moses's profound declaration: "that thou mayest know that [there is] none like unto the LORD our God." This verse powerfully underscores God's absolute incomparability, His meticulous control over creation, and His unique authority over all other powers and deities, even as He condescends to work within human-chosen parameters to reveal His glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the escalating narrative of the plagues upon Egypt, specifically following the plague of blood ([Exodus 7:14-25](/exodus/7-14-25 "The Plague of Blood")) and during the height of the plague of frogs ([Exodus 8:1-15](/exodus/8-1-15 "The Plague of Frogs")). The previous verses detail the miraculous arrival of the frogs and the inability of Pharaoh's magicians to remove them, though they could replicate them ([Exodus 8:7](/exodus/8-7 "Magicians Replicate Frogs")). Pharaoh's desperate plea in [Exodus 8:8](/exodus/8-8 "Pharaoh Pleads for Frog Removal") marks a turning point, as he directly appeals to Moses and Aaron for relief. Moses's invitation to Pharaoh to name the time ([Exodus 8:9](/exodus/8-9 "Moses Challenges Pharaoh")) is a deliberate move to eliminate any doubt that the plague's removal is a divinely orchestrated act, not a coincidence. This immediate context highlights the growing pressure on Pharaoh and the increasing demonstration of Yahweh's power over the gods of Egypt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a polytheistic society, worshipping a vast pantheon of gods associated with natural phenomena, human activities, and the pharaoh himself, who was considered a divine intermediary. The Nile, for instance, was deified, and frogs were often associated with Heket, the goddess of fertility and childbirth, depicted with a frog's head. The plagues, therefore, were not merely natural disasters but direct assaults on the Egyptian worldview and their gods. By demonstrating control over the very elements and creatures worshipped by the Egyptians, Yahweh systematically exposed the impotence of these false deities. Pharaoh's choice of "tomorrow" instead of "now" for the plague's removal might reflect his desire to maintain a semblance of control or to test the true source of Moses's power, rather than immediately conceding to the God of Israel. It also allowed for a clear, undeniable demonstration of God's precise timing and power, leaving no room for naturalistic explanations.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 8:10](/exodus/8-10 "God's Uniqueness Demonstrated") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. The most prominent is the **sovereignty and incomparability of Yahweh**. Moses's declaration, "none like unto the LORD our God," is a foundational theological statement that directly challenges the polytheism of Egypt and asserts Yahweh's unique status as the one true God. This theme is echoed throughout the plagues and is a central tenet of Israelite theology, as seen in later declarations like [Deuteronomy 4:35](/deuteronomy/4-35 "The LORD is God; there is no other"). Another key theme is **divine revelation through judgment**. The plagues serve not only as punishment but also as a means for God to reveal His power, character, and identity to Pharaoh, the Egyptians, and even to His own people, Israel, as stated in [Exodus 7:5](/exodus/7-5 "Egyptians Will Know I Am the LORD"). Pharaoh's **hardening of heart** is also evident; despite the overwhelming evidence of God's power, he continues to resist, choosing a delay rather than immediate submission, foreshadowing his later stubbornness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) This term, beyond merely spoken sounds, encompasses a wide semantic range including a matter, thing, affair, or decree. In this context, "according to thy word" signifies Pharaoh's specific request or declaration. It highlights that God is not only powerful enough to act but also precise enough to respond to the exact parameters set by human utterance, demonstrating His meticulous control and condescension.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** (H3045) This verb denotes a deep, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual assent. It implies recognition, understanding, and acknowledgment. Moses's purpose in allowing Pharaoh to name the time is "that thou mayest know" – that Pharaoh, and by extension Egypt, would come to understand experientially and acknowledge the unique, incomparable nature of Yahweh through His decisive action.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His active presence in the world, particularly in His covenant relationship with Israel. The declaration "none like unto the LORD" asserts the absolute supremacy and uniqueness of the God who revealed Himself to Moses and who is actively intervening in history on behalf of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, To morrow."**: This initial phrase records Pharaoh's response to Moses's challenge to name the time for the frogs' removal. Pharaoh's choice of "tomorrow" is significant. It reveals his stubbornness and perhaps a lingering hope that the plague might naturally abate, or a desire to maintain a facade of control, rather than immediately submitting to the God of Israel. This delay, however, ultimately serves God's purpose, making the subsequent, precisely timed removal of the frogs undeniably miraculous and attributable solely to divine power.
* **"And he said, [Be it] according to thy word:"**: Moses's immediate agreement to Pharaoh's chosen timing demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty and His willingness to operate within the parameters set by human requests, even those born of resistance. It underscores that God is not bound by human expectations or limitations but can fulfill His purposes precisely, regardless of the timing chosen by His adversaries. This also highlights God's condescension, meeting Pharaoh on his own terms only to utterly defeat his will.
* **"that thou mayest know that [there is] none like unto the LORD our God."**: This is the theological climax of the verse. Moses's declaration serves as the ultimate purpose behind the entire interaction. The phrase "none like unto the LORD our God" (Hebrew: *'eyn kamocha Yahweh Eloheynu*) is a powerful assertion of Yahweh's absolute incomparability. It directly refutes the polytheistic worldview of Egypt, proclaiming that the God of Israel stands alone, without peer or rival among all gods, powers, or forces. This statement is foundational to monotheism, asserting Yahweh's singular authority as the Creator and Sustainer over all creation, including the natural elements manipulated by the plagues, and His unique covenant relationship with Israel ("our God").

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Dialogue** is central, presenting a direct, confrontational exchange between Moses and Pharaoh, highlighting the spiritual battle at play. There is a strong element of **Irony** in Pharaoh's choice of "tomorrow"; what he intends as a delay or a test, God uses to magnify His own precise power and control, making the miracle even more undeniable. The phrase "that thou mayest know that [there is] none like unto the LORD our God" functions as a profound **Theological Declaration**, serving as the interpretive key for the entire plague narrative. This declaration also creates a stark **Contrast** between the singular, incomparable power of Yahweh and the impotence of the Egyptian gods and Pharaoh himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound declaration in [Exodus 8:10](/exodus/8-10 "God's Uniqueness and Sovereignty")—"that thou mayest know that [there is] none like unto the LORD our God"—is a cornerstone of biblical theology. It asserts God's absolute uniqueness, His unrivaled power, and His singular authority over all creation and all other purported deities. This truth is not merely an abstract theological concept but is demonstrated tangibly through the precise timing and execution of the plagues. God allows Pharaoh to set the terms of the miracle precisely to eliminate any doubt that the outcome is a random event or a natural phenomenon. The plagues, therefore, serve as a dramatic, undeniable revelation of God's character and power, designed to bring both the Egyptians and the Israelites to a deeper, experiential knowledge of who Yahweh truly is. This revelation is crucial for Israel's faith and for the world to recognize the one true God.

* [Deuteronomy 4:35](/deuteronomy/4-35 "The LORD is God; there is no other")
* [Isaiah 46:9](/isaiah/46-9 "God Declares His Uniqueness and Sovereignty")
* [Psalm 86:8](/psalms/86-8 "None Like You, O Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Exodus 8:10](/exodus/8-10 "Trusting God's Incomparable Power") offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Like Pharaoh, we often find ourselves in situations where we desire immediate relief from our "plagues"—be they financial struggles, health crises, relational conflicts, or spiritual dryness. Yet, we may also, subtly or overtly, try to dictate the terms or timing of God's intervention, seeking to maintain a semblance of control or to test His faithfulness. This verse challenges us to surrender our preferred timing and trust in God's perfect, often surprising, plan. It reminds us that God's primary aim in our trials is not just our comfort, but the revelation of His unparalleled character and power. When we allow God to work in His own way and time, even if it means enduring a "tomorrow" of difficulty, He demonstrates His unique sovereignty, proving that there is truly "none like unto the LORD our God." This should lead us to deeper worship, unwavering trust, and a willingness to acknowledge His absolute supremacy in every aspect of our lives, transforming our trials into platforms for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to dictate the timing or method of God's intervention, rather than fully surrendering to His will?**
* **How does recognizing God's absolute incomparability ("none like unto the LORD our God") change your perspective on personal challenges or global events?**
* **What "plagues" in your life might God be using to reveal His unique power and character to you or to others?**
* **How can you more intentionally acknowledge and declare God's unique sovereignty in your daily life and interactions?**

### FAQ

**Why did Pharaoh choose "tomorrow" instead of "now"?**

Answer: Pharaoh's decision to choose "tomorrow" rather than immediate relief was likely multifaceted. It could have been an attempt to maintain a semblance of control, asserting his own will even in the face of divine power. It also served as a test: if the frogs disappeared precisely "tomorrow" as Moses declared, it would be undeniable proof of the God of Israel's direct intervention, leaving no room for coincidence or natural explanation. Furthermore, it highlights Pharaoh's hardened heart, revealing his reluctance to immediately submit to God's command, preferring to endure the plague for another night rather than fully concede to Yahweh's authority. This delay ultimately served God's purpose, making the subsequent, precisely timed removal of the frogs an even more powerful demonstration of His unique power and sovereignty, as seen in [Exodus 8:11-14](/exodus/8-11-14 "The Frogs Die and are Gathered").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound declaration in [Exodus 8:10](/exodus/8-10 "God's Uniqueness and Christ's Supremacy") that "there is none like unto the LORD our God" finds its most glorious and ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. As the eternal Son, Christ is the very embodiment of God's unique and incomparable nature, being "God with us," or [Immanuel](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel"). Just as Yahweh demonstrated His supremacy over creation through the plagues, Jesus, during His earthly ministry, displayed divine power over all natural elements, calming raging storms with a word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Jesus Calms the Storm")), walking on water ([Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Jesus Walks on Water")), and multiplying food to feed thousands ([John 6:11](/john/6-11 "Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand")). He healed every kind of disease and infirmity ([Matthew 4:23](/matthew/4-23 "Jesus Heals All Kinds of Sickness")) and, most significantly, conquered death itself, raising Lazarus from the grave ([John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "Lazarus Raised from the Dead")) and ultimately rising from His own tomb ([Luke 24:6-7](/luke/24-6-7 "Jesus' Resurrection Announced")). Through Christ, the incomparable God of Exodus is fully revealed, not only in power but also in redemptive love, offering salvation and a new covenant relationship where believers can truly "know" Him as their incomparable Lord and God, as declared by Thomas in [John 20:28](/john/20-28 "Thomas's Confession of Jesus as Lord and 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

1 Chronicles 17:20

O LORD, [there is] none like thee, neither [is there any] God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

Psalms 86:8

¶ Among the gods [there is] none like unto thee, O Lord; neither [are there any works] like unto thy works.

2 Samuel 7:22

Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for [there is] none like thee, neither [is there any] God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

Isaiah 46:9

Remember the former things of old: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else; [I am] God, and [there is] none like me,

Deuteronomy 33:26

¶ [There is] none like unto the God of Jeshurun, [who] rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.

Exodus 9:14

For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that [there is] none like me in all the earth.

Jeremiah 10:6

Forasmuch as [there is] none like unto thee, O LORD; thou [art] great, and thy name [is] great in might.