Exodus 8:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But when Pharaoh {H6547} saw {H7200} that there was respite {H7309}, he hardened {H3513} his heart {H3820}, and hearkened {H8085} not unto them; as the LORD {H3068} had said {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when Pharaoh saw that he had been given some relief, he made himself hardhearted and would not listen to them, just as ADONAI had said would happen.

Berean Standard Bible

When Pharaoh saw that there was relief, however, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said.

American Standard Version

But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them, as Jehovah had spoken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 8:15 marks a critical turning point in the plague narrative, revealing Pharaoh's defiant response to God's mercy. After the miraculous cessation of the plague of frogs, granting a period of "respite," Pharaoh actively chose to harden his own heart, refusing to heed the divine command delivered by Moses and Aaron. This act of self-willed rebellion precisely fulfills the LORD's earlier prophetic declaration, setting the stage for further divine judgment and demonstrating the profound interplay between human obstinacy and God's sovereign plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic removal of the [plague of frogs](/exodus/8-1-14 "Exodus 8:1-14 - The Plague of Frogs"). Pharaoh, overwhelmed by the pervasive infestation, had pleaded with Moses and Aaron to intercede with the LORD for relief, even promising to let Israel go. God, in His mercy, swiftly removed the frogs at Moses' prayer, demonstrating His absolute control over creation. The "respite" mentioned in [Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Exodus 8:15 - Pharaoh Hardens His Heart") is this period of relief, a direct consequence of God's gracious intervention. Pharaoh's subsequent hardening of his heart, therefore, is a direct rejection of divine grace and a betrayal of his earlier promise, setting a pattern of escalating defiance and judgment that will characterize the remainder of the plague narrative in [Exodus 8](/exodus/8 "Exodus Chapter 8") through [Exodus 11](/exodus/11 "Exodus Chapter 11").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a polytheistic society, with Pharaoh considered a divine king, a living god or the son of a god, and the supreme mediator between the gods and the people. This belief system fostered an immense sense of pride and self-sufficiency in Pharaoh, making it culturally unthinkable for him to submit to a foreign deity, especially one represented by a former slave and his brother. His refusal to "hearken" to Moses and Aaron was not merely political stubbornness but a profound theological challenge to the LORD's supremacy. The plagues themselves were direct assaults on the Egyptian pantheon, designed to demonstrate the LORD's singular power over all creation and all deities, a concept utterly alien and offensive to Egyptian religious sensibilities. Pharaoh's hardened heart is thus a reflection of his ingrained worldview and his desperate attempt to maintain his perceived divine authority.

* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Exodus 8:15 - Pharaoh's Obstinacy") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Firstly, it highlights the **sovereignty of God** over all creation and human will. Even Pharaoh's defiance, though self-initiated, ultimately serves God's predetermined purpose to display His power and redeem His people, as foretold in [Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "Exodus 4:21 - God's Prophecy to Moses"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **human responsibility and free will**. Pharaoh actively chooses to harden his heart, demonstrating the human capacity for obstinate rebellion even in the face of undeniable divine revelation and mercy. Thirdly, it introduces the **progressive hardening of Pharaoh's heart**, a pattern that escalates throughout the plagues, illustrating how persistent rejection of God's grace can lead to a judicial hardening by God Himself, as seen in [Exodus 9:12](/exodus/9-12 "Exodus 9:12 - God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart"). Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's faithfulness to His covenant promises**, as Pharaoh's resistance ultimately provides the context for God to deliver Israel with a mighty hand and outstretched arm, fulfilling His word to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** This primitive root (H7200) signifies not merely physical sight but also perception, discernment, and understanding. When Pharaoh "saw" the respite, it implies he perceived the cessation of the plague and understood it as a relief from divine pressure. This perception, however, did not lead to repentance but to a reassertion of his will. His seeing was intellectual, not spiritual, failing to grasp the deeper theological implications of God's power and mercy.
* **hardened (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** Derived from H3513, this root primarily means "to be heavy" or "to be weighty." When applied to the heart, it denotes a state of dullness, insensitivity, and unresponsiveness. In this context, the Hiphil stem (causative) of the verb, though not explicitly noted in the Strong's, is implied by the KJV "he hardened," indicating Pharaoh *made* his heart heavy or dull. This is crucial as it emphasizes Pharaoh's active agency in rendering his own heart impervious to God's command and the evidence of His power. It is a self-inflicted spiritual insensitivity.
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This noun (H3820) is far more comprehensive than the English "heart." In Hebrew thought, the "lêb" is the seat of intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. When Pharaoh hardened his "lêb," it means he made his entire inner being—his thoughts, intentions, desires, and moral compass—unresponsive and resistant to the divine word. It was a hardening of his core identity and decision-making faculty, not just an emotional reaction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite":** This clause highlights Pharaoh's perception and the immediate context. The "respite" (Hebrew, _rᵉvâchâh_, H7309, meaning "relief" or "breathing room") was a direct act of divine mercy, an unmerited grace that offered Pharaoh a window of opportunity to humble himself and obey the LORD. He saw the physical relief, but failed to grasp its spiritual significance as an an invitation to repentance.
* **"he hardened his heart":** This is the pivotal action of the verse. The verb "hardened" (Hebrew, _kâbad_) indicates Pharaoh's active, deliberate choice to make his own heart heavy, dull, and unresponsive. This is a crucial instance of self-hardening, where Pharaoh himself is the agent of his defiance, demonstrating his free will and accountability. Despite witnessing God's power in the plague and His mercy in its removal, Pharaoh consciously chose to resist.
* **"and hearkened not unto them":** This phrase directly describes the consequence of Pharaoh's hardened heart. To "hearken" (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ_, H8085) means not just to hear, but to listen intelligently, attentively, and obediently. Pharaoh's refusal to "hearken" to Moses and Aaron was a direct rejection of the LORD's authority and His command to "Let my people go" ([Exodus 8:1](/exodus/8-1 "Exodus 8:1 - God's Command to Pharaoh")). His internal hardening manifested in external disobedience.
* **"as the LORD had said":** This concluding phrase is profoundly significant, underscoring God's perfect foreknowledge and sovereign control. The verb "said" (Hebrew, _dâbar_, H1696) refers to God's earlier declaration to Moses in [Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "Exodus 4:21 - God's Prophecy of Pharaoh's Hardening"). Pharaoh's self-inflicted hardening was not a surprise to God; rather, it was precisely what God had foretold, serving His larger, predetermined purpose to display His power and glory through the dramatic redemption of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the "respite" intended as an act of mercy and an opportunity for repentance is instead exploited by Pharaoh as a chance to reassert his defiance. This subversion of grace highlights the depth of his rebellion. **Foreshadowing** is also evident, as this self-hardening sets a pattern for Pharaoh's subsequent responses to the plagues, leading to an escalating cycle of judgment. The phrase "as the LORD had said" functions as **divine confirmation**, emphasizing God's omniscient foreknowledge and sovereign control over human actions, even those of rebellion. This reinforces the theological theme that God's plan will ultimately prevail despite human opposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Exodus 8:15 KJV") is a foundational text for understanding the complex interplay between human responsibility and divine sovereignty. Pharaoh's active choice to harden his own heart, despite experiencing God's power and mercy, unequivocally places the burden of his defiance upon him. This highlights the human capacity for obstinate rebellion and the consequences of persistent disobedience. Yet, the concluding phrase, "as the LORD had said," simultaneously underscores God's perfect foreknowledge and His sovereign ability to incorporate even human sin into His overarching redemptive plan. Pharaoh's self-hardening, though an act of his own will, was foreseen and ultimately served God's purpose to display His glory and deliver His people. This verse therefore serves as a powerful reminder that while humanity is fully accountable for its choices, God's ultimate purposes will never be thwarted.

* [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17-18 "Romans 9:17-18 - God's Purpose in Hardening Pharaoh")
* [Hebrews 3:7-8](/hebrews/3-7-8 "Hebrews 3:7-8 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts")
* [Proverbs 28:14](/proverbs/28-14 "Proverbs 28:14 - The Blessing of Fearing the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Exodus 8:15 KJV") offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, particularly regarding our response to God's grace and the perilous nature of a hardened heart. When God extends mercy, offers a period of relief from trials, or provides an opportunity for repentance, it is a divine invitation to draw closer to Him, not an occasion to revert to old patterns of sin or defiance. True repentance should be the natural outcome of divine intervention, leading to genuine obedience and a softened heart. This verse serves as a stark warning against persistent rebellion: continually ignoring God's voice, resisting His truth, or taking His grace for granted can lead to a spiritual dullness, making it increasingly difficult to hear and respond to His will. A heart accustomed to disobedience risks losing its capacity for sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, leading to a state where repentance becomes progressively harder. Ultimately, even when faced with human obstinacy, God's ultimate plans will be accomplished, reminding us that His purposes will prevail despite all opposition, and we are called to align our hearts with His.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be hardening my heart against God's gentle promptings or clear commands?**
* **How do I typically respond to periods of "respite" or grace in my life? Do I use them to draw closer to God or to revert to old habits?**
* **What are the long-term spiritual consequences of persistently ignoring God's voice or resisting His truth?**
* **How does the interplay of Pharaoh's free will and God's sovereignty in this verse inform my understanding of God's control versus human responsibility?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Pharaoh hardening his own heart in this verse?**

Answer: In [Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Exodus 8:15 KJV"), the text explicitly states that Pharaoh "hardened his heart," placing the responsibility for this act of defiance squarely on his own will. This is crucial because it demonstrates Pharaoh's active choice to resist God despite witnessing divine power and experiencing mercy. It highlights human accountability for sin and rebellion, even in the context of God's overarching plan. This self-hardening sets the stage for later instances where the Bible states that God judicially hardened Pharaoh's heart, illustrating a complex interplay between human will and divine sovereignty. It emphasizes that Pharaoh's initial stubbornness was self-initiated.

**Why did God grant Pharaoh "respite" if He knew Pharaoh would harden his heart?**

Answer: The "respite" granted to Pharaoh after the [plague of frogs](/exodus/8-1-14 "Exodus 8:1-14 - The Plague of Frogs") was an act of divine mercy and an opportunity for repentance. God's foreknowledge of Pharaoh's response does not negate Pharaoh's free will or God's gracious offer. This respite served multiple purposes: it demonstrated God's patience and long-suffering, it provided Pharaoh with a clear choice, and ultimately, Pharaoh's misuse of this grace further magnified God's glory when He finally delivered Israel. It showcases that God's mercy is extended even to those who will ultimately reject it, revealing His character and providing undeniable evidence of His power and goodness.

**Does Pharaoh's self-hardening contradict later verses where God hardens Pharaoh's heart?**

Answer: No, it does not contradict but rather presents a complex theological interplay. [Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Exodus 8:15 KJV") and other early instances (e.g., [Exodus 7:13](/exodus/7-13 "Exodus 7:13 - Pharaoh's Heart Hardened")) show Pharaoh hardening his own heart through his willful defiance. This self-hardening is a consequence of his persistent rebellion and refusal to acknowledge God's authority. Later, God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart (e.g., [Exodus 9:12](/exodus/9-12 "Exodus 9:12 - God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart")) can be understood as a judicial act, a divine confirmation of Pharaoh's already hardened state, or an intensification of his existing stubbornness to achieve God's sovereign purposes. It's a progression where human obstinacy leads to divine judgment, ultimately magnifying God's power and glory, as explained in [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17-18 "Romans 9:17-18 - God's Purpose in Hardening Pharaoh").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Exodus 8:15 KJV") profoundly foreshadows the ultimate confrontation between divine authority and human rebellion, a theme perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Just as Pharaoh hardened his heart against the LORD's command to release Israel from physical bondage, humanity, by nature, hardens its heart against the call of God for release from spiritual bondage to sin. Christ, the true and greater Moses, comes not merely to deliver a nation from a physical oppressor but to deliver all who believe from the oppressive power of sin and death ([John 8:34-36](/john/8-34-36 "John 8:34-36 - Freedom from Sin")). His life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection represent the ultimate "respite" and offer of grace, an unparalleled opportunity for humanity to turn from its hardened ways and embrace salvation ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Those who, like Pharaoh, reject this divine mercy and harden their hearts against the Gospel will face ultimate judgment ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Condemnation for Unbelief")), while those who respond in faith find true freedom and enter into God's eternal kingdom, fulfilling God's sovereign plan of redemption through His Son, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([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

Isaiah 26:10

Let favour be shewed to the wicked, [yet] will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD.

Hebrews 3:8

Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

Ecclesiastes 8:11

Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

Exodus 7:4

But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, [and] my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.

Hebrews 3:15

While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

Exodus 14:5

And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?

Exodus 4:21

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.