Exodus 8:19

Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This [is] the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

Then the magicians {H2748} said {H559} unto Pharaoh {H6547}, This is the finger {H676} of God {H430}: and Pharaoh's {H6547} heart {H3820} was hardened {H2388}, and he hearkened {H8085} not unto them; as the LORD {H3068} had said {H1696}.

Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God." But Pharaoh was made hardhearted, so that he didn't listen to them, just as ADONAI had said would happen.

“This is the finger of God,” the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.

Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as Jehovah had spoken.

Commentary

Exodus 8:19 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of the plagues against Egypt, revealing the undeniable power of the God of Israel and the resolute defiance of Pharaoh.

Context

This verse immediately follows the third plague, where the dust of Egypt was turned into swarms of lice (or gnats, depending on translation) that covered man and beast throughout the land. Unlike the first two plagues (water turning to blood and the plague of frogs), which the Egyptian magicians were able to superficially imitate through their enchantments, they utterly failed to replicate this third plague. Their inability to produce even a single louse from the dust exposed the limitations of their magic and the gods they served.

Key Themes

  • Divine Power and Supremacy: The declaration by Pharaoh's own trusted magicians, "This is the finger of God," is a profound admission. It signifies their recognition that the plague was not merely a natural phenomenon or a trick, but a direct, precise, and irresistible act of the Almighty. It highlights the absolute superiority of the LORD over all Egyptian deities and sorcery.
  • Pharaoh's Unyielding Stubbornness: Despite this clear acknowledgment from his own advisors, who were experts in the very realm of power and magic, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened. He "hearkened not unto them." This illustrates his profound spiritual blindness and defiant will, choosing obstinacy over acknowledging divine truth.
  • God's Sovereignty and Foreknowledge: The concluding phrase, "as the LORD had said," is crucial. It underscores God's complete control over the events, including Pharaoh's response. From the very beginning, God had declared that He would harden Pharaoh's heart, demonstrating His sovereignty in bringing about His purposes and revealing His glory through both the plagues and Pharaoh's resistance. See Exodus 7:3.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "finger of God" translates the Hebrew etzba Elohim (אֶצְבַּע אֱלֹהִים). This is an anthropomorphism, attributing a human physical characteristic (a finger) to God, symbolizing His direct, personal, and effortless involvement. It suggests a small, precise action that nonetheless wields immense power, far beyond human or demonic capabilities. The term 'hardened' (Hebrew: kabad, כָּבֵד) can also mean 'heavy' or 'dull,' implying a spiritual dullness and a refusal to lighten the burden on Israel, reinforcing Pharaoh's self-imposed resistance to God's will.

Practical Application

Exodus 8:19 teaches us that even when divine power is undeniably evident, human stubbornness can prevent recognition and repentance. Pharaoh's resistance, despite the clear testimony of his own magicians, serves as a powerful warning against ignoring obvious signs of God's activity in the world or in our personal lives. It reminds us that God's plan will ultimately prevail, regardless of human defiance, and that true wisdom lies in acknowledging and submitting to His supreme authority. We should be open to recognizing the "finger of God" in circumstances, allowing it to lead us to humility and obedience rather than hardening our hearts.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 11:20 (9 votes)

    But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

  • Psalms 8:3 (6 votes)

    ¶ When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

  • Exodus 7:5 (4 votes)

    And the Egyptians shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.

  • Matthew 12:28 (4 votes)

    But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

  • Acts 4:16 (2 votes)

    Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them [is] manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny [it].

  • Daniel 2:10 (1 votes)

    The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter: therefore [there is] no king, lord, nor ruler, [that] asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean.

  • Daniel 2:11 (1 votes)

    And [it is] a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.