Exodus 8:32

KJV

And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Pharaoh {H6547} hardened {H3513} his heart {H3820} at this time {H6471} also, neither would he let the people {H5971} go {H7971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But this time, too, Pharaoh made himself stubborn and didn't let the people go.

Berean Standard Bible

But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time as well, and he would not let the people go.

American Standard Version

And Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and he did not let the people go.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 8:32 records Pharaoh's persistent and active hardening of his own heart, even after witnessing the removal of the plague of flies. This verse marks a critical juncture in the Exodus narrative, demonstrating Pharaoh's unwavering defiance against God's command to release Israel and setting the stage for the escalating divine judgments that would follow. It underscores his personal culpability and choice to resist God's will, ensuring the continuation and intensification of the plagues.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the third plague, the plague of flies, detailed in [Exodus 8:20-31](/exodus/8-20-31 "The Plague of Flies"). Each plague served as a divine demonstration of Yahweh's supremacy over the gods of Egypt and a direct challenge to Pharaoh's authority, aimed at compelling him to release the Israelites. Prior to this, Pharaoh had already hardened his heart after the plague of blood ([Exodus 7:23](/exodus/7-23 "Pharaoh's hardened heart after the plague of blood")) and the plague of frogs ([Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Pharaoh's hardened heart after the plague of frogs")). The phrase "at this time also" in [Exodus 8:32](/exodus/8-32 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart") is crucial, indicating a pattern of defiance rather than an isolated incident. Pharaoh had initially offered a compromise—allowing the Israelites to sacrifice within Egypt—but once Moses interceded and the plague was removed, Pharaoh immediately reneged on his promise, revealing the superficiality of his concession.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a polytheistic society, with Pharaoh considered a divine king, an embodiment of the gods, particularly Horus and Ra. The plagues were not merely natural disasters but direct assaults on the Egyptian pantheon and Pharaoh's perceived divine power. The plague of flies, for instance, could be seen as an attack on deities associated with fertility or the natural order. Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites was rooted in his absolute authority and the economic necessity of slave labor. The concept of a foreign deity demanding the release of his workforce would have been an unprecedented affront to his sovereignty and a direct challenge to the established order of the most powerful empire of its time.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 8:32](/exodus/8-32 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Primarily, it highlights the theme of **divine sovereignty versus human rebellion**. Despite overwhelming evidence of God's power, Pharaoh's unyielding will demonstrates the depth of human obstinacy when confronted with divine demands. This verse also advances the theme of **escalating judgment**, as each instance of Pharaoh's self-hardening leads to a more severe divine intervention, culminating in the Passover and the destruction of the firstborn ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "The Passover and the Tenth Plague")). Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **God's faithfulness to His covenant promises**, as He continues to work towards the deliverance of His people, even in the face of formidable opposition, fulfilling His promise to Abraham ([Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The KJV text of [Exodus 8:32](/exodus/8-32 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart") states, "And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go." This concise statement marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding drama of the plagues, highlighting Pharaoh's persistent and active resistance to the divine will. The phrase "at this time also" is crucial, emphasizing that this was not an isolated incident but a continuation of a pattern of defiance observed after previous plagues. Pharaoh's initial willingness to negotiate, offering a compromise for Israel to sacrifice within Egypt, proved to be merely a temporary concession, broken as soon as the immediate pressure of the plague was lifted.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pharaoh (Egyptian, _Parʻôh'_):** A general title for Egyptian kings. In this context, it refers to the specific ruler who stood in defiance of Yahweh, embodying the ultimate human authority and power that God would decisively overcome. His name becomes synonymous with resistance to divine will.
* **hardened (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** This primitive root literally means "to be heavy," "weighty," or "burdensome." When applied to the heart, as here, it signifies a state of dullness, insensitivity, or obstinacy. Pharaoh's heart became "heavy" or "callous," rendering him impervious to the overwhelming evidence of God's power and the suffering of his own people. This particular verb emphasizes Pharaoh's active, internal choice to become unyielding.
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This term refers not only to the physical organ but, more broadly and figuratively, to the seat of one's feelings, will, intellect, and inner being. When Pharaoh "hardened his heart," it implies a deliberate act of his entire inner person—his will, his understanding, his affections—to resist God's command and remain obstinate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Pharaoh hardened his heart":** This clause highlights Pharaoh's personal agency and responsibility. The verb *kâbad* (to be heavy/hardened) indicates that Pharaoh himself made the active choice to become unresponsive and obstinate. This was not an external force acting upon him, but an internal decision to resist God's clear demonstration of power and His command. It signifies a willful refusal to acknowledge Yahweh's authority and to submit to His demands.
* **"at this time also":** This phrase underscores the repetitive nature of Pharaoh's defiance. It indicates that this instance of hardening was not unique but followed a pattern established after previous plagues. It emphasizes Pharaoh's consistent and deliberate choice to renege on his promises once the immediate threat of judgment was removed, revealing a deep-seated pride and unwillingness to truly yield.
* **"neither would he let the people go":** This final clause states the direct consequence of Pharaoh's hardened heart: his continued refusal to release the Israelite people. This refusal is the central point of contention in the Exodus narrative, demonstrating Pharaoh's direct disobedience to God's explicit command, "Let my people go!" His obstinacy directly prolonged the suffering of his own nation and led to further divine judgments.

#### Literary Devices
[Exodus 8:32](/exodus/8-32 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart") employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Repetition**, as the phrase "Pharaoh hardened his heart" (or variations thereof) recurs throughout the plague narrative. This repetition emphasizes Pharaoh's persistent defiance and highlights the escalating nature of the conflict between God and Pharaoh. It also serves as a rhetorical device to underscore Pharaoh's culpability. There is also an element of **Irony** present; Pharaoh, in his attempt to assert absolute control and maintain his power, ultimately brings about the destruction of his own nation and the complete humiliation of his gods, demonstrating that true power resides with Yahweh alone. Finally, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, signaling that more severe judgments are inevitable due to Pharaoh's unyielding resistance, building narrative tension and preparing the reader for the devastating plagues yet to come.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Exodus 8:32](/exodus/8-32 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart") is a profound statement on the nature of human rebellion and divine sovereignty. Pharaoh's self-hardening illustrates the dangers of persistent disobedience, where an initial act of defiance can lead to a spiritual callousness that renders one increasingly impervious to divine truth and grace. This verse highlights the tension between human free will and God's overarching plan; while Pharaoh actively chooses to resist, his resistance ultimately serves God's purpose to display His power and deliver His people. It underscores that God's patience, though vast, is not infinite, and continued rebellion will inevitably lead to intensified judgment, revealing the righteous consequences of defying the Creator.

* [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17-18 "God's Sovereignty in Hardening Pharaoh")
* [Hebrews 3:7-8](/hebrews/3-7-8 "Do Not Harden Your Hearts")
* [Proverbs 29:1](/proverbs/29-1 "He Who Is Often Rebuked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 8:32 serves as a timeless and sobering warning against the perilous path of persistent disobedience and the delay of genuine repentance. Pharaoh's pattern of making temporary concessions under duress, only to renege on his promises once relief arrived, is a stark mirror reflecting the human tendency to seek comfort over conviction. It powerfully illustrates that true transformation of the heart is not born out of convenience or the desire to escape immediate consequences, but from a profound and humble submission to God's will. This narrative compels us to examine our own lives: are there areas where we, like Pharaoh, are hardening our hearts to God's gentle promptings or clear commands? Are we truly pliable in His hands, or do we resist His voice, clinging to our own desires or perceived control? The spiritual danger lies in the gradual dulling of our conscience, where repeated resistance can lead to a state of spiritual insensitivity, making us increasingly unresponsive to the very grace that seeks to set us free.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be resisting God's will, similar to Pharaoh's self-hardening?**
* **How can I cultivate a "soft heart" that is quick to respond to God's voice, rather than becoming hardened through delay or disobedience?**
* **What are the long-term consequences, both for myself and others, if I continually choose to ignore or defy God's truth?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between Pharaoh hardening his own heart and God hardening Pharaoh's heart?**

Answer: The biblical text uses different Hebrew verbs to describe these two aspects, highlighting distinct yet interconnected actions. When Pharaoh hardens his own heart, as in [Exodus 8:32](/exodus/8-32 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart"), the verb used is *kâbad* (כָּבֵד), meaning "to be heavy" or "dull." This signifies Pharaoh's active, willful choice to become insensitive, obstinate, and unresponsive to God's signs. It emphasizes his personal culpability and decision to resist. When God hardens Pharaoh's heart (e.g., [Exodus 9:12](/exodus/9-12 "God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart")), the verb often used is *chazaq* (חָזָק), meaning "to strengthen" or "make firm." This indicates God's sovereign action in confirming Pharaoh's already existing rebellious will, allowing Pharaoh to fully express his wickedness. God does not force Pharaoh to sin, but rather removes any restraint, allowing Pharaoh's inherent sinfulness to manifest completely for God's greater redemptive purposes, such as [displaying His power](/exodus/9-16 "God's Purpose for Pharaoh") and delivering His people.

**Why is Pharaoh's repeated hardening of his heart significant?**

Answer: Pharaoh's repeated self-hardening is profoundly significant because it illustrates the escalating nature of sin and the dire consequences of persistent rebellion against divine authority. Each instance of hardening intensified God's judgment, demonstrating that God's patience, while vast, is not infinite. It highlights the human capacity for deep-seated defiance even in the face of overwhelming evidence of God's power. Furthermore, it serves God's sovereign plan, allowing Him to display His power and glory more fully through the series of escalating plagues, ultimately leading to the complete liberation of Israel and the demonstration of Yahweh's supremacy over all the gods of Egypt ([Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "God's Judgment on Egyptian Gods")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Pharaoh's hardened heart in [Exodus 8:32](/exodus/8-32 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart") serves as a profound theological backdrop against which the redemptive work of Christ shines even brighter. Pharaoh represents humanity's innate rebellion and spiritual bondage to sin, a heart hardened against God's liberating call. Just as God sovereignly worked through Pharaoh's obstinacy to display His power and deliver Israel from physical slavery, so too does He work through humanity's hardened hearts to bring about salvation through Christ. The Exodus narrative, punctuated by Pharaoh's resistance, foreshadows the ultimate liberation from a far greater bondage—the slavery to sin and death. Christ, the ultimate liberator and greater Moses ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Prophet Like Moses")), does not merely offer a temporary reprieve from judgment as Moses did with the plagues; He breaks the chains of spiritual slavery and grants a new heart of flesh in place of a heart of stone ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "A New Heart and Spirit")). The display of God's glory and power in the Exodus, magnified by Pharaoh's resistance, ultimately finds its supreme fulfillment in the cross and resurrection, where Christ triumphed over sin, death, and the spiritual forces that hold humanity captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), offering true freedom, reconciliation with God ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "God Reconciling the World to Himself Through Christ")), and the promise of eternal life to all who believe.

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 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 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.

Romans 2:5

But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

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.

James 1:13

¶ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

James 1:14

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Exodus 8:8

Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD.