Exodus 9:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I will at this time {H6471} send {H7971} all my plagues {H4046} upon thine heart {H3820}, and upon thy servants {H5650}, and upon thy people {H5971}; that thou mayest know {H3045} that there is none like me in all the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For this time, I will inflict my plagues on you, yourself, and on your officials and your people; so that you will realize that I am without equal in all the earth.

Berean Standard Bible

Otherwise, I will send all My plagues against you and your officials and your people, so you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 9:14 presents a pivotal divine declaration delivered to Pharaoh through Moses, signifying a dramatic escalation in God's judgments against Egypt. It articulates the Lord's intent to unleash a comprehensive series of devastating plagues directly targeting Pharaoh's inner being, his officials, and the entire Egyptian populace. The ultimate, overarching purpose of these intensified judgments is explicitly stated: to compel Pharaoh and all of Egypt to experientially recognize that there is no deity or power in all the earth comparable to the Lord, Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within the escalating narrative of the ten plagues, marking a significant turning point after five initial judgments (water to blood, frogs, lice, flies, and livestock disease) have failed to break Pharaoh's hardened will. The preceding verses in [Exodus 9](/exodus/9 "Exodus 9 - Plagues of Livestock, Boils, and Hail") describe the plague on livestock and the plague of boils, both of which Pharaoh resisted. The pronouncement in [Exodus 9:14](/exodus/9-14 "Exodus 9:14 - God's Unrivaled Power Declared") directly precedes the severe plague of hail and fire, which is described in detail from [Exodus 9:18](/exodus/9-18 "Exodus 9:18 - The Severity of the Hail Plague") onward. The phrase "at this time" signals an immediate and heightened intensity of the coming judgments, indicating a shift from general afflictions upon the land to a more direct and personal assault aimed at the very core of Pharaoh's being and the heart of Egyptian power, setting the stage for the climactic plagues that will ultimately secure Israel's release.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a polytheistic society, with a vast pantheon of gods associated with various aspects of nature, life, and death. Pharaoh himself was considered a divine king, often seen as the son of Ra or Horus, a living god on earth. The plagues were not random acts of destruction but were meticulously designed to challenge and expose the impotence of specific Egyptian deities. For instance, the plague on livestock (preceding [Exodus 9:14](/exodus/9-14 "Exodus 9:14 - God's Unrivaled Power Declared")) targeted gods like Apis (a bull god) and Hathor (a cow goddess). The declaration "none like me in all the earth" directly confronts Pharaoh's perceived divine status and the entire Egyptian worldview, asserting Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over all creation and all other supposed gods. The plagues served as a divine polemic, demonstrating Yahweh's unique power and authority in a way that the Egyptians, steeped in their religious traditions, could not ignore.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 9:14](/exodus/9-14 "Exodus 9:14 - God's Unrivaled Power Declared") significantly contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Foremost among these is the theme of **God's absolute sovereignty and unparalleled power**. The verse unequivocally declares Yahweh's uniqueness, challenging the polytheistic worldview of Egypt and affirming a strict monotheism. Another crucial theme is **judgment as revelation**. The plagues are not merely punitive; they serve a revelatory purpose, designed to force Pharaoh and the Egyptians to "know" Yahweh experientially, acknowledging His supremacy and justice. This aligns with earlier declarations like [Exodus 7:5](/exodus/7-5 "Exodus 7:5 - Egyptians Will Know the Lord"). Furthermore, the ongoing **hardening of Pharaoh's heart** provides the context for these increasingly severe demonstrations of God's power, ultimately magnifying His glory. Finally, while judgment falls upon Egypt, it is intrinsically linked to **God's redemptive purpose for Israel**, as the plagues are the means by which God delivers His people from bondage and establishes His covenant with them, as promised in [Exodus 6:6-7](/exodus/6-6-7 "Exodus 6:6-7 - God's Promise to Deliver Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 9:14 marks a critical escalation in the divine confrontation with Pharaoh, intensifying both the nature and the target of God's judgments. The Lord declares His intention to strike at the very core of Pharaoh's being and the heart of Egyptian power.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **plagues (Hebrew, _maggêphâh'_):** From the root _nagaph_ (to strike, smite), this word (H4046) signifies a "pestilence," "slaughter," or "stroke." In the context of the Exodus narrative, _maggêphâh_ refers to the divinely sent afflictions that devastate Egypt. It conveys the idea of a comprehensive, destructive blow, emphasizing the severity and divine origin of the judgments. Here, "all my plagues" indicates a complete and overwhelming series of divine interventions.
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This term (H3820) is much broader than the English "heart," encompassing not only emotions but also the will, intellect, and the very core of a person's being. When God declares He will send plagues "upon thine heart," it signifies a direct assault on Pharaoh's stubborn will, his decision-making capacity, and his inner resistance. It implies a judgment designed to penetrate beyond the physical realm to the spiritual and psychological center of Pharaoh's defiance.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root (H3045) is profoundly significant. It implies more than mere intellectual understanding; it denotes an experiential, intimate, and undeniable recognition. Pharaoh is not simply to be informed of God's uniqueness but to *experience* it in a way that leaves no doubt about His supreme authority. This "knowing" is a transformative realization, forced by divine action, that transcends head knowledge to a profound, undeniable acknowledgment of God's unparalleled power and identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I will at this time send all my plagues":** This opening clause emphasizes the divine initiative and the precise timing of the intensified judgments. "At this time" (H6471, _paʻam_) denotes a specific, decisive moment, signaling a new, more severe phase of God's intervention. The phrase "all my plagues" underscores the comprehensive and exhaustive nature of the coming judgments, indicating that God will hold nothing back in demonstrating His power.
* **"upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people":** This crucial phrase reveals a significant shift in the target and nature of the plagues. Previous plagues primarily affected the land or specific aspects of Egyptian life. Here, the judgment is directed "upon thine heart" (Pharaoh's inner being, will, and intellect), and then extends to "thy servants" (his officials and court) and "thy people" (the general populace). This signifies a deeper, more personal, and pervasive impact, aiming to break the core of Egyptian resistance from the top down.
* **"that thou mayest know that [there is] none like me in all the earth":** This final clause explicitly states the ultimate purpose of the intensified judgments. The plagues are not merely punitive but revelatory. God's actions are designed to compel Pharaoh and all of Egypt to experientially "know" (H3045, _yâdaʻ_) Him, acknowledging His absolute supremacy and uniqueness. This declaration is a direct challenge to Pharaoh's perceived divine status and the vast pantheon of Egyptian gods, unequivocally proclaiming Yahweh's singular authority and unparalleled power over all creation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Intensification** is evident in the phrase "all my plagues upon thine heart," indicating a heightened level of divine judgment that targets not just the external environment but the very core of Pharaoh's being and his kingdom's will. This serves as a **hyperbole** to convey the overwhelming and inescapable nature of God's wrath. The entire statement functions as a **polemic** against the polytheistic beliefs of Egypt and the deification of Pharaoh, directly challenging their gods and their ruler's authority by asserting Yahweh's absolute and incomparable supremacy. The phrase "that thou mayest know" introduces a **purpose clause**, explicitly stating the revelatory intent behind the plagues, transforming them from mere punishments into demonstrations of divine identity and power. This revelation, a form of **theophany**, is designed to bring about an experiential knowledge of God's uniqueness, emphasizing His singular nature through His actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly asserts God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, nations, and human rulers, demonstrating that no earthly power, however mighty, can withstand His will. It establishes Yahweh as utterly distinct from and infinitely superior to all other gods, challenging the polytheistic worldview of Egypt and affirming the foundational principle of monotheism. Divine judgment, as depicted here, is not solely punitive but serves a crucial revelatory purpose, designed to bring about an experiential knowledge of God's character, power, and justice, both for those judged and for His people. The ongoing hardening of Pharaoh's heart, though a tragedy for him, ultimately serves to magnify God's power and provides the context for these increasingly severe demonstrations of His uniqueness.

* [Exodus 15:11](/exodus/15-11 "Exodus 15:11 - The Song of Moses: Who is like You, O Lord?")
* [Deuteronomy 4:35](/deuteronomy/4-35 "Deuteronomy 4:35 - The Lord is God; there is no other")
* [Isaiah 45:5](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - I am the Lord, and there is no other")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 9:14 stands as a timeless and profound reminder of God's absolute supremacy over all earthly powers, ideologies, and human defiance. In a world that often exalts human achievement, technological prowess, political might, or material wealth, this verse unequivocally declares that no earthly force or ideology can compare to the Lord. It calls us, as individuals and as communities, to acknowledge God's sovereignty in all circumstances, trusting that His ultimate purposes will prevail, even amidst chaos and opposition. For those who persist in rebellion against God, it is a sobering warning about the inevitable consequences of unyielding defiance and the ultimate futility of opposing divine will. For believers, it offers immense comfort and profound confidence, knowing that the God who reigns supreme over all the earth is also our loving Father, who works all things for His glory and for the ultimate good of those who love Him. This truth should inspire both awe and trust, shaping our worship, our witness, and our daily walk.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or in the world today do I need to more fully acknowledge God's absolute sovereignty, as declared in this verse?**
* **What does it mean for me to "know" God experientially, beyond mere intellectual assent, in light of Pharaoh's forced recognition?**
* **How does the truth that "there is none like me in all the earth" impact my perspective on worldly powers, challenges, or even my own limitations?**

### FAQ
**What does "send all my plagues upon thine heart" truly signify?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a deeper, more personal, and devastating impact than previous plagues. It suggests a direct assault on Pharaoh's will, his decision-making capacity, and the very core of his being, which the ancients often associated with the "heart" (Hebrew: _lêb_, the seat of intellect, emotion, and will). It implies that the coming judgments would strike at the very essence of Pharaoh's stubborn resistance and the heart of Egyptian power, aiming to break his resolve and force his recognition of God's supremacy. It's a move from external afflictions to a more internal, psychological, and spiritual assault.

**How does this verse challenge the religious beliefs of ancient Egypt?**

Answer: Ancient Egypt was polytheistic, with Pharaoh himself considered a divine embodiment or a son of a god, holding supreme religious and political authority. The declaration "none like me in all the earth" directly challenges Pharaoh's perceived divine status and the entire pantheon of Egyptian gods. God's ability to inflict such devastating plagues, particularly against elements associated with specific Egyptian deities (e.g., the Nile, sun, cattle, and even Pharaoh's own person), demonstrated His absolute superiority and uniqueness. The plagues proved the impotence of Egypt's gods and ruler, showing that Yahweh alone is the true and living God, with unparalleled power over creation and human affairs, as seen in the ultimate demonstration of His power over the firstborn, a direct challenge to the very principle of succession and life in Egypt.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 9:14, with its declaration of God's unrivaled supremacy and His purpose to make Himself known through judgment, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the plagues in Egypt revealed God's power against a rebellious earthly ruler, Christ's life, death, and resurrection are the supreme and definitive revelation of God's character, power, and redemptive purpose for all humanity. In Christ, God demonstrated His unique authority not merely over natural forces, but over sin, death, and all spiritual powers, offering a way for humanity to truly "know" Him not primarily through punitive judgment, but through grace, reconciliation, and intimate relationship. The judgments pronounced in Exodus foreshadow the final judgment where Christ will be revealed as the Lord of all, before whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). He is the visible image of the invisible God, through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - The Supremacy of Christ")). Thus, in Christ, the declaration that "there is none like me in all the earth" is perfectly and eternally confirmed, as He is 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")) and the one who has made God known ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No one has seen 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 8:10

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.

1 Samuel 4:8

Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods? these [are] the Gods that smote the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness.

Leviticus 26:28

Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.

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.

Leviticus 26:21

And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.

Deuteronomy 28:15

¶ But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:

Deuteronomy 28:17

Cursed [shall be] thy basket and thy store.