Exodus 9:16

KJV

And in very deed for this [cause] have I raised thee up, for to shew [in] thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And in very {H199} deed {H5668} for this cause have I raised thee up {H5975}, for to shew {H7200} in thee my power {H3581}; and that my name {H8034} may be declared {H5608} throughout all the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But it is for this very reason that I have kept you alive -to show you my power, and so that my name may resound throughout the whole earth.

Berean Standard Bible

But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power to you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.

American Standard Version

but in very deed for this cause have I made thee to stand, to show thee my power, and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 9:16 is a profound divine declaration to Pharaoh, revealing God's sovereign purpose behind the escalating plagues and Pharaoh's continued resistance: God actively preserved Pharaoh's life and position not for his merit, but precisely to display His unmatched power through him and to ensure His glorious name would be universally proclaimed. This statement underscores God's absolute control over all nations and rulers, even those who vehemently oppose Him, ultimately working all things for the magnification of His own glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct divine speech delivered by Moses to Pharaoh, strategically placed amidst the escalating plagues. It follows the devastating plagues of murrain (Exodus 9:1-7) and boils (Exodus 9:8-12), and immediately precedes the severe plague of hail (Exodus 9:13-35). Pharaoh has repeatedly hardened his heart, refusing to release the Israelites despite witnessing God's miraculous power and suffering the consequences. In this moment, God provides a theological explanation for Pharaoh's continued existence and resistance, revealing that even Pharaoh's stubbornness is being woven into God's larger redemptive plan. It serves as a pivotal statement, shifting the focus from merely punitive judgment to the grander, universal purpose of God's self-revelation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a polytheistic society, with Pharaoh considered a divine king, a living god, and the embodiment of national power. The plagues were not merely natural disasters but direct assaults on Egypt's gods and Pharaoh's supposed divine authority. Each plague systematically demonstrated the impotence of an Egyptian deity, culminating in the ultimate defeat of Pharaoh and his pantheon at the Red Sea. The concept of a single, sovereign God who could humble the mightiest empire on earth was revolutionary and deeply challenging to the prevailing worldview. This divine declaration to Pharaoh, therefore, directly confronts the Egyptian understanding of power and divinity, asserting the unparalleled supremacy of Yahweh over all earthly and spiritual forces.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 9:16 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Exodus and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights God's **absolute sovereignty** over human rulers and historical events, demonstrating that even the most formidable opposition is subject to His will. It emphasizes the **purpose of divine judgment** as not merely punitive but revelatory, intended to display God's unique power and identity to the world. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **God's ultimate renown**, revealing that the entire Exodus narrative, from the plagues to the parting of the sea, is orchestrated to make His name known "throughout all the earth." This echoes later declarations about God's glory filling the earth, such as in [Numbers 14:21](/numbers/14-21 "Numbers 14:21 - God's Glory Fills the Earth") and [Psalm 57:5](/psalms/57-5 "Psalm 57:5 - God's Glory Above All the Earth"). The verse also subtly introduces the theme of **God's use of human rebellion** for His own purposes, a concept further explored in passages like [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "Romans 9:17 - God's Purpose for Pharaoh").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
In Exodus 9:16, God directly addresses Pharaoh, stating, "And in very deed for this [cause] have I raised thee up, for to shew [in] thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth." This declaration reveals a dual, overarching purpose behind God's interaction with Pharaoh and the unfolding plagues.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **in very deed (Hebrew, _ʼûwlâm'_):** This adverbial phrase, derived from H199, signifies "surely," "truly," or "however." It emphasizes the certainty and deliberate nature of God's action, underscoring that His preservation of Pharaoh was not accidental or passive, but a purposeful, active decision. It sets a definitive tone for the divine declaration that follows, asserting the absolute truth of God's stated intention.
* **power (Hebrew, _kôach'_):** From H3581, this word denotes vigor, force, might, or strength. In the context of God, it refers to His omnipotence – His inherent ability to accomplish anything He wills. The phrase "my power" (כֹּחִי, _kōḥî_) highlights that the display is not merely of general strength, but of Yahweh's unique, unparalleled, and irresistible might, which far surpasses any earthly or supposed divine power, including that of Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods.
* **declared (Hebrew, _çâphar'_):** This primitive root (H5608) means "to score with a mark," "to inscribe," "to enumerate," or "to recount." Intensively, it means "to celebrate" or "to tell out." Here, in the Niphal stem (passive), it conveys the idea of God's name being "told," "recounted," or "proclaimed" widely and publicly. It implies a widespread and enduring testimony of God's character and deeds, ensuring His renown is not forgotten but actively disseminated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in very deed for this [cause] have I raised thee up":** This opening clause asserts God's deliberate and sovereign action. The Hebrew verb for "raised thee up" (הֶעֱמַדְתִּיךָ, _he'emadtikha_) comes from H5975 (_ʻâmad_), meaning "to cause to stand," "to establish," or "to preserve." It signifies God's active hand in sustaining Pharaoh's life and maintaining his position, despite the intense judgments being poured out upon Egypt. This was not a passive allowance but an intentional preservation, a divine appointment, for a specific, pre-determined purpose. God did not destroy Pharaoh immediately, but kept him "standing" for His grand design.
* **"for to shew [in] thee my power":** This phrase reveals the immediate purpose of Pharaoh's preservation. Pharaoh, despite his immense power as the ruler of Egypt, was merely an instrument in God's hands, a living canvas upon which God would paint His unparalleled might through the escalating plagues. The preposition "in" (בְּךָ, _bekha_) indicates that Pharaoh himself, through his resistance and subsequent humiliation, would become the very medium through which God's power would be demonstrated. Each plague, and Pharaoh's prolonged defiance, served to magnify the contrast between Egypt's impotent gods and the omnipotent God of Israel.
* **"and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth":** This clause states the ultimate, universal goal of this divine orchestration. God's "name" (שְׁמִי, _shemi_, from H8034) encompasses His entire character, reputation, identity, and authority as the one true God. The phrase "may be declared" (יְסֻפַּר, _yisupar_) emphasizes the universal proclamation of His renown. The Exodus event, particularly the dramatic plagues and the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, became a foundational story that spread far beyond Egypt, influencing surrounding nations and generations to come. God's intention was for His glory to be known globally, and Pharaoh's very existence and resistance became a means to achieve this universal declaration.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 9:16 employs several potent literary devices. **Divine Speech** is central, as God directly addresses Pharaoh, asserting His sovereignty and purpose. This direct address elevates the significance of the message, making it an undeniable decree from the ultimate authority. The statement "have I raised thee up" functions as a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like action (raising up, preserving) to God, making His deliberate intervention understandable. Pharaoh himself becomes a **Symbol** of human rebellion and the futility of opposing divine will, serving as a negative example through whom God's positive attributes are magnified. The phrase "throughout all the earth" is a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the vast and widespread impact God intends for His name to have, transcending geographical and temporal boundaries to achieve universal renown.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 9:16 is a cornerstone passage for understanding God's sovereignty and the purpose of His actions in human history. It unequivocally declares that God is not merely reacting to human events but actively orchestrating them, even using the rebellion of powerful rulers like Pharaoh to achieve His ultimate purposes. This verse reveals that divine judgment is not solely about punishment but is fundamentally a revelation of God's power, character, and identity to a watching world. God's ultimate aim is His own renown, ensuring that His "name" – His very being and authority – is declared and recognized universally. This profound truth assures believers that God is always in control, working all things for His glory, even when circumstances appear chaotic or unjust.

* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "God's Sovereign Purpose for Pharaoh")
* [Psalm 115:3](/psalms/115-3 "Our God Is in the Heavens")
* [Isaiah 45:6](/isaiah/45-6 "God's Uniqueness and Sovereignty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 9:16 offers profound reassurance that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even adversity, opposition, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It reminds us that God uses all things, including the resistance of powerful rulers and the unfolding of difficult events, to display His power and magnify His name. This truth can be a source of immense encouragement for believers facing challenges, knowing that God can orchestrate even the most trying situations to demonstrate His faithfulness, strength, and ultimate triumph. Furthermore, just as Pharaoh's existence served God's purpose, our lives, including our struggles, our endurance, and how we respond to them, can become a powerful testament to God's power and faithfulness to others. This verse inspires a missionary heart within us, reminding us that God's ultimate purpose is for His renown to be declared "throughout all the earth," compelling us to participate in the global proclamation of His glorious name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's declaration in Exodus 9:16 challenge my understanding of His sovereignty in the face of human evil or opposition?**
* **In what ways have I seen God display His power through difficult or resistant circumstances in my own life or in the world around me?**
* **How can my life, in its daily actions and responses to challenges, contribute to God's name being "declared throughout all the earth"?**
* **What does it mean for me to live with a "missionary heart" in light of God's ultimate purpose for His name to be known globally?**

### FAQ
**Does "raised thee up" imply God caused Pharaoh's sin?**

Answer: The Hebrew *he'emadtikha* (H5975) means God preserved, sustained, or caused Pharaoh to stand, not that God directly caused Pharaoh to sin. While God did harden Pharaoh's heart (e.g., [Exodus 9:12](/exodus/9-12 "Exodus 9:12 - God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart")), this divine hardening often occurred after Pharaoh had already hardened his own heart multiple times (e.g., [Exodus 7:13](/exodus/7-13 "Exodus 7:13 - Pharaoh's Heart Hardened"), [Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Exodus 8:15 - Pharaoh Hardens His Own Heart"), [Exodus 8:32](/exodus/8-32 "Exodus 8:32 - Pharaoh Hardens His Heart Again")). God's hardening was a judicial act, allowing Pharaoh's existing sinful inclination to run its course, thereby demonstrating God's power through Pharaoh's continued resistance. It highlights God's sovereignty over human will without negating human responsibility for sin.

**Why did God preserve Pharaoh instead of destroying him immediately?**

Answer: God preserved Pharaoh precisely for the purpose stated in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "Exodus 9:16 - God's Purpose for Pharaoh"): "to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth." If God had destroyed Pharaoh immediately, the full extent of His power and the magnitude of His victory over Egypt's gods would not have been as dramatically displayed or widely known. Pharaoh's prolonged resistance provided the canvas for God's escalating plagues, each one a greater demonstration of His omnipotence, ensuring His name would be magnified and His reputation established for all time.

**How was God's name declared "throughout all the earth" through the Exodus?**

Answer: The fame of God's deeds during the Exodus spread through various means. Eyewitness accounts from the Israelites and those who heard their stories (like Rahab in Jericho, as recounted in [Joshua 2:10-11](/joshua/2-10-11 "Joshua 2:10-11 - Rahab's Confession of God's Deeds")) carried the news. The events became foundational narratives in Israel's worship, national identity, and historical memory, continually recounted and celebrated in songs and stories (e.g., [Psalm 105](/psalms/105 "Psalm 105 - God's Faithfulness to Israel")). Furthermore, the sheer scale and miraculous nature of the plagues and the Red Sea crossing would have been impossible to conceal, impacting neighboring nations and establishing God's renown as the supreme deity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 9:16, with its declaration of God's purpose to display His power and declare His name throughout the earth, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While God displayed His power over a stubborn ruler in Egypt, the cross of Christ is the supreme demonstration of God's power—not merely over human rulers, but over sin, death, and the devil (as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). Through Christ's resurrection, God's power is revealed in a way that transcends any earthly display, offering eternal salvation and new life rather than temporal deliverance (see [Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - The Immeasurable Greatness of God's Power")). Furthermore, the declaration of God's name throughout all the earth, initiated in the Exodus, is fully realized through the Great Commission, where the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which embodies God's character, saving power, and redemptive plan, is proclaimed to every nation, tribe, people, and tongue (as commanded in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission") and prophesied in [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). Thus, the name of the Lord Jesus is indeed declared throughout all the earth, fulfilling God's ancient purpose.

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

Romans 9:17

For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

Proverbs 16:4

¶ The LORD hath made all [things] for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

Psalms 83:17

Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish:

Psalms 83:18

That [men] may know that thou, whose name alone [is] JEHOVAH, [art] the most high over all the earth.

1 Chronicles 16:24

Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.

Psalms 64:9

And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.

Exodus 14:17

And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.