Exodus 9:27

KJV

And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the LORD [is] righteous, and I and my people [are] wicked.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Pharaoh {H6547} sent {H7971}, and called {H7121} for Moses {H4872} and Aaron {H175}, and said {H559} unto them, I have sinned {H2398} this time {H6471}: the LORD {H3068} is righteous {H6662}, and I and my people {H5971} are wicked {H7563}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pharaoh summoned Moshe and Aharon and said to them, "This time I have sinned: ADONAI is in the right; I and my people are in the wrong.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron. “This time I have sinned,” he said. “The LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.

American Standard Version

And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: Jehovah is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Humbled by the devastating plague of hail, Pharaoh makes a rare and explicit confession of sin, acknowledging Yahweh's righteousness and his own and his people's wickedness; however, this admission, born of duress rather than true repentance, proves to be a fleeting moment in his ongoing rebellion against God, setting the stage for further divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse, [Exodus 9:27](/exodus/9-27 "Pharaoh's Confession of Sin"), immediately follows the catastrophic seventh plague of hail, described in vivid detail in [Exodus 9:18-26](/exodus/9-18-26 "The Seventh Plague: Hail and Fire"). This plague was unprecedented in its severity in Egypt, destroying crops, livestock, and even people, sparing only the land of Goshen where the Israelites resided. Pharaoh's confession here is a direct, albeit temporary, response to this overwhelming display of divine power and judgment, marking a climactic point in the escalating conflict between Yahweh and Pharaoh. The verses that follow, [Exodus 9:28-35](/exodus/9-28-35 "Pharaoh's Broken Promise"), immediately reveal the superficiality of Pharaoh's confession, as he requests the plague's cessation only to harden his heart once the threat is removed, setting the stage for the final, more severe judgments that will culminate in the death of the firstborn.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, Pharaoh was not merely a king but was considered a divine being, a living god, the embodiment of cosmic order (Ma'at), and the intermediary between the gods and humanity. For Pharaoh to confess sin, especially to the God of a subjugated people, was an extraordinary, humiliating, and ideologically subversive act. This confession directly challenges the foundational ideology of Egyptian kingship and religion, where Pharaoh was seen as incapable of sin and supreme over all. Each plague was not merely a natural disaster but a targeted assault on specific Egyptian deities and the cosmic order Pharaoh supposedly maintained. The hail plague, for instance, challenged the sky gods (e.g., Nut), the storm gods (e.g., Seth), and agricultural deities (e.g., Osiris). Pharaoh's admission of Yahweh's righteousness and his own wickedness is a forced theological concession, demonstrating Yahweh's absolute supremacy over all Egyptian gods and Pharaoh himself. This confession, though temporary, highlights the immense pressure Pharaoh was under, a pressure designed by God to display His glory and power to both Egypt and Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the book of Exodus. Primarily, it underscores the **sovereignty and power of Yahweh** over all creation, false gods, and human rulers, even the most powerful on earth. Pharaoh's forced confession serves as a powerful testament to Yahweh's unmatched authority. It also develops the theme of **divine judgment against sin and rebellion**, demonstrating that God's justice is unwavering and that persistent defiance leads to increasingly severe consequences. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **nature of human stubbornness and false repentance**, revealing how a heart can acknowledge truth under duress without undergoing genuine transformation. This theme of Pharaoh's hardening heart, both self-imposed and divinely orchestrated, is central to the narrative, as seen in passages like [Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "God will harden Pharaoh's heart") and [Exodus 10:1](/exodus/10-1 "God hardens Pharaoh's heart"). Ultimately, the verse contributes to the overarching theme of **God's faithfulness to His covenant people** by demonstrating His power to deliver Israel from oppression, even against seemingly insurmountable odds.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sinned (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** From the root H2398, this verb literally means "to miss the mark" or "to go astray." In a theological context, it signifies a moral failure, an offense against God's revealed will or character. Pharaoh's use of "this time" (H6471, _paʻam_) suggests a limited, situational acknowledgment of wrongdoing rather than a comprehensive recognition of his deep-seated rebellion. It implies a recognition of a specific transgression (refusing to let Israel go) rather than a deep, heart-level repentance for his entire posture of defiance against the [LORD (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_)](/exodus/3-14 "I AM WHO I AM").
* **righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** From the root H6662, this adjective describes God's perfect justice, uprightness, and moral integrity. It signifies that God's actions, including His judgments, are entirely just, fair, and in accord with His holy character. Pharaoh's declaration "the LORD is righteous" is a profound, albeit forced, theological admission from the mouth of a self-proclaimed deity that God's actions are vindicated and His cause is just, while Pharaoh's opposition is without merit. This term stands in stark contrast to his self-designation as "wicked."
* **wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** From the root H7563, this term denotes guilt, unrighteousness, and moral depravity. It stands in stark contrast to _tsaddîyq_. Pharaoh's self-designation as _râshâʻ_ is an acknowledgment of his culpability and moral bankruptcy before the just God. It is an admission that his resistance to God's command has been evil and deserving of the judgment he has experienced. This is a significant concession from one who previously saw himself as divine and beyond reproach.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them":** This opening clause highlights Pharaoh's initiative, a rare occurrence in the narrative where he is usually reacting to divine pressure or being summoned by God through Moses and Aaron. The devastation of the hail plague has finally broken through his stubbornness, forcing him to seek out God's representatives, [Moses (H4872, _Môsheh_)](/exodus/2-10 "Moses Drawn from the Water") and [Aaron (H175, _ʼAhărôwn_)](/exodus/4-14 "Aaron to be Moses' Spokesman"). The verb "said" (H559, _ʼâmar_) indicates a formal declaration.
* **"I have sinned this time":** This is Pharaoh's first explicit confession of sin in the Exodus narrative. The crucial phrase "this time" (H6471, _paʻam_) is a significant qualifier, indicating a limited, immediate acknowledgment of guilt under duress, rather than a genuine, lasting change of heart. It suggests a focus on the immediate consequence of the plague rather than the underlying rebellion against God's authority and His command to "let my people go."
* **"the LORD [is] righteous":** This is a momentous theological declaration from the mouth of Egypt's divine ruler, [Pharaoh (H6547, _Parʻôh_)](/exodus/1-8 "A New King in Egypt"). It is an admission of Yahweh's absolute justice and moral rectitude in bringing the plagues. It vindicates God's actions and character, even as it condemns Pharaoh's. This statement directly challenges the Egyptian theological framework which upheld Pharaoh's divine status and the supposed benevolence of Egyptian gods.
* **"and I and my people [are] wicked":** This statement completes the theological contrast. Pharaoh acknowledges his own and his [people's (H5971, _ʻam_)](/exodus/1-9 "The Israelites Multiply") moral culpability and unrighteousness in resisting God's command. This is a profound admission of guilt from one who previously saw himself as a god, a testament to the overwhelming power and undeniable justice of Yahweh.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **dramatic irony**, as the reader, having witnessed Pharaoh's previous hardening of heart and knowing God's declared intention to harden it further, understands that Pharaoh's confession is temporary and his heart will harden again. This makes his seemingly profound theological statement ultimately hollow and tragic. There is also a clear **contrast** established between God's perfect righteousness (_tsaddîyq_) and Pharaoh's and his people's wickedness (_râshâʻ_), highlighting the moral chasm between the divine and the human rebellion. This stark juxtaposition emphasizes God's just character and the inexcusable nature of Pharaoh's defiance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates several core theological truths. First, it underscores God's **absolute righteousness and justice**. Even Pharaoh, God's chief antagonist, is compelled to confess that Yahweh's actions are just and His judgments are deserved. This affirms God's character as one who always acts in accordance with His holy nature, even when bringing severe judgment. Second, it reveals the **depth of human sin and rebellion**. Pharaoh's "wickedness" is not merely a mistake but a deliberate, persistent defiance of divine authority, demonstrating the human capacity for stubborn resistance even in the face of overwhelming evidence. Third, the verse highlights the **nature of false repentance**. Pharaoh's confession, born of duress, lacks the transformative power of true repentance, which involves a genuine turning from sin and a commitment to obey God. This foreshadows the ongoing struggle and the ultimate hardening of Pharaoh's heart, a theme explicitly stated by God Himself. This dynamic illustrates that outward confession without inward change is insufficient for reconciliation with God.

* [Psalm 145:17](/psalm/145-17 "The LORD is righteous in all his ways")
* [Exodus 10:1](/exodus/10-1 "God hardens Pharaoh's heart")
* [Matthew 7:21](/matthew/7-21 "Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 9:27 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Pharaoh's fleeting confession serves as a stark warning about the **nature of true repentance**. It reminds us that acknowledging our sin under pressure or for self-preservation is not the same as genuine repentance, which involves a deep change of heart, a turning away from sin, and a commitment to follow God's will. We must examine our own confessions: are they born of convenience or conviction? Are they merely intellectual acknowledgments, or do they lead to genuine transformation? Furthermore, this passage reinforces God's **unwavering sovereignty and justice**. Even when we resist or rebel, God remains righteous, and His purposes will prevail. Our ultimate well-being and peace lie in aligning ourselves with His righteous will, not in resisting it. Finally, Pharaoh's experience illustrates the **futility and danger of prolonged resistance to God**. The longer we harden our hearts against His truth and His call, the more severe the consequences become, and the more difficult it is to genuinely respond to God's gracious invitation. Let us be quick to humble ourselves and truly turn to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you confessed a wrong, but found your heart unchanged once the immediate pressure was gone? What does this reveal about true repentance in your life?**
* **How does acknowledging God's righteousness, even in difficult circumstances or when facing His judgment, strengthen your faith and trust in Him?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be unknowingly resisting God's will, and what specific steps can you take today to yield to His authority and embrace genuine transformation?**

### FAQ
**Does Pharaoh's confession mean he was truly repentant?**

Answer: No, the narrative strongly suggests his confession was temporary and born of duress rather than genuine repentance. While he explicitly admits sin and God's righteousness, his subsequent actions (re-hardening his heart once the plague ceased, as seen in [Exodus 9:34-35](/exodus/9-34-35 "Pharaoh Sins Again")) demonstrate that this was not a transformative change of heart but a strategic admission to alleviate immediate suffering. True repentance involves a turning away from sin and a commitment to obey God, which Pharaoh consistently failed to do throughout the Exodus narrative.

**If God hardened Pharaoh's heart, was Pharaoh still responsible for his sin?**

Answer: This is a complex theological question that highlights the interplay of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. The biblical text indicates both that Pharaoh hardened his own heart (e.g., [Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart")) and that God hardened Pharaoh's heart (e.g., [Exodus 9:12](/exodus/9-12 "The LORD Hardens Pharaoh's Heart")). God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart was not an imposition of evil on an unwilling participant, but rather a divine confirmation and intensification of Pharaoh's pre-existing rebellious will. God allowed Pharaoh to fully express his own wickedness and defiance, demonstrating His sovereignty over human defiance and using it to display His power and glory ([Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17-18 "God's Sovereignty and Pharaoh")). Pharaoh remained fully responsible for his choices because his resistance originated from his own stubborn will.

**Why is it important that Pharaoh, a "god-king," confessed Yahweh's righteousness?**

Answer: This confession is profoundly significant because it represents a forced theological surrender from the highest human authority in Egypt. Pharaoh, who was considered a living god and the embodiment of cosmic order, is compelled to acknowledge the supremacy and justice of Yahweh, the God of a subjugated people. This public admission undermines the entire religious and political ideology of Egypt, demonstrating Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over all false gods and human rulers. It serves as a powerful vindication of God's character and His mission to liberate Israel, proving that no earthly power can ultimately stand against the will of the Almighty [LORD](/exodus/3-14 "I AM WHO I AM").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 9:27, though an Old Testament verse, powerfully anticipates key aspects of Christ's work and the gospel message. Pharaoh's forced confession of sin and God's righteousness points to the universal reality that **all humanity stands guilty before a righteous God**. Just as Pharaoh's persistent resistance brought escalating judgment, so too does humanity's rebellion against God's holy will necessitate a divine response. However, unlike Pharaoh's temporary and self-serving confession, Jesus Christ offers a path to **true and lasting repentance and reconciliation**. His substitutionary death on the cross addresses the "wickedness" that Pharaoh confessed, providing the means for humanity's sin to be forgiven and for believers to be declared righteous before God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ became sin for us")).

Furthermore, the theme of God's **sovereignty over hardened hearts** finds its ultimate expression in the gospel. While Pharaoh's heart was hardened unto destruction, Christ's redemptive work offers a new heart of flesh in place of a heart of stone, transforming the rebellious spirit into one that desires to obey God ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "A New Heart and a New Spirit")). The judgment experienced by Pharaoh, though severe, foreshadows the ultimate judgment against sin that Jesus bore on the cross, allowing those who believe to escape eternal condemnation and receive eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "For God So Loved the World")). Thus, Pharaoh's forced acknowledgment of God's righteousness serves as a backdrop to the even greater display of God's righteousness and boundless love in providing salvation through Christ for all who genuinely repent and believe in Him.

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

Psalms 129:4

The LORD [is] righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.

Exodus 10:16

Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you.

2 Chronicles 12:6

Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD [is] righteous.

Lamentations 1:18

The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity.

Psalms 145:17

The LORD [is] righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

Romans 3:19

¶ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Matthew 27:4

Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What [is that] to us? see thou [to that].