Exodus 9:34

KJV

And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Pharaoh {H6547} saw {H7200} that the rain {H4306} and the hail {H1259} and the thunders {H6963} were ceased {H2308}, he sinned {H2398} yet more {H3254}, and hardened {H3513} his heart {H3820}, he and his servants {H5650}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Pharaoh saw that the rain, hail and thunder had ended, he sinned still more by making himself hardhearted, he and his servants.

Berean Standard Bible

When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had ceased, he sinned again and hardened his heart—he and his officials.

American Standard Version

And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 9:34 provides a stark revelation of Pharaoh's profound spiritual obstinacy and the insidious nature of false repentance. Immediately after the devastating hail plague ceased, and despite his temporary confession of sin, Pharaoh actively chose to continue his rebellion against the Lord, further hardening his heart and that of his servants. This pivotal verse underscores the human capacity for escalating defiance even in the face of overwhelming divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within the escalating narrative of the [ten plagues](/exodus/7-1 "The Plagues Begin in Exodus") upon Egypt, specifically following the seventh plague—a catastrophic hail storm described in detail from [Exodus 9:18-26](/exodus/9-18-26 "The Plague of Hail"). Crucially, during the height of this unprecedented judgment, Pharaoh, for the first time, explicitly acknowledged his sin and God's righteousness, pleading with Moses and Aaron for intercession in [Exodus 9:27-28](/exodus/9-27-28 "Pharaoh's Confession During the Hail Plague"). Moses prayed, and the plague ceased as promised in [Exodus 9:29-33](/exodus/9-29-33 "Moses Intercedes and the Hail Ceases"). Exodus 9:34 then serves as an immediate and sobering commentary on Pharaoh's true character, revealing that his "repentance" was merely a desperate, conditional reaction to duress, not a genuine change of heart. His actions here set the stage for the final, most severe plagues, demonstrating the futility of partial obedience and the danger of an unyielding will.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, the Pharaoh was not merely a king but was considered a divine being, a living god, and the embodiment of cosmic order (Ma'at). His word was absolute law, and his authority unquestionable. For Pharaoh to admit sin and acknowledge a foreign deity (Yahweh) as righteous, as he did in [Exodus 9:27](/exodus/9-27 "Pharaoh's Confession During the Hail Plague"), was an extraordinary and deeply humiliating concession, undermining his own perceived divine status. Culturally, a king's word, once given, was expected to be honored. Pharaoh's repeated reneging on his promises, despite the escalating and devastating consequences, was not only a spiritual act of rebellion against Yahweh's supremacy but also a profound challenge to his own authority and the stability of his kingdom. The inclusion of "he and his servants" highlights that this defiance was not isolated to the king but permeated the entire Egyptian power structure, indicating a pervasive societal resistance to Yahweh's sovereign claims.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 9:34 significantly contributes to several major themes woven throughout the book of Exodus. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **divine sovereignty versus human obstinacy**. Despite God's overwhelming demonstrations of power and judgment, Pharaoh's will remains stubbornly opposed, highlighting the human capacity to resist even undeniable truth. It further develops the theme of **true versus false repentance**, illustrating that a confession born of fear rather than genuine contrition is fleeting and ultimately leads to deeper rebellion. The verse also emphasizes the **escalating nature of sin and hardening**, showing how repeated defiance can calcify the heart, making future obedience increasingly difficult. This hardening serves God's purpose in demonstrating His power and glory to both Egypt and Israel, fulfilling His declaration in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's Purpose in Pharaoh's Resistance"). Ultimately, Pharaoh's unyielding heart becomes a foil against which God's steadfast determination to deliver His people is brilliantly showcased, reinforcing the theme of **God's faithfulness to His covenant promises**.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 9:34 is a pivotal statement on Pharaoh's character and the nature of human resistance to God, revealing the immediate consequence of a superficial repentance.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sinned (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ_):** From the primitive root H2398, meaning "to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin." This word signifies a deliberate act of missing the mark, a deviation from God's righteous standard. In this context, Pharaoh's sin is not merely an error but a conscious choice of rebellion against the divine will, despite having just experienced overwhelming evidence of God's power and righteousness.
* **yet more (Hebrew, _yâçaph_):** From the primitive root H3254, meaning "to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)." This term emphasizes the active, deliberate choice to persist and intensify his sin. Pharaoh did not merely relapse; he "added to" his sin, indicating a deepening commitment to his defiance against God's will, even after experiencing divine judgment and offering a temporary "confession."
* **hardened (Hebrew, _kâbad_):** From the primitive root H3513, meaning "to be heavy." When used in the context of the heart, as here, it signifies a heart that has become dull, insensitive, unresponsive, or obstinate. The Hebrew verb is in the Hiphil stem, which is causative, implying Pharaoh *caused* his own heart to be heavy or *made* it unresponsive. This highlights his active role and personal responsibility in his spiritual condition, distinct from instances where God is said to harden his heart.
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb_):** A form of H3820, referring to the heart, used figuratively for the feelings, will, and even the intellect. It represents the inner core of a person—the seat of thought, emotion, and decision. Pharaoh's hardening of his "heart" thus indicates a deliberate stiffening of his will and intellect against God's commands, making him impervious to divine persuasion or judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased":** This clause establishes the immediate external condition that triggered Pharaoh's subsequent actions. The cessation of the plague, the removal of the immediate, terrifying threat, is what allowed his true, unrepentant character to resurface. His "repentance" was contingent on duress; once the pressure was off, his true intentions and disposition were revealed.
* **"he sinned yet more":** This is a direct statement of Pharaoh's continued and intensified rebellion. Despite witnessing God's overwhelming power, experiencing devastating judgment, and even verbally confessing his sin, he actively chose to double down on his defiance. This signifies a deliberate act of will, a conscious decision to reject God's command and persist in his opposition.
* **"and hardened his heart":** This phrase describes the internal consequence and reinforcement of his continued sin. His active choice to "sin yet more" led to a further calcification of his inner being, making him even less receptive to God's voice or subsequent judgments. It represents a self-inflicted spiritual condition, where repeated sin makes the heart more resistant to change and divine influence.
* **"he and his servants":** This final phrase extends the culpability beyond Pharaoh himself. It indicates that the rebellion and hardening were not isolated to the king but permeated his entire court and administration. This collective hardening underscores the pervasive nature of the opposition to Yahweh's will within Egypt's leadership, suggesting a shared commitment to resisting divine authority and a societal embrace of defiance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs a stark **contrast** between Pharaoh's temporary confession in [Exodus 9:27](/exodus/9-27 "Pharaoh's Confession During the Hail Plague") and his immediate relapse into sin and hardening. This juxtaposition powerfully highlights the superficiality and insincerity of his "repentance," revealing it as a strategic maneuver rather than a genuine change of heart. The recurring motif of Pharaoh's **hardening** throughout the Exodus narrative is significantly amplified here, emphasizing his active, self-willed participation in this process ("he hardened his heart"), distinguishing it from instances where God is said to harden his heart. This highlights human responsibility alongside divine sovereignty. Furthermore, the **cause-and-effect structure** of the verse, moving from the external observation ("saw that the... ceased") to the internal decision and its consequence ("sinned yet more, and hardened his heart"), underscores the profound link between the removal of external pressure and the revelation of an unrepentant heart.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 9:34 powerfully illustrates several profound theological truths. It reveals the nature of true versus false repentance: Pharaoh's was a "sorrow of the world" driven by fear of consequences, not a "godly sorrow" leading to genuine change. His actions demonstrate the human capacity for profound spiritual obstinacy and the escalating nature of sin, where repeated defiance hardens the heart and makes future obedience more difficult. Even in the face of overwhelming divine power and judgment, the human will can choose sustained rebellion. This verse also implicitly highlights God's incredible patience, as He continues to offer opportunities for repentance despite Pharaoh's repeated defiance. Thematically, it connects to the broader biblical narrative of humanity's rebellion against God's authority and God's persistent pursuit of His redemptive purposes despite such resistance. Pharaoh's hardened heart is a foil to God's steadfast love and determination to deliver His people, showcasing that even human stubbornness cannot thwart divine plans.

* [Proverbs 29:1](/proverbs/29-1 "The Danger of a Hardened Neck"): "He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond remedy." This proverb perfectly encapsulates Pharaoh's trajectory, illustrating the ultimate danger of persistent hardening.
* [Romans 2:4-5](/romans/2-4-5 "God's Kindness Leading to Repentance"): "Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath, when God's righteous judgment will be revealed." Paul's words here directly parallel Pharaoh's experience, showing how God's patience, intended to lead to repentance, can be tragically misused to further harden an impenitent heart.
* [Hebrews 3:7-8](/hebrews/3-7-8 "Do Not Harden Your Hearts"): "Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness.'" This New Testament warning, drawing on the Old Testament experience of Israel, underscores the timeless danger of hardening one's heart to God's voice, a lesson vividly prefigured in Pharaoh.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 9:34 serves as a powerful cautionary tale for believers today, compelling us to examine the authenticity of our own repentance. It challenges us to ask: Is our turning from sin a genuine transformation of heart and mind, a desire to align with God's will, or merely a temporary response to difficult circumstances, fear of consequences, or a desire for relief from pressure? True repentance leads to lasting change and a renewed commitment to God, not a return to old patterns once the immediate crisis subsides. Furthermore, Pharaoh's consistent delay in obedience illustrates the spiritual danger of procrastination in responding to God's call or conviction. Each delay can further harden the heart, making future obedience more difficult and creating a cycle of increasing resistance to divine influence. This verse challenges us to cultivate a soft and responsive heart, quick to obey and genuinely repent, rather than allowing the pressures of life or the allure of sin to harden us against God's persistent voice and the transformative power of His grace. Our spiritual vitality depends on our ongoing willingness to yield to God's refining work in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What situations in my life reveal the true motives behind my "repentance"—is it genuine godly sorrow or merely a desire to escape consequences?**
* **In what ways might I be inadvertently hardening my heart to God's voice or conviction by delaying obedience or returning to old patterns once pressure subsides?**
* **What is one specific area where I need to move from superficial agreement or temporary compliance to genuine, lasting obedience and a truly transformed heart?**

### FAQ
**Was Pharaoh's hardening of his heart solely his own choice, or was it God's doing?**

Answer: The biblical narrative presents both aspects, indicating a complex interplay. While God states His intention to harden Pharaoh's heart (e.g., [Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "God Hardening Pharaoh's Heart")), verses like [Exodus 9:34](/exodus/9-34 "Pharaoh's Continued Hardening After the Hail Plague") explicitly state that Pharaoh *himself* hardened his heart. Theologically, God's hardening can be understood as His sovereign plan allowing Pharaoh's inherent wickedness to fully manifest, removing any external restraints, or even presenting opportunities that, when rejected, lead to further hardening. Ultimately, Pharaoh remains morally responsible for his choices; God's actions expose and confirm his existing rebellion.

**Does Pharaoh's repeated hardening mean God gives up on people who resist Him?**

Answer: Not necessarily. [Exodus 9:34](/exodus/9-34 "Pharaoh's Continued Hardening After the Hail Plague") highlights Pharaoh's persistent rebellion, but it also implicitly underscores God's immense patience. God continued to send Moses, continued to provide opportunities for Pharaoh to repent, and continued to demonstrate His power. While there is a point where human hearts can become so hardened that they are beyond repentance (as [Proverbs 29:1](/proverbs/29-1 "The Danger of a Hardened Neck") suggests), God's general character is one of long-suffering and a desire for all to come to repentance ([2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "God's Patience for All to Come to Repentance")). Pharaoh's case is a unique example of extreme, sustained defiance against direct divine intervention, serving as a warning rather than a universal rule about God's willingness to pursue individuals.

**What's the difference between Pharaoh's "repentance" and true repentance?**

Answer: Pharaoh's "repentance" was superficial and conditional. He confessed his sin and asked for relief only when under intense pressure from the plagues ([Exodus 9:27-28](/exodus/9-27-28 "Pharaoh's Confession During the Hail Plague")). Once the pressure was removed, he immediately reverted to his old ways. True repentance, as taught throughout Scripture, involves a fundamental change of heart and mind (*metanoia* in Greek), leading to a genuine turning away from sin and a turning towards God. It's not merely sorrow *over* consequences, but sorrow *for* sin itself, resulting in a transformed life and a desire to obey God's commands ([2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "Godly Sorrow Leading to Repentance")). True repentance is evidenced by a lasting change in behavior and a renewed relationship with God, rather than a temporary cessation of undesired actions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 9:34 vividly portrays the human heart in active rebellion against God, a condition that finds its ultimate and redemptive solution in Jesus Christ. Pharaoh's hardened heart represents humanity's universal spiritual condition apart from God—a heart that is naturally resistant to divine truth and authority, choosing self-will over submission to the Creator. The escalating plagues demonstrate God's righteous judgment against sin and His sovereign power to overcome all opposition to His will, ultimately achieving the liberation of His people. In Christ, this theme is profoundly fulfilled. Jesus, through His atoning death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, provides the means for humanity to receive a new heart—not a heart of stone, like Pharaoh's, but a heart of flesh, responsive to God's Spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ekekiel/36-26 "God Giving a New Heart and Spirit")). The gospel message is an invitation to genuine repentance, a turning from the self-hardened path of sin to the life-giving path of faith in Christ. Unlike Pharaoh's false repentance, which was driven by fear and led back to deeper rebellion, the repentance offered through Christ leads to true transformation, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God ([Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Repent and Be Converted")). Jesus's victory over sin and death is the ultimate deliverance from the spiritual bondage that Pharaoh epitomized, offering freedom and new life to all who were once enslaved by their own hardened hearts ([Romans 6:17-18](/romans/6-17-18 "Freed From Sin, Enslaved to Righteousness")). Thus, Pharaoh's stubbornness serves as a stark backdrop against which the radical grace and transformative power of Christ's work are brilliantly illuminated, demonstrating that no heart is too hard for God to change through the power of His Son.

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 7:14

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart [is] hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.

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.

Ecclesiastes 8:11

Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

2 Chronicles 28:22

And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this [is that] king Ahaz.

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.

Romans 2:4

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

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;