Exodus 10:20
Exodus 10:20 in Multiple Translations
But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.
But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.
But Jehovah hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the children of Israel go.
But the Lord made Pharaoh's heart hard, and he did not let the children of Israel go.
But the Lord made Pharaoh stubborn, and he would not let the Israelites go.
But the Lord hardened Pharaohs heart, and hee did not let the children of Israel goe.
and Jehovah strengtheneth the heart of Pharaoh, and he hath not sent the sons of Israel away.
But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he didn’t let the children of Israel go.
But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.
And the Lord hardened Pharao’s heart, neither did he let the children of Israel go.
But Yahweh made the king stubborn [IDM] again, and he did not let the Israeli people go.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 10:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 10:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְחַזֵּ֥ק
יְהוָ֖ה
אֶת
לֵ֣ב
פַּרְעֹ֑ה
וְ/לֹ֥א
שִׁלַּ֖ח
אֶת
בְּנֵ֥י
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַ/יְחַזֵּ֥ק
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
פַּרְעֹ֑ה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
שִׁלַּ֖ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 10:20
וַ/יְחַזֵּ֥ק
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
פַּרְעֹ֑ה
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
שִׁלַּ֖ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — Exodus 10:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Eighth Plague: Locusts
18So Moses left Pharaoh’s presence and appealed to the LORD.
19And the LORD changed the wind to a very strong west wind that carried off the locusts and blew them into the Red Sea. Not a single locust remained anywhere in Egypt.
20But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.
21Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, so that darkness may spread over the land of Egypt—a palpable darkness.” 22So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and total darkness covered all the land of Egypt for three days.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 4:21 | The LORD instructed Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put within your power. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. |
| 2 | Exodus 11:10 | Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart so that he would not let the Israelites go out of his land. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 2:30 | But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass through, for the LORD your God had made his spirit stubborn and his heart obstinate, that He might deliver him into your hand, as is the case this day. |
| 4 | John 12:39–40 | For this reason they were unable to believe. For again, Isaiah says: “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.” |
| 5 | 2 Thessalonians 2:11–12 | For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness. |
| 6 | Romans 9:18 | Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden. |
| 7 | Exodus 7:13–14 | Still, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is unyielding; he refuses to let the people go. |
| 8 | Isaiah 6:9–10 | And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed. ” |
| 9 | Exodus 9:12 | But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said to Moses. |
Exodus 10:20 Summary
In Exodus 10:20, we see God hardening Pharaoh's heart, which means He allowed Pharaoh's heart to become even harder and more stubborn against God's commands. This was not because God wanted to be mean or cruel, but because Pharaoh had already shown himself to be stubborn and rebellious, as seen in Exodus 9:34. God's actions were a judgment on Pharaoh's sin, and they ultimately fulfilled God's plan to free the Israelites from slavery (as promised in Genesis 15:14). This verse reminds us that God is sovereign and in control, even when things seem confusing or difficult to understand, and we can trust in His goodness and love, as seen in Psalm 136:1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God harden Pharaoh's heart in Exodus 10:20?
God hardened Pharaoh's heart as a judgment for his repeated refusal to obey God's commands, as seen in Exodus 9:34 and Exodus 10:1, ultimately fulfilling God's plan to demonstrate His power and glory to the Egyptians and the Israelites.
Does God harden people's hearts against their will?
According to Romans 1:24-28, people harden their own hearts through rebellion against God, and God may then give them over to their sinful desires, while Exodus 10:20 shows God's sovereign control over the situation, as also seen in Isaiah 63:17.
How can we understand the relationship between God's sovereignty and human responsibility in Exodus 10:20?
This verse highlights the complex interplay between God's sovereignty and human responsibility, as seen in Proverbs 21:1, where the king's heart is in God's hand, yet humans are still accountable for their choices, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 30:19.
What does this verse reveal about God's character?
Exodus 10:20 reveals God's holiness, justice, and sovereignty, as He works out His plan to redeem the Israelites and demonstrate His power to the Egyptians, consistent with His character as seen in Isaiah 46:10 and Psalm 135:6.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when God's ways seem mysterious or difficult to understand, and what can I learn from Pharaoh's example in Exodus 10:20?
- In what ways can I be like Pharaoh, hardening my heart to God's commands or promises, and how can I cultivate a softer heart, as encouraged in Ezekiel 36:26-27?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender to God's sovereignty, trusting in His good plan, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11?
- How can I balance the tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility in my own life, and what does this mean for my daily choices, as guided by Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 10:20
But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart,.... For as yet he had not brought all his judgments on him he designed to bring: so that he would not let the children of Israel go: though he had promised to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 10:20
And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 10:20
Exodus 10:20 But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’ s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.Ver. 20. But the Lord hardened.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 10:20
(20) The Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart.—Comp. above, Exodus 9:12.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 10:20
20. But again, after the removal of the plague, the result was the same as before, and the Pharaoh would not let the people go. The expression, as elsewhere in E (Exodus 4:21 b, Exodus 9:35, Exo Exodus 10:27).
Sermons on Exodus 10:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) Exodus 6-10 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the response of God to Moses' despair and the increasing hardships faced by the children of Israel under Pharaoh's rule. God assures Moses t |
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(Exodus) Exodus 7:2-9 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Moses and Pharaoh in the book of Exodus. He compares Pharaoh to King Cole, who wanted to appear generous but was actually hard-h |
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The Two Final Calls by Mike Gilchrist | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a personal story about his friend Shorty who passed away at a young age. The speaker emphasizes the importance of getting right with God and wa |
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Countless Treasures! by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the countless treasures found in the Bible, highlighting how the Scriptures are often heard without interest or understanding by many, leading to danger |
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Jesus Is Coming by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of the coming of the Lord and its significance for Christians. He emphasizes that for those who are not right with God, the idea of |
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(Atlanta 2013) 1. Truth in God's Word and Jesus by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of loving and seeking the truth, both in God's Word and in our personal lives. It warns against self-deception, hypocrisy, and the danger of n |
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(Faith Community Chapel) 10/31 Message by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of choosing one's friends wisely and avoiding those who compromise their faith. The sermon encourages believers to distance t |