Exodus 9:12
Exodus 9:12 in Multiple Translations
But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said to Moses.
And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses.
And Jehovah hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them, as Jehovah had spoken unto Moses.
And the Lord made Pharaoh's heart hard, and he would not give ear to them, as the Lord had said.
But the Lord gave Pharaoh a stubborn attitude, and he would not listen to them, just as the Lord had told Moses.
And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not vnto them, as the Lord had said vnto Moses.
And Jehovah strengtheneth the heart of Pharaoh, and he hath not hearkened unto them, as Jehovah hath spoken unto Moses.
The LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he didn’t listen to them, as the LORD had spoken to Moses.
And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not to them; as the LORD had spoke to Moses.
And the Lord hardened Pharao’s heart, and he hearkened not unto them, as the Lord had spoken to Moses.
But Yahweh caused the king to continue to be stubborn [IDM]. He did not pay any attention to what they/we said, just as Yahweh had told Moses/me would happen.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 9:12
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 9:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְחַזֵּ֤ק
יְהוָה֙
אֶת
לֵ֣ב
פַּרְעֹ֔ה
וְ/לֹ֥א
שָׁמַ֖ע
אֲלֵ/הֶ֑ם
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
דִּבֶּ֥ר
יְהוָ֖ה
אֶל
מֹשֶֽׁה
וַ/יְחַזֵּ֤ק
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
פַּרְעֹ֔ה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
שָׁמַ֖ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֲלֵ/הֶ֑ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
דִּבֶּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מֹשֶֽׁה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 9:12
וַ/יְחַזֵּ֤ק
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.
יְהוָה֙
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.
פַּרְעֹ֔ה
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.
שָׁמַ֖ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֲלֵ/הֶ֑ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
דִּבֶּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מֹשֶֽׁה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
Study Notes — Exodus 9:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 9:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 9:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 9:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 9:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 9:12
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 9:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 9:12
- Sermons on Exodus 9:12
Context — The Sixth Plague: Boils
10So they took soot from the furnace and stood before Pharaoh. Moses tossed it into the air, and festering boils broke out on man and beast.
11The magicians could not stand before Moses, because the boils had broken out on them and on all the Egyptians.
12But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said to Moses.
13Then the LORD said to Moses, “Get up early in the morning, stand before Pharaoh, and tell him that this is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may worship Me. 14Otherwise, 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.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 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. |
| 3 | Psalms 81:11–12 | But My people would not listen to Me, and Israel would not obey Me. So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices. |
| 4 | Revelation 16:10–11 | And the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness, and men began to gnaw their tongues in anguish and curse the God of heaven for their pains and sores; yet they did not repent of their deeds. |
Exodus 9:12 Summary
In Exodus 9:12, we see that God hardened Pharaoh's heart, which means He allowed Pharaoh to continue in his stubbornness and sin. This doesn't mean God is responsible for Pharaoh's sin, but rather that God is in control of all things, including the human heart (as seen in Proverbs 21:1). This verse teaches us about God's sovereignty and justice, and reminds us to trust in His goodness and wisdom, even when we don't understand His ways (Romans 11:33-36). We can learn from Pharaoh's example to surrender our hearts to God and trust in His plan for our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God harden Pharaoh's heart in Exodus 9:12?
God hardened Pharaoh's heart as a sovereign act of judgment, allowing Pharaoh's own stubbornness to continue, as seen in Exodus 4:21 and Romans 9:17-18, where God's sovereignty over human hearts is demonstrated.
Does God hardening Pharaoh's heart mean He is responsible for Pharaoh's sin?
No, God is not responsible for Pharaoh's sin; rather, God allowed Pharaoh's heart to become harder, as Pharaoh had already chosen to resist God, as seen in Exodus 5:2 and 7:13-14, where Pharaoh's initial hardness of heart is recorded.
How does this verse relate to the concept of free will?
This verse highlights the complex interplay between God's sovereignty and human free will, as seen in Proverbs 21:1 and Ezekiel 36:26-27, where human choices are influenced by God's providence, yet humans are still accountable for their decisions.
What does this verse teach us about God's character?
This verse reveals God's justice, sovereignty, and holiness, as seen in Isaiah 46:10 and Psalm 115:3, where God's power and authority over all things are proclaimed.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when God seems to be allowing difficult circumstances in my life, and what can I learn from Pharaoh's example?
- In what ways can I be like Pharaoh, resisting God's will and hardening my heart to His commands, and how can I repent and turn to God?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender to God's sovereignty, and how can I trust in His goodness and wisdom?
- How can I balance the tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility, and what does this mean for my daily life and decisions?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 9:12
And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh,.... He having often, and so long hardened his own heart, God gave him up to judicial hardness of heart, to his own corruptions, the temptations of Satan,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 9:12
And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses. The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 9:12
Exodus 9:12 And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses.Ver. 12. And the Lord hardened.] See Exodus 9:7; Exodus 4:21, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 9:12
(12) The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh.—The judicial punitive hardening of Pharaoh’s heart by God Himself now began. As with the heathen in later times, “because they did not like to retain God in their knowledge. God gave them over to a reprobate mind” (Romans 1:28), so now with Pharaoh: because he had twice hardened himself—i.e., resisted an impression made upon him, and crushed his inclination to yield to it (Exodus 8:15; Exodus 8:32), God hardened him. (See the comment on Exodus 4:21.)
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 9:12
12. As Exodus 7:13; Exodus 7:22 b, Exodus 8:15 b, 19b) (all P). The result, as foretold in Exodus 7:4 a (P). On God’s ‘hardening’ Pharaoh’s heart, see p. 53 f.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 9:12
12. And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh — That is, by sending this manifestation of his anger he made his heart more hard. Punishment always hardens if it does not soften.
Sermons on Exodus 9:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(John - Part 29): From That Time, Many of His Disciples Went Back - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a disturbing message that the Lord gave to the people. He tells them that they are not morally able to believe in Him and that they will peri |
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A Good Reminder About a Bad Heart by Jack Hayford | Jack Hayford delves into the story of Pharaoh in Exodus, highlighting the dangers of heart-hardness and resistance to God. He emphasizes the importance of humility, teachability, a |
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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 Danger of a Compromised Life by Greg Laurie | In this sermon titled "The Danger of a Compromised Life," Pastor Greg Laurie discusses the story of Moses and the Israelites in the book of Exodus. He highlights how the Israelites |
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Revival - Part 3 by J.I. Packer | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Zechariah chapter four and verse one, which describes a vision of a solid gold lampstand with seven lights and two olive trees. The speaker e |
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Times Up! by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of time running out and the impending judgment of God. He uses the analogy of a time limit during exams to illustrate the idea tha |
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A Class of Sinners Excluded From Mercy. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the warning in Isaiah 27:11, emphasizing the error of assuming God's mercy without repentance, highlighting the consequences of neglecting spiritual un |