Exodus 9:2
Exodus 9:2 in Multiple Translations
But if you continue to restrain them and refuse to let them go,
For if thou refuse to let them go, and wilt hold them still,
For if thou refuse to let them go, and wilt hold them still,
For if you will not let them go, but still keep them in your power,
If you refuse to let them go and keep holding on to them,
But if thou refuse to let them goe, and wilt yet holde them still,
for, if thou art refusing to send away, and art still keeping hold upon them,
For if you refuse to let them go, and hold them still,
For if thou shalt refuse to let them go, and wilt hold them still,
But if thou refuse, and withhold them still:
If you still keep refusing to let them go [DOU],
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 9:2
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 9:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֛י
אִם
מָאֵ֥ן
אַתָּ֖ה
לְ/שַׁלֵּ֑חַ
וְ/עוֹדְ/ךָ֖
מַחֲזִ֥יק
בָּֽ/ם
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
מָאֵ֥ן
mâʼên
H3986
refusing
V-Piel
אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
לְ/שַׁלֵּ֑חַ
shâlach
H7971
to send
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
וְ/עוֹדְ/ךָ֖
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Conj | Adv | Suff
מַחֲזִ֥יק
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
V-Hiphil
בָּֽ/ם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 9:2
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
מָאֵ֥ן
mâʼên
H3986
"refusing"
V-Piel
This word describes someone who is unwilling to obey or cooperate. In Numbers 14:9, it is used to describe the Israelites who refused to enter the Promised Land.
Definition: refusing, unwilling to obey
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: refuse. See also: Exodus 7:27; Exodus 10:4; Jeremiah 38:21.
אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
לְ/שַׁלֵּ֑חַ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
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.
וְ/עוֹדְ/ךָ֖
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Conj | Adv | Suff
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
מַחֲזִ֥יק
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
V-Hiphil
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.
בָּֽ/ם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Exodus 9:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Fifth Plague: Livestock
1Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to 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.
2But if you continue to restrain them and refuse to let them go,
3then the hand of the LORD will bring a severe plague on your livestock in the field—on your horses, donkeys, camels, herds, and flocks. 4But the LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt, so that no animal belonging to the Israelites will die.’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 8:2 | But if you refuse to let them go, I will plague your whole country with frogs. |
| 2 | Exodus 4:23 | and I told you to let My son go so that he may worship Me. But since you have refused to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son!’” |
| 3 | Leviticus 26:27–28 | But if in spite of all this you do not obey Me, but continue to walk in hostility toward Me, then I will walk in fury against you, and I, even I, will punish you sevenfold for your sins. |
| 4 | Exodus 10:4 | But if you refuse to let My people go, I will bring locusts into your territory tomorrow. |
| 5 | Psalms 68:21 | Surely God will crush the heads of His enemies, the hairy crowns of those who persist in guilty ways. |
| 6 | Psalms 7:11–12 | God is a righteous judge and a God who feels indignation each day. If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow. |
| 7 | Leviticus 26:14–16 | If, however, you fail to obey Me and to carry out all these commandments, and if you reject My statutes, despise My ordinances, and neglect to carry out all My commandments, and so break My covenant, then this is what I will do to you: I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting disease, and fever that will destroy your sight and drain your life. You will sow your seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it. |
| 8 | Isaiah 1:20 | But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. |
| 9 | Revelation 16:9 | And the people were scorched by intense heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had authority over these plagues; yet they did not repent and give Him glory. |
| 10 | Romans 2:8 | But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. |
Exodus 9:2 Summary
In Exodus 9:2, the Lord is warning Pharaoh that if he continues to hold back the Israelites, there will be serious consequences. This verse is saying that when we disobey God's commands, there can be negative results, as seen in other parts of the Bible, such as in Genesis 2:17 and Deuteronomy 11:27-28. The Lord is giving Pharaoh a chance to make things right, just like He gives us chances to obey Him and avoid consequences, as seen in verses like Jeremiah 18:7-8 and 2 Peter 3:9. By trusting in the Lord's plan and letting go of our own ways, we can avoid the negative consequences and experience His freedom and blessings, as seen in John 8:36 and Galatians 5:1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lord asking Pharaoh to do in Exodus 9:2?
The Lord is asking Pharaoh to let the Israelites go so they can worship Him, as stated in Exodus 9:1, and warning him of the consequences if he refuses, as seen in the following verses, particularly Exodus 9:3.
What is the significance of the word 'restrain' in this verse?
The word 'restrain' implies holding back or refusing to let go, which is what Pharaoh is doing with the Israelites, similar to how the Egyptians had enslaved them, as mentioned in Exodus 1:13-14.
Is Exodus 9:2 a warning or a promise?
Exodus 9:2 is a warning from the Lord to Pharaoh, stating the consequences of not letting the Israelites go, which is also seen in other parts of the Bible where God warns people of the consequences of their actions, such as in Deuteronomy 28:15.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of the Exodus?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of the Exodus, as it shows the Lord's patience and warnings to Pharaoh before unleashing the plagues, which ultimately lead to the Israelites' freedom, as seen in Exodus 12:31-33 and Exodus 14:13-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I might be 'restraining' or holding back people in my life, and how can I let them go?
- How do I respond to warnings or consequences in my own life, and what can I learn from Pharaoh's example?
- What does it mean to 'let go' and trust in the Lord's plan, as seen in this verse and in other parts of the Bible, such as in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- How can I apply the lesson of Exodus 9:2 to my own life, in terms of obeying the Lord's commands and avoiding consequences, as seen in verses like Luke 11:28?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 9:2
For if thou refuse to let them go,.... Continue to refuse, as he had done: and wilt hold them still; in the land, and under his dominion and oppression.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 9:2
Then the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 9:2
Exodus 9:2 For if thou refuse to let [them] go, and wilt hold them still,Ver. 2. And wilt hold them still.] Being wedded to thy will, which will prove thy hell. Voluntas tua infernus tuus. - Bern.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 9:2
IX. THE FIFTH PLAGUE.(1-3) The nature of the fifth plague is manifest, and admits of no dispute. It was a rinderpest, or murrain upon cattle; which, however, unlike most similar disorders, attacked the greater number of the domesticated animals—horses, asses, camels, oxen, and sheep. Thus it was “very grievous” (Exodus 9:3). Horses were highly prized by the Egyptians, and were a comparatively recent importation, having been unknown before the time of the seventeenth, or “Shepherd” Dynasty. They were at first used only in war; then by rich men, in peace, to draw their chariots. They had now, however, it would seem, come to be employed also in agriculture. (Note the words “in the field.”) Asses were the ordinary beasts of burthen, and abounded in Egypt anciently as indeed they do at the present day. The Egyptian monuments mention cases where a single landowner owned as many as seven or eight hundred of them. Camels are not represented by the Egyptian sculptors, but are mentioned in the inscriptions (Chabas, Etudes sur l’ Antiquité Historique, pp. 400-413), and must have been employed in the trade between Egypt and the Sinaitic peninsula.
Both oxen and sheep were numerous, and constituted a great part of the wealth of individuals. The plague fell upon such animals as were “in the field” at the time—i.e., in the open air, and not confined in stables or sheds. It was the Egyptian practice to house a considerable portion of their cattle; but at the probable season of this plague—December or January—the majority would be in the pastures. Thus the Egyptian losses were very heavy, and the king, no doubt, suffered with the rest, for the Egyptian monarchs were large cattle-owners (Genesis 47:6; Genesis 47:17), The Pharaoh was, however, less impressed by this plague than by the fourth, and made no sign of submission.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 9:2
1–7. The fifth plague. The murrain on cattle. Entirely J.
Sermons on Exodus 9:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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"The Lord Is With Him" (1 Samuel 16:18) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of David's life as a man after God's own heart, highlighting six key attributes: his skill in worship, courage, warrior spirit, prudenc |
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Is the Church the Bride of the Lamb? by Harry Ironside | Harry Ironside addresses the debate surrounding the identity of the Church as both the Body of Christ and the Bride of the Lamb, countering the claims of ultra-dispensationalists w |
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The Testimony of the Blood (Continued) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of the Blood of Jesus as a living testimony that terrifies Satan, highlighting that true victory and spiritual prosperity stem |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.9 & 10 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses two verses from the Old Testament that highlight God's judgment. The first verse is Genesis 15:16, where God tells Abraham that the Israelite |
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The Passion of Christ by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus and the immense love that God has shown through it. The sermon then addresses the questions r |
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Except Ye Repent by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the dire plight and desperate need of humanity by contrasting it with the Beatitudes. He asks the congregation if they have ever been lost, |
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The Cup of Wrath by Andrew Bonar | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the severity of God's wrath and the consequences of sin. He uses imagery of the seven seals, trumpets, and vials from the book of Revelation |