King James Version

What Does Exodus 10:1 Mean?

Exodus 10:1 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I m... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him:

Exodus 10:1 · KJV


Context

1

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him:

2

And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the LORD.

3

And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 1 describes the locust plague, targeting Osiris (agriculture god) and Isis (grain goddess). Moses warns locusts will 'cover the face of the earth' and devour everything the hail left. Pharaoh's servants beg him to relent, recognizing Egypt's destruction.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Osiris ruled agriculture and resurrection, while Isis protected crops. Locusts were ancient Near Eastern terror, but this swarm's density exceeded natural plague. The total devastation left Egypt economically ruined.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God demonstrate His power through natural means taken to supernatural extremes?
  2. What does Pharaoh's servants' fear teach about recognizing God's hand in judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 20

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙2 of 20

And the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֔ה4 of 20

unto Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

בֹּ֖א5 of 20

Go

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל6 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פַּרְעֹ֑ה7 of 20

in unto Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

כִּֽי8 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֞י9 of 20
H589

i

הִכְבַּ֤דְתִּי10 of 20

for I have hardened

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

אֶת11 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לֵ֣ב12 of 20

and the heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וְאֶת13 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לֵ֣ב14 of 20

and the heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

עֲבָדָ֔יו15 of 20

of his servants

H5650

a servant

לְמַ֗עַן16 of 20
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

שִׁתִ֛י17 of 20

that I might shew

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

אֹֽתֹתַ֥י18 of 20

these my signs

H226

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

אֵ֖לֶּה19 of 20
H428

these or those

בְּקִרְבּֽוֹ׃20 of 20

before

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 10:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 10:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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