King James Version

What Does Exodus 10:18 Mean?

Exodus 10:18 in the King James Version says “And he went out from Pharaoh, and intreated the LORD. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he went out from Pharaoh, and intreated the LORD.

Exodus 10:18 · King James Version


Context

16

Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you. called: Heb. hastened to call

17

Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the LORD your God, that he may take away from me this death only.

18

And he went out from Pharaoh, and intreated the LORD.

19

And the LORD turned a mighty strong west wind, which took away the locusts, and cast them into the Red sea; there remained not one locust in all the coasts of Egypt. cast: Heb. fastened

20

But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Verse 18 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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וַיֵּצֵ֖א1 of 6

And he went out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מֵעִ֣ם2 of 6
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

פַּרְעֹ֑ה3 of 6

from Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וַיֶּעְתַּ֖ר4 of 6

and intreated

H6279

to burn incense in worship, i.e., intercede (reciprocally, listen to prayer)

אֶל5 of 6
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָֽה׃6 of 6

the LORD

H3068

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


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 10:18 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 10:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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