King James Version

What Does Exodus 10:3 Mean?

Exodus 10:3 in the King James Version says “And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 10:3 · 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.

4

Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, to morrow will I bring the locusts into thy coast:

5

And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remaineth unto you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field: face: Heb. eye


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 3 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
וַיָּבֹ֨א1 of 20

came in

H935

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

מֹשֶׁ֣ה2 of 20

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאַֽהֲרֹן֮3 of 20

and Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

אֶל4 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פַּרְעֹה֒5 of 20

unto Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

אָמַ֤ר6 of 20

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֗יו7 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֹּֽה8 of 20
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֤ר9 of 20

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙10 of 20

the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֣י11 of 20

God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הָֽעִבְרִ֔ים12 of 20

of the Hebrews

H5680

an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber

עַד13 of 20
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מָתַ֣י14 of 20

How long

H4970

properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)

מֵאַ֔נְתָּ15 of 20

wilt thou refuse

H3985

to refuse

לֵֽעָנֹ֖ת16 of 20

to humble

H6031

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

מִפָּנָ֑י17 of 20

thyself before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

שַׁלַּ֥ח18 of 20

go

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

עַמִּ֖י19 of 20

me let my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְיַֽעַבְדֻֽנִי׃20 of 20

that they may serve

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc


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 10:3 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 10:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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