King James Version

What Does Exodus 11:10 Mean?

Exodus 11:10 in the King James Version says “And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not le... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land.

Exodus 11:10 · KJV


Context

8

And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger. that follow: Heb. that is at thy feet a great: Heb. heat of anger

9

And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.

10

And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 10 describes Moses's final warning about midnight judgment. God Himself will pass through Egypt, striking every firstborn from Pharaoh's throne to the prisoner in the dungeon, and even livestock firstborn. This universal judgment spares none, revealing sin's comprehensive curse.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The midnight hour emphasizes God's sovereign timing and judgment coming in darkness. The scope—from royal palace to prison to barn—demonstrates no earthly status protects from divine judgment. Only the Passover blood will shield.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the universality of this judgment foreshadow universal human sinfulness?
  2. What does the need for blood protection teach about the coming gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וּמֹשֶׁ֣ה1 of 20

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאַֽהֲרֹ֗ן2 of 20

and Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

עָשׂ֛וּ3 of 20

did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת4 of 20
H853

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

כָּל5 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַמֹּֽפְתִ֥ים6 of 20

all these wonders

H4159

a miracle; by implication, a token or omen

הָאֵ֖לֶּה7 of 20
H428

these or those

לִפְנֵ֣י8 of 20

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

פַּרְעֹ֔ה9 of 20

Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וַיְחַזֵּ֤ק10 of 20

hardened

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

יְהוָה֙11 of 20

and the LORD

H3068

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

אֶת12 of 20
H853

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

לֵ֣ב13 of 20

heart

H3820

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

פַּרְעֹ֔ה14 of 20

Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וְלֹֽא15 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שִׁלַּ֥ח16 of 20

go out

H7971

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

אֶת17 of 20
H853

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

בְּנֵֽי18 of 20

so that he would not let the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל19 of 20

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מֵֽאַרְצֽוֹ׃20 of 20

of his land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


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 11:10 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 11:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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