King James Version

What Does Exodus 11:10 Mean?

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 · King James Version

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.

Read Exodus 11 full chapter

Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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?
KS
Written by KJV Study Commentary • Biblical Commentary

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וּמֹשֶׁ֣ה
1 of 20

“And Moses”

H4872
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
וְאַֽהֲרֹ֗ן
2 of 20

“and Aaron”

H175
aharon, the brother of moses
עָשׂ֛וּ
3 of 20

“did”

H6213
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
4 of 20
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
5 of 20
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַמֹּֽפְתִ֥ים
6 of 20

“all these wonders”

H4159
a miracle; by implication, a token or omen
הָאֵ֖לֶּה
7 of 20
H428
these or those
לִפְנֵ֣י
8 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
פַּרְעֹ֔ה
9 of 20

“Pharaoh”

H6547
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
וַיְחַזֵּ֤ק
10 of 20

“hardened”

H2388
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
יְהוָה֙
11 of 20

“and the LORD”

H3068
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
12 of 20
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לֵ֣ב
13 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
פַּרְעֹ֔ה
14 of 20

“Pharaoh”

H6547
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
וְלֹֽא
15 of 20
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שִׁלַּ֥ח
16 of 20

“go out”

H7971
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֶת
17 of 20
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵֽי
18 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
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
19 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

Exodus 4:21Exodus 10:20Exodus 10:27Job 9:41 Samuel 6:6Exodus 7:13-14

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