King James Version

What Does Exodus 11:9 Mean?

Exodus 11:9 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 11:9 · KJV


Context

7

But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

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 9 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.

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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 · 13 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 13

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙2 of 13

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל3 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֔ה4 of 13

unto Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

לֹֽא5 of 13
H3808

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

יִשְׁמַ֥ע6 of 13

shall not hearken

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֲלֵיכֶ֖ם7 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פַּרְעֹ֑ה8 of 13

Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

לְמַ֛עַן9 of 13
H4616

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

רְב֥וֹת10 of 13

may be multiplied

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

מֽוֹפְתַ֖י11 of 13

unto you that my wonders

H4159

a miracle; by implication, a token or omen

בְּאֶ֥רֶץ12 of 13

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָֽיִם׃13 of 13

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt


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 11:9 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 11:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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