King James Version

What Does Exodus 14:10 Mean?

Exodus 14:10 in the King James Version says “And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.”

Exodus 14:10 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

8

And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.

9

But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon.

10

And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.

11

And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?

12

Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.

Read Exodus 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When 'the children of Israel lifted up their eyes' and saw Egyptian approach, fear replaced faith. Despite witnessing ten plagues and miraculous exodus, visible danger overwhelmed prior experience. Their response—'cried out unto the LORD'—shows mixed faith: they appeal to God while complaining to Moses. This realistic portrayal shows weak faith can still cry to the right source. God answers fearful prayers despite unbelief's mixture.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The approaching dust cloud of thousands of chariots would have been terrifying to unarmed civilians. This represented the same force that held them in bondage for 400 years—psychological trauma reinforced by current threat.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does fear sometimes make you forget God's past deliverances despite overwhelming evidence?
  2. What does God answering fearful prayers teach about His patience with weak faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וּפַרְעֹ֖ה1 of 18

“And when Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

הִקְרִ֑יב2 of 18

“drew nigh”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

וַיִּשְׂאוּ֩3 of 18

“lifted up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

בְנֵֽי4 of 18

“and 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל5 of 18

“of Israel”

H3478

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

אֶת6 of 18
H853

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

עֵֽינֵיהֶ֜ם7 of 18

“their eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וְהִנֵּ֥ה8 of 18
H2009

lo!

מִצְרַ֣יִם׀9 of 18

“and behold the Egyptians”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

נֹסֵ֣עַ10 of 18

“marched”

H5265

properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey

אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֗ם11 of 18

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וַיִּֽירְאוּ֙12 of 18

“afraid”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מְאֹ֔ד13 of 18

“them and they were sore”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וַיִּצְעֲק֥וּ14 of 18

“cried out”

H6817

to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)

בְנֵֽי15 of 18

“and 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל16 of 18

“of Israel”

H3478

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

אֶל17 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָֽה׃18 of 18

“unto 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 14:10 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 14:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 107:6Psalms 34:17Joshua 24:7Nehemiah 9:9Isaiah 51:12-13Matthew 8:25-26

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