King James Version

What Does Exodus 14:8 Mean?

Exodus 14:8 in the King James Version says “And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 14:8 · KJV


Context

6

And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:

7

And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh' reiterates divine sovereignty over the enemy's will. Egypt pursues 'the children of Israel' because 'the children of Israel went out with an high hand.' The expression 'ramah yad' (רָמָה יָד—high hand) means boldly, defiantly, openly. Israel's confident departure provoked Egypt's pride. God uses their bold freedom to bait the trap that will destroy Egypt's army.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's confident departure, organized as 'armies' (Exodus 12:51), contrasted with fleeing refugees. This boldness, given by God, provoked Pharaoh's pursuit—which God orchestrated for His purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does bold Christian confidence sometimes provoke opposition that God uses for His purposes?
  2. What does God hardening Pharaoh's heart teach about sovereignty even over enemy decisions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיְחַזֵּ֣ק1 of 16

hardened

H2388

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

יְהוָֹ֗ה2 of 16

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֶת3 of 16
H853

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

לֵ֤ב4 of 16

the heart

H3820

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

פַּרְעֹה֙5 of 16

of Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

מֶ֣לֶךְ6 of 16

king

H4428

a king

מִצְרַ֔יִם7 of 16

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וַיִּרְדֹּ֕ף8 of 16

and he pursued

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

אַֽחֲרֵ֖י9 of 16

after

H310

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

וּבְנֵ֣י10 of 16

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל11 of 16

of Israel

H3478

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

וּבְנֵ֣י12 of 16

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל13 of 16

of Israel

H3478

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

יֹֽצְאִ֖ים14 of 16

went out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

בְּיָ֥ד15 of 16

hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

רָמָֽה׃16 of 16

with an high

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)


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 14:8 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 14:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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