King James Version

What Does Exodus 6:1 Mean?

Exodus 6:1 in the King James Version says “Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.

Exodus 6:1 · KJV


Context

1

Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.

2

And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD: the LORD: or, JEHOVAH

3

And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's response 'Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh' marks a turning point. The phrase 'with a strong hand' (בְּיָד חֲזָקָה, beyad chazaqah) introduces the paradox: the same 'strengthening' that hardens Pharaoh's heart will also drive him to release Israel. The doubling 'thrust them out... drive them out' emphasizes Pharaoh's complete reversal.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'strong hand' motif appears throughout Exodus, referring sometimes to Pharaoh's stubbornness and sometimes to God's power. Ancient Near Eastern warfare often ended with victors 'driving out' defeated populations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's timing ('now') speak to your current season of waiting?
  2. What does this passage teach about God working through opposition rather than removing it?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 17

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙2 of 17

Then the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל3 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֔ה4 of 17

unto Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

עַתָּ֣ה5 of 17
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

תִרְאֶ֔ה6 of 17

Now shalt thou see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֖ה8 of 17

what I will do

H6213

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

לְפַרְעֹ֑ה9 of 17

to Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

כִּ֣י10 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

וּבְיָ֣ד11 of 17

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

חֲזָקָ֔ה12 of 17

and with a strong

H2389

strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)

יְשַׁלְּחֵ֔ם13 of 17

shall he let them go

H7971

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

וּבְיָ֣ד14 of 17

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

חֲזָקָ֔ה15 of 17

and with a strong

H2389

strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)

יְגָֽרְשֵׁ֖ם16 of 17

shall he drive them out

H1644

to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce

מֵֽאַרְצֽוֹ׃17 of 17

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 6:1 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 6:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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