King James Version

What Does Exodus 7:11 Mean?

Exodus 7:11 in the King James Version says “Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with t...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.”

Exodus 7:11 · KJV

Context

9

When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.

10

And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.

11

Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.

12

For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.

13

And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

Read Exodus 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. Pharaoh responds to Aaron's serpent miracle by summoning his court magicians. The Hebrew identifies three groups: חֲכָמִים (chakamim, "wise men"), מְכַשְּׁפִים (mekhashshephim, "sorcerers"), and חַרְטֻמִּים (chartummim, "magicians" or "sacred scribes"). The chakamim were court advisors skilled in natural knowledge and political counsel. The mekhashshephim practiced forbidden occult arts (compare Deuteronomy 18:10-12). The chartummim were Egypt's elite priestly magicians—the same term used in Genesis 41:8 for those who failed to interpret Pharaoh's dreams before Joseph.

They also did in like manner (וַיַּעֲשׂוּ־כֵן, vayya'asu-ken) indicates successful replication—their staffs also became serpents. The phrase with their enchantments (בְּלַהֲטֵיהֶם, belahatehem) literally means "with their secret arts" or "flames," suggesting occult practices involving incantations and magical techniques. This creates a theological problem: did they perform genuine supernatural acts, or was it sophisticated trickery?

Scripture doesn't explicitly answer whether demonic power enabled real transformation or whether clever illusion deceived observers. However, verse 12 provides the key: Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods—demonstrating Yahweh's superior power over all Egyptian magic and gods. The confrontation isn't merely Moses versus magicians but Yahweh versus Egypt's deities (12:12). The magicians could replicate some signs (7:22, 8:7) but eventually failed (8:18-19), confessing "This is the finger of God."

Theologically, this passage reveals: (1) Satan possesses limited power to counterfeit God's works (2 Thessalonians 2:9); (2) God permits this display to demonstrate His ultimate supremacy; (3) Pharaoh's hardening increases as he finds excuse to resist. Paul references these magicians—Jannes and Jambres (2 Timothy 3:8)—as examples of those who oppose truth, resist God, and ultimately prove corrupt and foolish.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Egypt possessed sophisticated priestly and magical traditions dating back millennia. Egyptian magicians served in temple complexes, performing rituals, interpreting omens, and advising pharaohs. Archaeological discoveries include extensive magical papyri containing spells, incantations, and ritual instructions. The Harris Magical Papyrus and Westcar Papyrus describe magicians performing wonders before pharaohs, establishing cultural precedent for Exodus 7's confrontation.

Egyptian religion intertwined with magic—priests claimed to manipulate divine powers through correct formulas and rituals. The serpent held special significance: the uraeus (cobra) adorned pharaoh's crown symbolizing divine authority and protection. Serpent deities like Wadjet represented Lower Egypt. Aaron's serpent defeating Egyptian serpents symbolized Yahweh's superiority over Egyptian gods and pharaoh's supposed divine status.

Extra-biblical Jewish tradition (found in Targums and rabbinic literature) names two chief magicians as Jannes and Jambres—names Paul uses (2 Timothy 3:8). These traditions elaborate their opposition to Moses but acknowledge their ultimate failure. Early church fathers interpreted the magicians' limited success as either demonic counterfeiting or sophisticated illusion. Augustine argued that demons can rearrange matter but cannot create truly new things—only God creates ex nihilo. The passage demonstrates that while evil may temporarily imitate divine power, God's authority ultimately prevails, vindicating His servants and judging His enemies.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should Christians discern between genuine supernatural phenomena and demonic counterfeits or sophisticated deception?
  2. What does Pharaoh's hardening through finding excuses teach us about the danger of rationalizing away clear evidence of God's power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיִּקְרָא֙1 of 12

“also called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

גַּם2 of 12
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

פַּרְעֹ֔ה3 of 12

“Then Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

לַֽחֲכָמִ֖ים4 of 12

“the wise men”

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

וְלַֽמְכַשְּׁפִ֑ים5 of 12

“and the sorcerers”

H3784

properly, to whisper a spell, i.e., to inchant or practise magic

וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֨וּ6 of 12

“they also did”

H6213

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

גַם7 of 12
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הֵ֜ם8 of 12
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

חַרְטֻמֵּ֥י9 of 12

“now the magicians”

H2748

a horoscopist (as drawing magical lines or circles)

מִצְרַ֛יִם10 of 12

“of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

בְּלַֽהֲטֵיהֶ֖ם11 of 12

“with their enchantments”

H3858

a blaze; also (from the idea of enwrapping) magic (as covert)

כֵּֽן׃12 of 12

“in like manner”

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

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 7:11 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 7:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 7:22Exodus 8:72 Timothy 3:8Exodus 8:182 Thessalonians 2:9Daniel 2:2

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Exodus 7 →

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