King James Version
What Does Exodus 7:4 Mean?
“But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.”
Context
2
Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land.
3
And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.
4
But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.
5
And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.
6
And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(4) **Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that** **I** **may lay.**—Heb., *Pharaoh will not hearken unto you, and I will lay.* No relation of effect and cause is here asserted as existing between the two clauses, which are co-ordinate.
**Mine armies, and my people.** Rather, *my armies, my people.* The two expressions are in apposition—the second exegetical of the first.
**Great judgments.**—See the comment on Exodus 6:6.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 7:4 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 7:4
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge