King James Version

What Does Exodus 7:6 Mean?

Exodus 7:6 in the King James Version says “And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they.” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they.”

Exodus 7:6 · KJV

Context

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.

7

And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.

8

And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

Read Exodus 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they. The emphatic doubling—"did... so did they"—stresses complete obedience. The Hebrew va'ya'asu (וַיַּעֲשׂוּ, "and they did") followed by ken asu (כֵּן עָשׂוּ, "so they did") creates a literary frame emphasizing exact compliance with divine instruction. This contrasts sharply with Pharaoh's repeated refusals to obey God's command (5:2, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice?").

The phrase ka'asher tzivah YHWH (כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה, "as the LORD commanded") establishes the pattern for all ten plagues: God commands, Moses and Aaron obey, and judgment follows. Their obedience despite past failures (4:10-14, 5:22-23) demonstrates matured faith. This simple statement of compliance serves as a theological hinge—from this point forward, God's power will manifest through their faithful agency. The repetitive structure anticipates the litany of plagues where each begins with divine command and ends with execution.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moses and Aaron had faced Pharaoh before with disastrous results—increased oppression of Israel and no deliverance (Exodus 5). Their willingness to return demonstrates transformed confidence in God's promise. The intervening genealogy (6:14-27) and renewed commission (6:28-7:5) prepared them for this moment. Egyptian court protocol made approaching Pharaoh dangerous, especially for previously rejected petitioners. That they returned despite past failure, armed only with a shepherd's rod and divine promise, required extraordinary faith. The historical context—New Kingdom Egypt at the height of power, Pharaoh considered a living god, Moses and Aaron foreigners with a failed previous petition—makes their obedience remarkable.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moses and Aaron's obedience after previous failure encourage persistence in following God's commands despite discouraging circumstances?
  2. What does their exact obedience teach about the relationship between faith and compliance with God's specific instructions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
עָשֽׂוּ׃1 of 9

“did”

H6213

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

מֹשֶׁ֖ה2 of 9

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאַֽהֲרֹ֑ן3 of 9

“and Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר4 of 9
H834

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

צִוָּ֧ה5 of 9

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֛ה6 of 9

“as the LORD”

H3068

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

אֹתָ֖ם7 of 9
H853

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

כֵּ֥ן8 of 9
H3651

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

עָשֽׂוּ׃9 of 9

“did”

H6213

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

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 7:6 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 7:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 7:2Exodus 7:10Genesis 6:22John 15:14Psalms 119:4John 15:10

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