King James Version

What Does Exodus 9:35 Mean?

Exodus 9:35 in the King James Version says “And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, neither would he let the children of Israel go; as the LORD had spoken by Moses. ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, neither would he let the children of Israel go; as the LORD had spoken by Moses. by Moses: Heb. by the hand of Moses

Exodus 9:35 · KJV


Context

33

And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the LORD: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth.

34

And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.

35

And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, neither would he let the children of Israel go; as the LORD had spoken by Moses. by Moses: Heb. by the hand of Moses


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 35 describes the plague of hail with fire, targeting Nut (sky goddess) and Seth (storm god). This unprecedented storm combines hail and fire, destroying crops and livestock left in fields. God reveals 'there is none like me in all the earth' (v.14).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Nut, sky goddess, arched over earth as protective dome. Seth controlled storms and chaos. The storm's supernatural nature—fire and ice together—proves divine origin. Only those who 'feared the word of the LORD' (v.20) saved their livestock.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use creation to reveal His power?
  2. What does the response of God-fearing Egyptians (v.20) teach about individual faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַֽיֶּחֱזַק֙1 of 13

was hardened

H2388

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

לֵ֣ב2 of 13

And 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

פַּרְעֹ֔ה3 of 13

of Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וְלֹ֥א4 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שִׁלַּ֖ח5 of 13

go

H7971

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

אֶת6 of 13
H853

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

בְּנֵ֣י7 of 13

neither would he let 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל8 of 13

of Israel

H3478

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר9 of 13
H834

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

דִּבֶּ֥ר10 of 13

had spoken

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֖ה11 of 13

as the LORD

H3068

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

בְּיַד12 of 13

by

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

מֹשֶֽׁה׃13 of 13

Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver


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 9:35 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 9:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study