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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 8:19 "This is the finger of God," the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/8-19.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/02_Exo_08_19.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 8:19 - The Third Plague: Gnats" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="This is the finger of God, the magicians said to Pharaoh. 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But Pharaoh’s heart remained hard. He wouldn’t listen to them, just as the LORD had predicted. <a href="/esv/exodus/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the LORD had said. <a href="/bsb/exodus/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “This is the finger of God,” the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said. <a href="/kjv/exodus/8.htm">King James Bible</a> Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said. <a href="/nkjv/exodus/8.htm">New King James Version</a> Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, just as the LORD had said. <a href="/nasb_/exodus/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then the soothsayer priests said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, just as the LORD had said. <a href="/nasb/exodus/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, &#8220This is the finger of God.&#8221 But Pharaoh&#8217s heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the LORD had said. <a href="/nasb77/exodus/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the LORD had said. <a href="/lsb/exodus/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened with strength, and he did not listen to them, as Yahweh had spoken. <a href="/amp/exodus/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the [supernatural] finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said. <a href="/csb/exodus/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “This is the finger of God,” the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart was hard, and he would not listen to them, as the LORD had said. <a href="/hcsb/exodus/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> This is the finger of God,&#8221 the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh&#8217s heart hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the LORD had said. <a href="/asv/exodus/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as Jehovah had spoken. <a href="/cev/exodus/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The magicians told the king, "God has done this." But, as the LORD had said, the king was too stubborn to listen. <a href="/erv/exodus/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken. <a href="/gwt/exodus/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So the magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the hand of God!" Yet, Pharaoh continued to be stubborn and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, as the LORD had predicted. <a href="/gnt/exodus/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> and the magicians said to the king, "God has done this!" But the king was stubborn and, just as the LORD had said, the king would not listen to Moses and Aaron. <a href="/isv/exodus/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> The magicians told Pharaoh, "It is the finger of God!" But Pharaoh's heart was stubborn and he did not listen to them, just as the LORD had predicted. <a href="/msb/exodus/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?This is the finger of God,? the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh?s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said. <a href="/net/exodus/8.htm">NET Bible</a> The magicians said to Pharaoh, "It is the finger of God!" But Pharaoh's heart remained hard, and he did not listen to them, just as the LORD had predicted. <a href="/nheb/exodus/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God:" and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them; as the LORD had spoken. <a href="/wbt/exodus/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not to them; as the LORD had said. <a href="/web/exodus/8.htm">World English Bible</a> Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is God’s finger;” but Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he didn’t listen to them, as Yahweh had spoken. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and the enchanters say to Pharaoh, “It [is] the finger of God”; and the heart of Pharaoh is strong, and he has not listened to them, as YHWH has spoken. <a href="/ylt/exodus/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and the scribes say unto Pharaoh, 'It is the finger of God;' and the heart of Pharaoh is strong, and he hath not hearkened unto them, as Jehovah hath spoken. <a href="/slt/exodus/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> <RF q=*>The original Julia E. Smith Bible records the following as a verse reference for <a href=#>Exodus 8:15</a><Rf>And the sacred scribes will say to Pharaoh, This the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart will be strengthened, and he heard not to them: as Jehovah said.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the magicians said to Pharao This is the finger of God. And Pharao heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them, as the Lord had commanded. <a href="/cpdv/exodus/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the sorcerers said to Pharaoh: “This is the finger of God.” And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not listen to them, just as the Lord had instructed. <a href="/nabre/exodus/8.htm">New American Bible</a> and the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” Yet Pharaoh hardened his heart and would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said. <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God!” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, This is the finger of God; and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the LORD had said. <a href="/hpbt/exodus/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the Sorcerers said to Pharaoh, “It is the finger of God”, and the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not listen to them, just as LORD JEHOVAH had said.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh: 'This is the finger of God'; and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken. <a href="/sep/exodus/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> So the charmers said to Pharao, This is the finger of God. But the heart of Pharao was hardened, and he hearkened not to them, as the Lord said. <a href="/parallel/exodus/8-19.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=1793" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/exodus/8.htm">The Third Plague: Gnats</a> …18The magicians tried to produce gnats using their magic arts, but they could not. And the gnats remained on man and beast. 19<a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">“This</a> <a href="/hebrew/676.htm" title="676: ’eṣ·ba‘ (N-fsc) -- A finger. From the same as tseba'; something to sieze with, i.e. A finger; by analogy, a toe.">is the finger</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/2748.htm" title="2748: ha·ḥar·ṭum·mîm (Art:: N-mp) -- An engraver, writer. From the same as cheret; a horoscopist.">the magicians</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/6547.htm" title="6547: par·‘ōh (N-proper-ms) -- A title of Eg. kings. Of Egyptian derivation; Paroh, a general title of Egyptian kings.">Pharaoh.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6547.htm" title="6547: par·‘ōh (N-proper-ms) -- A title of Eg. kings. Of Egyptian derivation; Paroh, a general title of Egyptian kings.">But Pharaoh’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ- (N-msc) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: way·ye·ḥĕ·zaq (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">was hardened,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and he would not</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šā·ma‘ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">listen</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. ">to them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">just as</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dib·ber (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">had said.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/12-28.htm">Matthew 12:28</a> But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. <a href="/luke/11-20.htm">Luke 11:20</a> But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. <a href="/acts/8-9.htm">Acts 8:9-11</a> Prior to that time, a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and astounded the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great, / and all the people, from the least to the greatest, heeded his words and said, “This man is the divine power called the Great Power.” / They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery. <a href="/2_timothy/3-8.htm">2 Timothy 3:8</a> Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and disqualified from the faith. <a href="/revelation/16-14.htm">Revelation 16:14</a> These are demonic spirits that perform signs and go out to all the kings of the earth, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. <a href="/1_john/4-4.htm">1 John 4:4</a> You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. <a href="/john/3-2.htm">John 3:2</a> He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.” <a href="/mark/3-22.htm">Mark 3:22</a> And the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and, “By the prince of the demons He drives out demons.” <a href="/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">1 Corinthians 1:22-24</a> Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom, / but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, / but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. <a href="/romans/1-20.htm">Romans 1:20</a> For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse. <a href="/psalms/78-43.htm">Psalm 78:43-44</a> when He performed His signs in Egypt and His wonders in the fields of Zoan. / He turned their rivers to blood, and from their streams they could not drink. <a href="/psalms/105-27.htm">Psalm 105:27-28</a> They performed His miraculous signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham. / He sent darkness, and it became dark—yet they defied His words. <a href="/deuteronomy/6-22.htm">Deuteronomy 6:22</a> Before our eyes the LORD inflicted great and devastating signs and wonders on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his household. <a href="/deuteronomy/7-19.htm">Deuteronomy 7:19</a> the great trials that you saw, the signs and wonders, and the mighty hand and outstretched arm by which the LORD your God brought you out. The LORD your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear. <a href="/1_samuel/6-6.htm">1 Samuel 6:6</a> Why harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened theirs? When He afflicted them, did they not send the people out so they could go on their way?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he listened not to them; as the LORD had said.this is<a href="/1_samuel/6-3.htm">1 Samuel 6:3,9</a> And they said, If ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not empty; but in any wise return him a trespass offering: then ye shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you… <a href="/psalms/8-3.htm">Psalm 8:3</a> When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;<a href="/daniel/2-10.htm">Daniel 2:10,11,19</a> The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter: therefore there is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean… and Pharaoh's<a href="/exodus/8-15.htm">Exodus 8:15</a> But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/8-15.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/genesis/41-42.htm">Finger</a> <a href="/exodus/8-15.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/exodus/8-15.htm">Hardened</a> <a href="/exodus/8-15.htm">Hearkened</a> <a href="/exodus/8-15.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/exodus/8-18.htm">Magicians</a> <a href="/exodus/8-15.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/exodus/7-22.htm">Pharaoh's</a> <a href="/exodus/8-18.htm">Scribes</a> <a href="/exodus/7-22.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/exodus/7-14.htm">Stubborn</a> <a href="/exodus/8-18.htm">Wonder-Workers</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/9-12.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/exodus/29-12.htm">Finger</a> <a href="/exodus/8-32.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/exodus/8-32.htm">Hardened</a> <a href="/exodus/9-12.htm">Hearkened</a> <a href="/exodus/8-32.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/exodus/9-11.htm">Magicians</a> <a href="/exodus/8-20.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/exodus/8-24.htm">Pharaoh's</a> <a href="/exodus/9-11.htm">Scribes</a> <a href="/exodus/9-35.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/exodus/9-7.htm">Stubborn</a> <a href="/exodus/9-11.htm">Wonder-Workers</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 8</div>1. <a href="/exodus/8-1.htm">Frogs are sent</a> 8. <a href="/exodus/8-8.htm">Pharaoh complains to Moses, who by prayer removes them</a> 16. <a href="/exodus/8-16.htm">The dust is turned into lice, which the magicians could not do</a> 20. <a href="/exodus/8-20.htm">The plague of flies</a> 25. <a href="/exodus/8-25.htm">Pharaoh inclines to let the people go, but yet is hardened</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>“This is the finger of God,” The phrase "finger of God" signifies divine intervention and power. In the context of the plagues, it indicates that the magicians recognized a supernatural force beyond their own abilities. This expression is also found in other parts of Scripture, such as in <a href="/luke/11-20.htm">Luke 11:20</a>, where Jesus refers to casting out demons by the "finger of God," highlighting divine authority. The use of "finger" suggests precision and control, emphasizing God's direct involvement in the events.the magicians said to Pharaoh. The magicians were Egyptian priests skilled in the arts of magic and sorcery, often serving as advisors to Pharaoh. Their acknowledgment of God's power marks a turning point, as they concede that the plagues are beyond their replication. This admission contrasts with their earlier attempts to mimic the miracles performed by Moses and Aaron, showing a shift in their understanding of the situation.But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a recurring theme in Exodus, illustrating his resistance to God's will. This hardening can be seen as both a divine act and a personal choice, reflecting the tension between God's sovereignty and human free will. The hardening serves to fulfill God's purposes, demonstrating His power and ultimately leading to the liberation of the Israelites.and he would not listen to them, Pharaoh's refusal to heed the magicians' warning underscores his stubbornness and pride. Despite the evidence of divine power, he remains obstinate, prioritizing his own authority over the counsel of his advisors. This refusal to listen is a common trait of those who oppose God's plans, as seen throughout biblical history.just as the LORD had said. This phrase highlights the fulfillment of God's word, as He had previously informed Moses that Pharaoh would not easily let the Israelites go (<a href="/exodus/7-3.htm">Exodus 7:3-4</a>). It underscores the reliability and foreknowledge of God, affirming that His plans will come to pass despite human resistance. This assurance of divine prophecy is a recurring theme in Scripture, providing comfort and confidence to believers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a> The ruler of Egypt, whose heart was hardened against the Israelites and God’s commands. 2. <a href="/topical/m/magicians.htm">Magicians</a> Egyptian magicians who initially replicated some of the plagues but recognized the divine power behind the plague of gnats. 3. <a href="/topical/m/moses_and_aaron.htm">Moses and Aaron</a> God’s chosen leaders to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_plague_of_gnats.htm">The Plague of Gnats</a> The third plague sent by God, which the magicians could not replicate, leading them to acknowledge God's power. 5. <a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a> The land where the Israelites were enslaved and where God demonstrated His power through the plagues.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/recognition_of_divine_power.htm">Recognition of Divine Power</a> The magicians' acknowledgment of "the finger of God" highlights the undeniable power and authority of God, which even those opposed to Him must recognize. <a href="/topical/t/the_hardening_of_the_heart.htm">The Hardening of the Heart</a> Pharaoh's hardened heart serves as a warning against resisting God's will. It illustrates the danger of pride and stubbornness in the face of divine truth. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_purpose.htm">God's Sovereignty and Purpose</a> Despite Pharaoh's resistance, God's purposes were fulfilled. This teaches us about God's sovereignty and His ability to work through any situation to accomplish His will. <a href="/topical/t/the_limitations_of_human_power.htm">The Limitations of Human Power</a> The magicians' inability to replicate the plague of gnats shows the limitations of human power and wisdom compared to God's omnipotence. <a href="/topical/r/responding_to_god's_signs.htm">Responding to God's Signs</a> The passage challenges us to respond to God's signs and wonders with faith and obedience, rather than skepticism and resistance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 8</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'finger_of_god'_mean.htm">What does "Finger of God" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_'regeneration_before_faith'.htm">What does 'Finger of God' mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_don't_egyptian_records_note_this.htm">Exodus 8:18–19: Why do Egyptian records not mention their magicians failing before a Hebrew prophet? </a> <a href="/q/how_do_magicians_mimic_biblical_miracles.htm">How do magicians replicate biblical miracles using illusions?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(19) The finger of God.--Rather, of a goal. The magicians meant to say, "This is beyond the power of man: it is supernatural; some god must be helping Moses and Aaron." They did not mean to profess a belief in One God.Pharaoh's heart was hardened.--The mosquitoes did not impress Pharaoh as the frogs had done (<a href="/context/exodus/8-8.htm" title="Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Entreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice to the LORD.">Exodus 8:8-15</a>). His heart remained hard. He had no need to harden it by an act of his will. Probably the visitation affected him but little, since he would possess mosquito curtains, and could inhabit the loftier parts of his palace, which would be above the height whereto the mosquito ascends (Herod, ii. 95).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 19. - The magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God. Or "of a God." It is not probable that the magicians believed in a single God, or intended in what they said to express any monotheistic idea. All that they meant to say was - "This is beyond the power of man - it is supernatural - some god must be helping the Israelites." No doubt they had come to this conclusion by a careful scrutiny of all the miracles hitherto wrought by Aaron. He hearkened not unto them. The magicians were minded to resist no longer; but Pharaoh was otherwise minded. It is quite possible that the mosquito plague did not greatly annoy him. He would probably possess lofty apartments above the height to which the mosquito ascends (Herod. 2:95); or he may have guarded himself by mosquito curtains of the finest Egyptian muslin. His subjects would naturally suffer from such a plague far more than he. As the Lord had said. See the comment on the same phrase in ver. 11 CHAPTER 8:20-24 THE FOURTH PLAGUE. <a href="/commentaries/exodus/8-19.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“This הִ֑וא (hî) Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are is the finger אֶצְבַּ֥ע (’eṣ·ba‘) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_676.htm">Strong's 676: </a> Something to sieze with, a finger, a toe of God,” אֱלֹהִ֖ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative the magicians הַֽחַרְטֻמִּים֙ (ha·ḥar·ṭum·mîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2748.htm">Strong's 2748: </a> An engraver, writer said וַיֹּאמְר֤וּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Pharaoh. פַּרְעֹ֔ה (par·‘ōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6547.htm">Strong's 6547: </a> Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings But Pharaoh’s פַּרְעֹה֙ (par·‘ōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6547.htm">Strong's 6547: </a> Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings heart לֵב־ (lêḇ-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre was hardened, וַיֶּחֱזַ֤ק (way·ye·ḥĕ·zaq) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer and he would not וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no listen שָׁמַ֣ע (šā·ma‘) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently to them, אֲלֵהֶ֔ם (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to just as כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that the LORD יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel had said. דִּבֶּ֥ר (dib·ber) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/8-19.htm">Exodus 8:19 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/8-19.htm">Exodus 8:19 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/8-19.htm">Exodus 8:19 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/8-19.htm">Exodus 8:19 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/8-19.htm">Exodus 8:19 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/8-19.htm">Exodus 8:19 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/8-19.htm">Exodus 8:19 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/8-19.htm">Exodus 8:19 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/8-19.htm">Exodus 8:19 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/8-19.htm">Exodus 8:19 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/8-19.htm">OT Law: Exodus 8:19 Then the magicians said to Pharaoh This (Exo. 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