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But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/4-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/02_Exo_04_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 4:21 - Moses Leaves for Egypt" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The LORD instructed Moses, When you go back to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put within your power. 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But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. <a href="/nlt/exodus/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> And the LORD told Moses, “When you arrive back in Egypt, go to Pharaoh and perform all the miracles I have empowered you to do. But I will harden his heart so he will refuse to let the people go. <a href="/esv/exodus/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the LORD said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the miracles that I have put in your power. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go. <a href="/bsb/exodus/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The LORD instructed Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put within your power. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. <a href="/kjv/exodus/4.htm">King James Bible</a> And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go. <a href="/nkjv/exodus/4.htm">New King James Version</a> And the LORD said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do all those wonders before Pharaoh which I have put in your hand. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go. <a href="/nasb_/exodus/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And the LORD said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in your power; but I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. <a href="/nasb/exodus/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> The LORD said to Moses, &#8220When you go back to Egypt see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in your power; but I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. <a href="/nasb77/exodus/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the LORD said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in your power; but I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. <a href="/lsb/exodus/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Yahweh said to Moses, “When you go to return to Egypt, see to it that all the miraculous wonders which I have put in your hand, that you do them before Pharaoh; but as for Me, I will harden his heart with strength so that he will not let the people go. <a href="/amp/exodus/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The LORD said to Moses, “When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders (miracles) which I have put in your hand, but I will harden his heart and make him stubborn so that he will not let the people go. <a href="/csb/exodus/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The LORD instructed Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, make sure you do before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put within your power. But I will harden his heart so that he won’t let the people go. <a href="/hcsb/exodus/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The LORD instructed Moses, &#8220When you go back to Egypt, make sure you do all the wonders before Pharaoh that I have put within your power. But I will harden his heart so that he won&#8217t let the people go. <a href="/asv/exodus/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Jehovah said unto Moses, When thou goest back into Egypt, see that thou do before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in thy hand: but I will harden his heart and he will not let the people go. <a href="/cev/exodus/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> On the way the LORD said to Moses: When you get to Egypt, go to the king and work the miracles I have shown you. But I will make him so stubborn that he will refuse to let my people go. <a href="/erv/exodus/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest back into Egypt, see that thou do before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, and he will not let the people go. <a href="/gwt/exodus/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The LORD said to Moses, "When you get back to Egypt, see that you show Pharaoh all the amazing things that I have given you the power to do. But I will make him stubborn so that he will not let the people go. <a href="/gnt/exodus/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Again the LORD said to Moses, "Now that you are going back to Egypt, be sure to perform before the king all the miracles which I have given you the power to do. But I will make the king stubborn, and he will not let the people go. <a href="/isv/exodus/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then the LORD told Moses, "When you set out to return to Egypt, keep in mind all the wonders that I've put in your power, so that you may do them before Pharaoh. But I'll harden his heart so that he won't let the people go. <a href="/net/exodus/4.htm">NET Bible</a> The LORD said to Moses, "When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the wonders I have put under your control. But I will harden his heart and he will not let the people go. <a href="/nheb/exodus/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The LORD said to Moses, "When you go back into Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in your hand, but I will harden his heart and he will not let the people go. <a href="/wbt/exodus/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the LORD said to Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou perform all those wonders before Pharaoh which I have put in thy hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/exodus/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The LORD instructed Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put within your power. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. <a href="/web/exodus/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Yahweh said to Moses, “When you go back into Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in your hand, but I will harden his heart and he will not let the people go. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And YHWH says to Moses, “In your going to return to Egypt, see—all the wonders which I have put in your hand—that you have done them before Pharaoh, and I strengthen his heart, and he does not send the people away; <a href="/ylt/exodus/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Jehovah saith unto Moses, 'In thy going to turn back to Egypt, see -- all the wonders which I have put in thy hand -- that thou hast done them before Pharaoh, and I -- I strengthen his heart, and he doth not send the people away; <a href="/slt/exodus/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Jehovah will say to Moses, In thy going to turn back to Egypt, see all the wonders which I put in thy hand: do them before Pharaoh; and I will bind fast his heart and he shall not send forth the people.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the Lord said to him as he was returning into Egypt: See that thou do all the wonders before Pharao, which I have put in thy hand: I shall harden his heart, and he will not let the people go. <a href="/cpdv/exodus/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the Lord said to him, as he was returning to Egypt: “See that you accomplish, in the sight of Pharaoh, all the wonders that I have placed in your hand. I will harden his heart, and he will not release the people. <a href="/nabre/exodus/4.htm">New American Bible</a> The LORD said to Moses: On your return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have put in your power. But I will harden his heart and he will not let the people go. <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And the LORD said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put in your power; but I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the LORD said to Moses. When you return to Egypt, see that you perform all the wonders before Pharaoh which I have performed by your hand, but I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. <a href="/hpbt/exodus/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And LORD JEHOVAH said to Moshe, “When you have turned to go to Egypt, see all the wonders that I have done by your hands; do them before Pharaoh, and I shall harden his heart and he will not send away the people.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the LORD said unto Moses: 'When thou goest back into Egypt, see that thou do before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in thy hand; but I will harden his heart, and he will not let the people go. <a href="/sep/exodus/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the Lord said to Moses, When thou goest and returnest to Egypt, see - all the miracles I have charged thee with, thou shalt work before Pharao: and I will harden his heart, and he shall certainly not send away the people. <a href="/parallel/exodus/4-21.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=843" 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/4.htm">Moses Leaves for Egypt</a> …20So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand. 21<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/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">instructed</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">Moses,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: bə·leḵ·tə·ḵā (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf:: 2ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">“When you go</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: lā·šūḇ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">back</a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: miṣ·ray·māh (N-proper-fs:: 3fs) -- A son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in N.W. Africa. Dual of matsowr; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt.">to Egypt,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rə·’êh (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">see that</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: wa·‘ă·śî·ṯām (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms:: 3mp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">you perform</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/6547.htm" title="6547: p̄ar·‘ōh (N-proper-ms) -- A title of Eg. kings. Of Egyptian derivation; Paroh, a general title of Egyptian kings.">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/4159.htm" title="4159: ham·mō·p̄ə·ṯîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A wonder, sign, portent. Or mopheth; from yaphah in the sense of conspicuousness; a miracle; by implication, a token or omen.">the wonders</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: śam·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">I have put</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: ḇə·yā·ḏe·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">within your power.</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: wa·’ă·nî (Conj-w:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">But I</a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: ’ă·ḥaz·zêq (V-Piel-Imperf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">will harden</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·bōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- 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.">his heart</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.">so that he will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">let the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: yə·šal·laḥ (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">go.</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> 22Then tell Pharaoh that this is what the LORD says: ‘Israel is My firstborn son,…<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="/romans/9-17.htm">Romans 9:17-18</a> For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” / Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden. <a href="/isaiah/63-17.htm">Isaiah 63:17</a> Why, O LORD, do You make us stray from Your ways and harden our hearts from fearing You? Return, for the sake of Your servants, the tribes of Your heritage. <a href="/john/12-40.htm">John 12:40</a> “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.” <a href="/deuteronomy/2-30.htm">Deuteronomy 2:30</a> But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass through, for the LORD your God had made his spirit stubborn and his heart obstinate, that He might deliver him into your hand, as is the case this day. <a href="/joshua/11-20.htm">Joshua 11:20</a> For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts to engage Israel in battle, so that they would be set apart for destruction and would receive no mercy, being annihilated as the LORD had commanded Moses. <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? <a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a> And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” <a href="/mark/4-11.htm">Mark 4:11-12</a> He replied, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those on the outside everything is expressed in parables, / so that, ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven.’” <a href="/matthew/13-14.htm">Matthew 13:14-15</a> In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ <a href="/acts/28-26.htm">Acts 28:26-27</a> ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ <a href="/romans/11-7.htm">Romans 11:7-8</a> What then? What Israel was seeking, it failed to obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened, / as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.” <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:11-12</a> For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, / in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness. <a href="/ezekiel/3-7.htm">Ezekiel 3:7</a> But the house of Israel will be unwilling to listen to you, since they are unwilling to listen to Me. For the whole house of Israel is hard-headed and hard-hearted. <a href="/2_corinthians/3-14.htm">2 Corinthians 3:14-15</a> But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. / And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. <a href="/hebrews/3-8.htm">Hebrews 3:8</a> do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the LORD said to Moses, When you go to return into Egypt, see that you do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in your hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.wonders.<a href="/exodus/3-20.htm">Exodus 3:20</a> And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.I will harden.<a href="/exodus/7-3.htm">Exodus 7:3,13</a> And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt… <a href="/exodus/9-12.htm">Exodus 9:12,35</a> And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses… <a href="/exodus/10-1.htm">Exodus 10:1,20</a> And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/4-20.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/genesis/32-17.htm">Goest</a> <a href="/exodus/4-20.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-7.htm">Harden</a> <a href="/exodus/4-14.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/exodus/3-20.htm">Miracles</a> <a href="/exodus/4-20.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/4-17.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/exodus/3-11.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/exodus/3-8.htm">Power</a> <a href="/exodus/4-19.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/exodus/3-20.htm">Wonders</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/5-4.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/exodus/33-16.htm">Goest</a> <a href="/exodus/5-21.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/exodus/6-9.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/exodus/7-3.htm">Harden</a> <a href="/exodus/7-3.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/exodus/34-10.htm">Miracles</a> <a href="/exodus/4-24.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/4-28.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/exodus/4-22.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/exodus/6-6.htm">Power</a> <a href="/exodus/8-8.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/exodus/7-3.htm">Wonders</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 4</div>1. <a href="/exodus/4-1.htm">Moses's rod is turned into a serpent.</a> 6. <a href="/exodus/4-6.htm">His hand is leprous.</a> 10. <a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">He loathes his calling.</a> 13. <a href="/exodus/4-13.htm">Aaron is appointed to assist him.</a> 18. <a href="/exodus/4-18.htm">Moses departs from Jethro.</a> 21. <a href="/exodus/4-21.htm">God's message to Pharaoh.</a> 24. <a href="/exodus/4-24.htm">Zipporah circumcises her son.</a> 27. <a href="/exodus/4-27.htm">Aaron is sent to meet Moses.</a> 29. <a href="/exodus/4-29.htm">The people believe them.</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/4.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/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The LORD instructed Moses This phrase indicates divine communication, emphasizing the authority and direct involvement of God in the events of the Exodus. It reflects the biblical theme of God choosing and guiding leaders, as seen with figures like Abraham and David. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel.When you go back to Egypt Moses is returning to the land of his birth, a place of both personal history and national significance. Egypt, a powerful ancient civilization, is often depicted in the Bible as a symbol of oppression and idolatry. Moses' return signifies the beginning of God's deliverance of Israel from slavery.see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders The "wonders" refer to the miraculous signs God empowers Moses to perform, such as turning the staff into a serpent and the plagues. These acts demonstrate God's supremacy over Egyptian gods and serve as a testament to His power. The confrontation with Pharaoh is a pivotal moment in biblical history, showcasing God's intervention in human affairs.that I have put within your power This phrase highlights God's sovereignty and the divine origin of Moses' abilities. It underscores the biblical principle that God equips those He calls. The empowerment of Moses is a type of Christ, who performed miracles by divine authority.But I will harden his heart The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a complex theological concept, illustrating God's control over human will and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. It raises questions about free will and divine justice, which are explored throughout Scripture. This hardening serves to magnify God's glory through the eventual deliverance of Israel.so that he will not let the people go This outcome sets the stage for the dramatic series of events leading to the Exodus. It demonstrates God's purpose in allowing Pharaoh's resistance, ultimately leading to a greater display of His power and the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The phrase foreshadows the eventual liberation and the establishment of Israel as a nation under God's covenant.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is orchestrating the deliverance of His people from Egypt. 2. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The chosen leader and prophet of Israel, tasked with confronting Pharaoh and leading the Israelites out of bondage. 3. <a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a> The ruler of Egypt, whose heart will be hardened by God, leading to a series of plagues and the eventual release of the Israelites. 4. <a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a> The land where the Israelites are enslaved, representing a place of oppression and idolatry. 5. <a href="/topical/w/wonders.htm">Wonders (Miracles)</a> The signs and miracles that God empowers Moses to perform as a demonstration of His power and authority.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> God's control over the events in Egypt demonstrates His ultimate authority over nations and rulers. Believers can trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem challenging. <a href="/topical/t/the_purpose_of_hardening.htm">The Purpose of Hardening</a> The hardening of Pharaoh's heart serves a divine purpose, showcasing God's power and ensuring that His name is proclaimed. This teaches us that God's purposes may not always align with human understanding, but they are always for His glory. <a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_call.htm">Obedience to God's Call</a> Moses is called to obey God's instructions despite the foreknowledge of Pharaoh's resistance. This encourages believers to remain faithful to God's calling, trusting in His plan and timing. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_signs_and_wonders.htm">The Power of Signs and Wonders</a> The miracles performed by Moses are a testament to God's power and serve as a witness to both the Israelites and Egyptians. Believers are reminded of the importance of God's power in their lives and the impact of His works as a testimony to others. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_a_hardened_heart.htm">The Danger of a Hardened Heart</a> Pharaoh's hardened heart leads to his downfall and serves as a warning against resisting God's will. Believers are encouraged to remain open and responsive to God's voice, avoiding the pitfalls of pride and stubbornness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 4</a> <a href="/q/why_did_god_harden_pharaoh's_heart.htm">(Exodus 4:21) Why would God harden Pharaoh’s heart, seemingly undermining free will and complicating the path to liberation? </a> <a href="/q/why_doesn't_god_make_everyone_believe.htm">If God can change minds (Exodus 4:21), why doesn’t He make everyone believe in Him?</a> <a href="/q/why_harden_pharaoh's_heart_if_free_will.htm">If God created humans with free will, why does He harden Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 9:12)?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_moses_threaten_pharaoh_repeatedly.htm">Why does Moses repeatedly request permission for worship yet continue threatening Pharaoh (Exodus 10:9–11) if God had already determined Pharaoh’s heart would be hardened?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) All those wonders.--Not the "three signs" of <a href="/context/exodus/3-3.htm" title="And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.">Exodus 3:3-9</a>, but the "portents" or "wonders "which were to be done before Pharaoh, and which had been alluded to in <a href="/exodus/3-20.htm" title="And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the middle thereof: and after that he will let you go.">Exodus 3:20</a>. These were, in the counsel of God, already "put into Moses' hand," though their exact nature was as yet unknown to Moses himself.I will harden his heart.--The hardening of Pharaoh's heart has been the subject of much controversy. It is ascribed to God in this place, and again in <a href="/exodus/7-3.htm" title="And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.">Exodus 7:3</a>; <a href="/exodus/9-12.htm" title="And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he listened not to them; as the LORD had spoken to Moses.">Exodus 9:12</a>; <a href="/exodus/10-1.htm" title="And the LORD said to Moses, Go in to Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might show these my signs before him:">Exodus 10:1</a>; <a href="/exodus/10-20.htm" title="But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.">Exodus 10:20</a>; <a href="/exodus/10-27.htm" title="But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go.">Exodus 10:27</a>; <a href="/exodus/14-4.htm" title="And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honored on Pharaoh, and on all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so.">Exodus 14:4</a>; <a href="/exodus/14-8.htm" title="And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.">Exodus 14:8</a>; to Pharaoh in <a href="/exodus/8-15.htm" title="But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and listened not to them; as the LORD had said.">Exodus 8:15</a>; <a href="/exodus/8-32.htm" title="And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go.">Exodus 8:32</a>; and <a href="/exodus/9-34.htm" title="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.">Exodus 9:34</a>; to the action of the heart itself in <a href="/exodus/7-13.htm" title="And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he listened not to them; as the LORD had said.">Exodus 7:13</a>; <a href="/exodus/7-22.htm" title="And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he listen to them; as the LORD had said.">Exodus 7:22</a>; <a href="/exodus/9-7.htm" title="And Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go.">Exodus 9:7</a>; <a href="/exodus/9-35.htm" title="And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, neither would he let the children of Israel go; as the LORD had spoken by Moses.">Exodus 9:35</a>. It is conceivable that these may be simply three forms of speech, and that the actual operation was one and the same in every case. Or, three different modes of operation may be meant. It is in favour of the latter view, that each term has a period during which it is predominant. In the narrative of what happened, the action of the heart is itself predominant in the first period; that of Pharaoh on his heart in the second; that of God in the third. We may suppose that, at first, Pharaoh's nature was simply not impressed, and that then his heart is said to have "hardened itself," or "remained hard;" that after a while, he began to be impressed; but by an effort of his will controlled himself, and determined that he would not yield: thus "hardening his own heart;" finally, that after he had done this twice (<a href="/exodus/8-15.htm" title="But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and listened not to them; as the LORD had said.">Exodus 8:15</a>; <a href="/exodus/8-32.htm" title="And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go.">Exodus 8:32</a>), God stepped in and "smote him with a spirit of blindness and infatuation," as a judgment upon him (<a href="/exodus/9-12.htm" title="And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he listened not to them; as the LORD had spoken to Moses.">Exodus 9:12</a>), thus, finally, "hardening" him (comp. <a href="/romans/9-18.htm" title="Therefore has he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardens.">Romans 9:18</a>). This divine action was repeated, on three subsequent occasions (<a href="/exodus/10-20.htm" title="But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.">Exodus 10:20</a>; <a href="/exodus/10-27.htm" title="But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go.">Exodus 10:27</a>; <a href="/exodus/14-8.htm" title="And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.">Exodus 14:8</a>), Pharaoh's time of probation being past, and God using him as a mere means of showing forth His glory. There is nothing in this contrary to the general teaching of the Scriptures, or to the Divine Perfection. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 21-23. - And the Lord said, etc. Now that Moses had at last given up his own will and entered on the path of obedience, God comforted him with a fresh revelation,, and gave him fresh instructions as to what exactly he was to say to Pharaoh. The statements of ver. 21 are not new, being anticipated in <a href="/exodus/3-19.htm">Exodus 3:19-20</a>; but the directions in vers. 22-23 are wholly new, and point to the greatest of all the miracles wrought in Egypt - the death of the firstborn. Verse 21. - All those wonders. The miracles wrought in Egypt are called nipheloth, "marvels," mophethim, "portents," and othoth, "signs." Mophethim, the word here used signifies something out of the ordinary course of nature, and corresponds to the Greek τέρατα and the Latin portenta. It is a different word from that used in <a href="/exodus/3-20.htm">Exodus 3:20</a>. In "all these wonders" are included, not only the three signs of <a href="/exodus/4-3.htm">Exodus 4:3-9</a>, but the whole series of miracles afterwards wrought in Egypt, and glanced at in <a href="/exodus/3-20.htm">Exodus 3:20</a>. I will harden his heart. This expression, here used for the first time, and repeated so frequently in chs. 7-14, has given offence to many. Men, it is said, harden their own hearts against God; God does not actively interfere to harden the heart of anyone. And this is so far true, that a special interference of God on the occasion, involving a supernatural hardening of Pharaoh's heart, is not to be thought cf. But among the natural punishments which God has attached to sin, would seem to be the hardening of the entire nature of the man who sins. If men "do not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gives them up to a reprobate mind" (<a href="/romans/1-28.htm">Romans 1:28</a>); if they resist the Spirit, he "takes his holy Spirit from them" (<a href="/psalms/51-11.htm">Psalm 51:11</a>); if they sin against light he withdraws the light; if they stifle their natural affections of kindness, compassion and the like, it is a law of his providence that those affections shall wither and decay. This seems to be the "hardening of the heart here intended - not an abnormal and miraculous interference with the soul of Pharaoh, but the natural effect upon his soul under God's moral government of those acts which he wilfully and wrongfully committed. <a href="/commentaries/exodus/4-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The LORD יְהוָה֮ (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 instructed וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say Moses, מֹשֶׁה֒ (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver “When you go בְּלֶכְתְּךָ֙ (bə·leḵ·tə·ḵā) Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk back לָשׁ֣וּב (lā·šūḇ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> To turn back, in, to retreat, again to Egypt, מִצְרַ֔יְמָה (miṣ·ray·māh) Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4714.htm">Strong's 4714: </a> Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa see that רְאֵ֗ה (rə·’êh) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see you perform וַעֲשִׂיתָ֖ם (wa·‘ă·śî·ṯām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make before לִפְנֵ֣י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face Pharaoh פַרְעֹ֑ה (p̄ar·‘ōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6547.htm">Strong's 6547: </a> Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the wonders הַמֹּֽפְתִים֙ (ham·mō·p̄ə·ṯîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4159.htm">Strong's 4159: </a> A miracle, a token, omen that אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that I have put שַׂ֣מְתִּי (śam·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> Put -- to put, place, set within your power. בְיָדֶ֔ךָ (ḇə·yā·ḏe·ḵā) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand But I וַאֲנִי֙ (wa·’ă·nî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I will harden אֲחַזֵּ֣ק (’ă·ḥaz·zêq) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer his heart לִבּ֔וֹ (lib·bōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre so that he will not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no let the people הָעָֽם׃ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock go. יְשַׁלַּ֖ח (yə·šal·laḥ) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/4-21.htm">Exodus 4:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/4-21.htm">Exodus 4:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/4-21.htm">Exodus 4:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/4-21.htm">Exodus 4:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/4-21.htm">Exodus 4:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/4-21.htm">Exodus 4:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/4-21.htm">Exodus 4:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/4-21.htm">Exodus 4:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/4-21.htm">Exodus 4:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/4-21.htm">Exodus 4:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/4-21.htm">OT Law: Exodus 4:21 Yahweh said to Moses When you go (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/4-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 4:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 4:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/4-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 4:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 4:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>