CINXE.COM
Exodus 10:20 But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.
<!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 10:20 But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/10-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/02_Exo_10_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 10:20 - The Eighth Plague: Locusts" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let the Israelites go." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/10-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/10-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/10.htm">Chapter 10</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/10-19.htm" title="Exodus 10:19">◄</a> Exodus 10:20 <a href="/exodus/10-21.htm" title="Exodus 10:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/10.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/10.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/10.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart again, so he refused to let the people go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/10.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the children of Israel go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the sons of Israel go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the sons of Israel go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the sons of Israel go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But Yahweh hardened Pharaoh’s heart with strength, and he did not let the sons of Israel go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart [so that it was even more resolved and obstinate], and he did not let the Israelites go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the Israelites go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the Israelites go. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But Jehovah hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not let the children of Israel go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />but the LORD made the king so stubborn that he still refused to let the Israelites go. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not let the children of Israel go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But the LORD made Pharaoh stubborn, so he did not let the Israelites go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But the LORD made the king stubborn, and he did not let the Israelites go. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But the LORD made Pharaoh's heart stubborn and he would not let the Israelis go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the LORD hardened Pharaoh?s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not release the Israelites. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not let the children of Israel go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But Yahweh hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he didn’t let the children of Israel go. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and YHWH strengthens the heart of Pharaoh, and he has not sent the sons of Israel away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Jehovah strengtheneth the heart of Pharaoh, and he hath not sent the sons of Israel away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jehovah will bind fast the heart of Pharaoh, and he sent not forth the sons of Israel.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the Lord hardened Pharao's heart, neither did he let the children of Israel go. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh; neither did he release the sons of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Yet the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart so that he would not let the children of Israel go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And LORD JEHOVAH hardened the heart of Pharaoh and he did not send out the children of Israel.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not let the children of Israel go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharao, and he did not send away the children of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/10-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=2489" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/10.htm">The Eighth Plague: Locusts</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>And the LORD changed the wind to a very strong west wind that carried off the locusts and blew them into the Red Sea. Not a single locust remained anywhere in Egypt. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><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.">But the LORD</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/2388.htm" title="2388: way·ḥaz·zêq (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">hardened</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’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/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/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">let the Israelites</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: šil·laḥ (V-Piel-Perf-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> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-17.htm">Romans 9:17-18</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/4-21.htm">Exodus 4:21</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/7-3.htm">Exodus 7:3</a></span><br />But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I will multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/9-12.htm">Exodus 9:12</a></span><br />But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said to Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/11-10.htm">Exodus 11:10</a></span><br />Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart so that he would not let the Israelites go out of his land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-4.htm">Exodus 14:4</a></span><br />And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart so that he will pursue them. But I will gain honor by means of Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.” So this is what the Israelites did.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-8.htm">Exodus 14:8</a></span><br />And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out defiantly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/2-30.htm">Deuteronomy 2:30</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/11-20.htm">Joshua 11:20</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/63-17.htm">Isaiah 63:17</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/6-6.htm">1 Samuel 6:6</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Proverbs 21:1</a></span><br />The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-40.htm">John 12:40</a></span><br />“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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/2-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:11-12</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/6-52.htm">Mark 6:52</a></span><br />for they had not understood about the loaves, but their hearts had been hardened.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/4-21.htm">Exodus 4:21</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/7-13.htm">Exodus 7:13,14</a></b></br> And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/9-12.htm">Exodus 9:12</a></b></br> And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/10-10.htm">Children</a> <a href="/exodus/10-1.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/exodus/10-1.htm">Hardened</a> <a href="/exodus/10-1.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/exodus/9-35.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/exodus/9-35.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/exodus/10-18.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/exodus/10-11.htm">Pharaoh's</a> <a href="/exodus/9-12.htm">Strengtheneth</a> <a href="/exodus/9-35.htm">Stubborn</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/10-23.htm">Children</a> <a href="/exodus/10-27.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/exodus/10-27.htm">Hardened</a> <a href="/exodus/10-27.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/exodus/10-23.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/exodus/10-23.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/exodus/10-24.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/exodus/10-27.htm">Pharaoh's</a> <a href="/exodus/10-27.htm">Strengtheneth</a> <a href="/exodus/10-27.htm">Stubborn</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/10-1.htm">God threatens to send locusts</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/10-7.htm">Pharaoh, moved by his servants, inclines to let the Israelites go</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/10-12.htm">The plague of the locusts</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/10-16.htm">Pharaoh entreats Moses</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/10-21.htm">The plague of darkness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/10-24.htm">Pharaoh again entreats Moses, but yet is hardened</a></span><br></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><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/10.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/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart</b><br>This phrase indicates divine intervention in Pharaoh's decision-making process. In the context of the plagues, it shows God's sovereignty and His purpose to demonstrate His power and glory (<a href="/exodus/9-16.htm">Exodus 9:16</a>). The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a recurring theme in Exodus, emphasizing the tension between divine will and human agency. It also serves as a warning against pride and resistance to God's commands. Theologically, it raises questions about free will and predestination, which are explored in other scriptures such as <a href="/romans/9-17.htm">Romans 9:17-18</a>. This hardening is not arbitrary but part of God's plan to deliver Israel and establish His covenant with them.<p><b>and he would not let the Israelites go</b><br>This refusal is a direct result of Pharaoh's hardened heart. Historically, the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, a powerful nation with a polytheistic belief system. Pharaoh's refusal to release them reflects not only his stubbornness but also the economic and social implications of losing a large labor force. Culturally, Pharaoh was seen as a god-king, and his decisions were considered divine. This sets the stage for the ultimate confrontation between the God of Israel and the gods of Egypt. Theologically, this phrase foreshadows the eventual deliverance of the Israelites, which is a type of Christ's deliverance of humanity from sin. The Exodus narrative is foundational for understanding redemption and liberation themes throughout the Bible, culminating in the New Testament with Jesus as the ultimate deliverer.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who demonstrates His power and sovereignty over Egypt and its gods through the plagues.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a></b><br>The ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened by the LORD, leading him to refuse the release of the Israelites.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The descendants of Jacob, enslaved in Egypt, whom God intends to deliver through Moses.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The land where the Israelites are enslaved, and the setting for the plagues that demonstrate God's power.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_plagues.htm">The Plagues</a></b><br>A series of divine judgments on Egypt, designed to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>God's control over the hearts of rulers demonstrates His ultimate authority over human affairs. Believers can trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem dire.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/human_responsibility.htm">Human Responsibility</a></b><br>While God hardened Pharaoh's heart, Pharaoh also repeatedly chose to resist God. This duality highlights the mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_a_hardened_heart.htm">The Danger of a Hardened Heart</a></b><br>A hardened heart leads to spiritual blindness and resistance to God's will. Believers should guard against hardening their hearts by remaining open and responsive to God's Word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_purpose_in_judgment.htm">God's Purpose in Judgment</a></b><br>The plagues were not only judgments but also revelations of God's power and glory. God's actions in history serve to reveal His character and purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/deliverance_and_redemption.htm">Deliverance and Redemption</a></b><br>The account of the Exodus foreshadows the ultimate deliverance and redemption found in Christ. Believers can find hope in God's power to save and deliver.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_swearing.htm">Why does God cause people's hearts to harden?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_biblically_respect_others.htm">What are examples of miracles in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_scripture_show_collective_punishment.htm">Ezekiel 33:17 - If God's ways are truly just, why do we see instances of collective punishment and suffering elsewhere in Scripture?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">The Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart.</span>--Comp. above, <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>.<p><span class= "bld"><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart</span>. The word used here is the intensive one, <span class="accented">khazoq</span>, instead of the milder <span class="accented">kabod</span> of ver. 1. Pharaoh's prolonged obstinacy and impenitence was receiving aggravation by the working of the just laws of God. (See the comment on Exodus 4:21.) <p> CHAPTER 10:21-29 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/10-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hardened</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְחַזֵּ֥ק</span> <span class="translit">(way·ḥaz·zêq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Pharaoh’s</span><br /><span class="heb">פַּרְעֹ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(par·‘ōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6547.htm">Strong's 6547: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heart,</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(lêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and he would not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">let the Israelites</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">go.</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁלַּ֖ח</span> <span class="translit">(šil·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/10-20.htm">Exodus 10:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/10-20.htm">Exodus 10:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/10-20.htm">Exodus 10:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/10-20.htm">Exodus 10:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/10-20.htm">Exodus 10:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/10-20.htm">Exodus 10:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/10-20.htm">Exodus 10:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/10-20.htm">Exodus 10:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/10-20.htm">Exodus 10:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/10-20.htm">Exodus 10:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/10-20.htm">OT Law: Exodus 10:20 But Yahweh hardened Pharaoh's heart and he (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/10-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 10:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 10:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/10-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 10:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 10:21" /></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>