Exodus 7:14
Exodus 7:14 in Multiple Translations
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is unyielding; he refuses to let the people go.
¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.
And Jehovah said unto Moses, Pharaoh’s heart is stubborn, he refuseth to let the people go.
And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, Pharaoh's heart is unchanged; he will not let the people go.
The Lord said to Moses, “Pharaoh has a stubborn attitude—he's refusing to let the people go.
The Lord then saide vnto Moses, Pharaohs heart is obstinate, hee refuseth to let the people goe.
And Jehovah saith unto Moses, 'The heart of Pharaoh hath been hard, he hath refused to send the people away;
The LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is stubborn. He refuses to let the people go.
And the LORD said to Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened; he refuseth to let the people go.
And the Lord said to Moses: Pharao’s heart is hardened, he will not let the people go.
Then Yahweh said to Moses/me, “The king is very stubborn [IDM]. He refuses to allow my people to go.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 7:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 7:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
יְהוָה֙
אֶל
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
כָּבֵ֖ד
לֵ֣ב
פַּרְעֹ֑ה
מֵאֵ֖ן
לְ/שַׁלַּ֥ח
הָ/עָֽם
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
כָּבֵ֖ד
kâbêd
H3515
heavy
Adj
לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
פַּרְעֹ֑ה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
מֵאֵ֖ן
mâʼên
H3985
to refuse
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
לְ/שַׁלַּ֥ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
הָ/עָֽם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 7:14
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
כָּבֵ֖ד
kâbêd
H3515
"heavy"
Adj
Something or someone that is heavy or severe is what this word describes, like a heavy heart in Proverbs 12 or a difficult task, as in Matthew 23.
Definition: 1) heavy, great 1a) heavy 1b) massive, abundant, numerous 1c) heavy, dull 1d) hard, difficult, burdensome 1e) very oppressive, numerous, rich
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: (so) great, grievous, hard(-ened), (too) heavy(-ier), laden, much, slow, sore, thick. See also: Genesis 12:10; Numbers 11:14; Psalms 38:5.
לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
פַּרְעֹ֑ה
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
מֵאֵ֖ן
mâʼên
H3985
"to refuse"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to say no or reject something. It is used in Exodus 23:5 to describe refusing to help someone in need. God commands people to not refuse help.
Definition: (Piel) to refuse
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: refuse, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 37:35; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 77:3.
לְ/שַׁלַּ֥ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
הָ/עָֽם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
Study Notes — Exodus 7:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 7:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 7:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 7:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 7:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 7:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 7:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 7:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 7:14
- Sermons on Exodus 7:14
Context — The First Plague: Blood
12Each one threw down his staff, and it became a serpent. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up the other staffs.
13Still, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
14Then the LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is unyielding; he refuses to let the people go.
15Go to Pharaoh in the morning as you see him walking out to the water. Wait on the bank of the Nile to meet him, and take in your hand the staff that was changed into a snake. 16Then say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to tell you: Let My people go, so that they may worship Me in the wilderness. But until now you have not listened.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 10:20 | But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go. |
| 2 | Exodus 8:15 | When Pharaoh saw that there was relief, however, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said. |
| 3 | Exodus 10:1 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials, that I may perform these miraculous signs of Mine among them, |
| 4 | Exodus 10:27 | But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he was unwilling to let them go. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 8:5 | Why then have these people turned away? Why does Jerusalem always turn away? They cling to deceit; they refuse to return. |
| 6 | Exodus 9:2 | But if you continue to restrain them and refuse to let them go, |
| 7 | Jeremiah 9:6 | You dwell in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to know Me,” declares the LORD. |
| 8 | Exodus 8:2 | But if you refuse to let them go, I will plague your whole country with frogs. |
| 9 | Zechariah 7:12 | They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts. |
| 10 | Exodus 4:23 | and I told you to let My son go so that he may worship Me. But since you have refused to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son!’” |
Exodus 7:14 Summary
Exodus 7:14 tells us that Pharaoh's heart was unyielding, meaning he refused to listen to God and let the Israelites go. This shows us that when we continually disobey God, our hearts can become hard, just like Pharaoh's (as seen in Exodus 8:15 and Romans 2:5). However, God is patient and wants us to turn to Him, as seen in 2 Peter 3:9, and He promises to give us a new heart if we come to Him in humility and repentance (Ezekiel 36:26, 2 Corinthians 5:17). By reflecting on Pharaoh's hardness of heart, we can learn the importance of responding to God's love and commands with a soft and obedient heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God say Pharaoh's heart is unyielding in Exodus 7:14?
God said Pharaoh's heart is unyielding because Pharaoh had continuously refused to listen to God's commands, as seen in Exodus 7:13, and this hardness of heart was also foretold by God in Exodus 4:21, indicating God's sovereignty over the situation.
Does Exodus 7:14 imply that God is responsible for Pharaoh's hard heart?
While Exodus 7:14 and other verses like Exodus 4:21 and Romans 9:17-18 suggest God's involvement in Pharaoh's hard heart, it's also clear from Scripture, such as in Exodus 8:15 and 32, that Pharaoh made choices that contributed to his own hardness of heart, illustrating the complex interplay between human responsibility and God's sovereignty.
How does Exodus 7:14 relate to the broader story of the Exodus?
Exodus 7:14 is a pivotal moment in the story of the Exodus, as it marks a turning point where God begins to directly confront Pharaoh through Moses, setting the stage for the plagues that will eventually lead to the Israelites' freedom, as promised in Exodus 6:6-8 and fulfilled in Exodus 12:31-32.
What can we learn from Pharaoh's unyielding heart in Exodus 7:14?
Pharaoh's unyielding heart serves as a warning about the dangers of persistent disobedience and hardness of heart towards God, as seen in Hebrews 3:7-11, emphasizing the importance of responding to God's commands and invitations with humility and obedience, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 7:10 and James 4:6-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are the areas in my life where I might be demonstrating a hard heart towards God, and how can I soften my heart to His will?
- How does understanding God's sovereignty over all things, including the hardening of hearts, impact my trust in Him and my approach to prayer and obedience?
- In what ways can I, like Moses, be an instrument of God's grace and redemption in the lives of those around me, even if they seem hardened against God's message?
- What are the spiritual 'plagues' or challenges that God might be using in my life to bring me to a place of surrender and obedience, and how can I respond to them in a way that honors Him?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 7:14
And the Lord said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened,.... Or "heavy" (c), dull and stupid, stiff and inflexible, cannot lift up his heart, or find in his heart to obey the will of God: he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 7:14
And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go. Pharaoh's heart is hardened.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 7:14
He is obstinate, and resolved in his way, so as neither my word nor my works can make any impression upon him.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 7:14
Exodus 7:14 And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh’ s heart [is] hardened, he refuseth to let the people go. Ver. 14. Pharaoh’ s heart is hardened.] Heb., Heavy; clogged with corruption, and held down by the devil: as, on the contrary, Jehoshaphat’ s "heart was light, and lifted up in the ways of the Lord." So were Dr Taylor’ s and George Roper’ s, the martyrs: the former fetched a frisk, the latter a great leap, when they came to the stake. Ibid., fol. 1386, 1629.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 7:14
THE FIRST PLAGUE.(14-21) The water turned to blood.—Moses had already been empowered to turn water into blood on a small scale (Exodus 4:9), and had exhibited his power before his own people (Exodus 4:30). But the present miracle is different. (1) It is to be done on the largest possible scale; (2) in the sight of all the Egyptians; and (3) not as a sign, but as a “judgment.” All the Nile water—whether in the main river, or its branches, or the canals derived from it, or the pools formed by its inundation or by percolation through its banks, or in artificial reservoirs, including the tanks of wood or stone attached to houses (Exodus 7:19)—is to be “turned to blood:” i.e., not merely turned of a red colour, either by admixture of earthy matter or of Infusoriae, but made to have all the qualities and appearance of blood, so as to become offensive, horrible, loathsome (Exodus 7:18). The judgment strikes the Egyptians two several blows. (1) It involves an insult to their religion, and brings it into discredit, since the Nile-god, Hapi, was a main object of worship, closely connected with Osiris, and even with Amnion, celebrated in hymns with the most extravagant titles of honour (Records of the Past, vol. iv. pp. 108-110), and a frequent object of public adoration in festivals. (2) It is a great physical affliction. They are accustomed to use the Nile water for drinking, for ablutions, for the washing of their clothes, and for culinary purposes; they have great difficulty in procuring any other; they delight in the Nile water, regard it as the best in the world, are in the habit of drinking deep draughts of it continually. This is all put a stop to. They suffer from thirst, from enforced uncleanliness, from the horror of blood all about them, even in their cisterns. Again, their fish are killed.
Fish was one of their principal foods, perhaps the main food of the common people; and the river was the chief source whence the fish supply was obtained, for even the Lake Moeris was an off-shoot from the river (Herod. ii. 149). Their fish supply is stopped. The punishment is retaliatory: for as they had made the Nile the means of destroying Hebrew infants (Exodus 1:22), so that Hebrew parents had loathed to drink of it, as though stained with the blood of their children, so is it now made by means of blood undrinkable for themselves. The plague lasts seven days (Exodus 7:25), a longer time than any other; and if not so destructive as the later ones, was perhaps of all the most nauseous and disgusting.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 7:14
Verse 14. Pharaoh's heart is hardened] כבד cabed, is become heavy or stupid; he receives no conviction, notwithstanding the clearness of the light which shines upon him. We well know the power of prejudice: where persons are determined to think and act after a predetermined plan, arguments, demonstrations, and even miracles themselves, are lost on them, as in the case of Pharaoh here, and that of the obstinate Jews in the days of our Lord and his apostles.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 7:14
FIRST PLAGUE — BLOOD, Exodus 7:14-25. 15. Lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river’s brink — Some think that this was the time of the commencement of the annual rise of the
Sermons on Exodus 7:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Exodus) Exodus 7:14-25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the biblical story of Moses and the plagues of Egypt. He emphasizes that the river was essential for the livelihood of the nation, but when i |
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Exodus 5-8 by Brian Brodersen | This sermon delves into the story of Moses and Aaron confronting Pharaoh in Egypt, showcasing God's power through various plagues directed at the Egyptian gods. Despite the miracul |
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(Through the Bible) Exodus 6-10 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the response of God to Moses' despair and the increasing hardships faced by the children of Israel under Pharaoh's rule. God assures Moses t |
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A Good Reminder About a Bad Heart by Jack Hayford | Jack Hayford delves into the story of Pharaoh in Exodus, highlighting the dangers of heart-hardness and resistance to God. He emphasizes the importance of humility, teachability, a |
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The Reluctant God - Part 9 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher talks about Moses and his encounter with God. He emphasizes Moses' humility and how he was chosen by God despite his own feelings of inadequacy. The pr |
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Proverbs 29:1 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the dire consequences of ignoring God's warnings, drawing parallels between physical ailments without remedies and spiritual neglect. He highlights the criti |
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My People Know Not the Judgement of the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging that God is doing something profound in the church and will bring about a deep purification in the coming year. The message is |