Exodus 8:28

Exodus 8:28 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Pharaoh answered, “I will let you go and sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness, but you must not go very far. Now pray for me.”

King James Version KJV

And Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only ye shall not go very far away: intreat for me.

American Standard Version ASV

And Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to Jehovah your God in the wilderness; only ye shall not go very far away: entreat for me.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then Pharaoh said, I will let you go to make an offering to the Lord your God in the waste land; but do not go very far away, and make prayer for me.

Free Bible Version FBV

“I'll let you go and offer sacrifices to the Lord your God in the desert, but don't go very far,” Pharaoh answered. “Now pray for me that this plague ends.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice vnto the Lord your God in the wildernesse: but goe not farre away, pray for me.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Pharaoh saith, 'I send you away, and ye have sacrificed to Jehovah your God in the wilderness, only go not very far off; make ye supplication for me;'

World English Bible WEB

Pharaoh said, “I will let you go, that you may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness, only you shall not go very far away. Pray for me.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only ye shall not go very far away: entreat for me.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Pharao said: I will let you go to sacrifice to the Lord your God in the wilderness: but go no farther: pray for me.

Translation for Translators T4T

So the king said, “I will let your people go to offer sacrifices to Yahweh, your god, in the desert. But you must not go very far. Now pray for me!”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 8:28

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 8:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יַּכְבֵּ֤ד פַּרְעֹה֙ אֶת לִבּ֔/וֹ גַּ֖ם בַּ/פַּ֣עַם הַ/זֹּ֑את וְ/לֹ֥א שִׁלַּ֖ח אֶת הָ/עָֽם

וַ/יַּכְבֵּ֤ד kâbad H3513 to honor Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

פַּרְעֹה֙ Parʻôh H6547 Pharaoh N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

לִבּ֔/וֹ lêb H3820 heart N-ms | Suff

גַּ֖ם gam H1571 also DirObjM

בַּ/פַּ֣עַם paʻam H6471 beat Prep | N-fs

הַ/זֹּ֑את zôʼth H2063 this Art | Pron

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

שִׁלַּ֖ח shâlach H7971 to send V-Piel-Perf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הָ/עָֽם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 8:28

וַ/יַּכְבֵּ֤ד kâbad H3513 "to honor" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.

Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself

Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.

פַּרְעֹה֙ 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.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

לִבּ֔/וֹ lêb H3820 "heart" N-ms | Suff

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.

גַּ֖ם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

בַּ/פַּ֣עַם paʻam H6471 "beat" Prep | N-fs

This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.

Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another

Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.

הַ/זֹּ֑את zôʼth H2063 "this" Art | Pron

This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

שִׁלַּ֖ח shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Piel-Perf-3ms

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.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

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 8:28

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 8:28 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 8:28
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 8:28
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 8:28
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 8:28
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 8:28
Sermons on Exodus 8:28

Context — The Fourth Plague: Flies

26But Moses replied, “It would not be right to do that, because the sacrifices we offer to the LORD our God would be detestable to the Egyptians. If we offer sacrifices that are detestable before the Egyptians, will they not stone us? 27We must make a three-day journey into the wilderness and sacrifice to the LORD our God as He commands us.”

28Pharaoh answered, “I will let you go and sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness, but you must not go very far. Now pray for me.”

29“As soon as I leave you,” Moses said, “I will pray to the LORD, so that tomorrow the swarms of flies will depart from Pharaoh and his officials and his people. But Pharaoh must not act deceitfully again by refusing to let the people go and sacrifice to the LORD.” 30Then Moses left Pharaoh and prayed to the LORD,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 8:8	Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Pray to the LORD to take the frogs away from me and my people. Then I will let your people go, that they may sacrifice to the LORD.”
2	Exodus 9:28	Pray to the LORD, for there has been enough of God’s thunder and hail. I will let you go; you do not need to stay any longer.”
3	1 Kings 13:6	Then the king responded to the man of God, “Intercede with the LORD your God and pray that my hand may be restored.” So the man of God interceded with the LORD, and the king’s hand was restored to him as it was before.
4	Ezra 6:10	Then they will be able to offer sacrifices of a sweet aroma to the God of heaven and to pray for the lives of the king and his sons.
5	Exodus 10:17	Now please forgive my sin once more and appeal to the LORD your God, that He may remove this death from me.”
6	Acts 8:24	Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me, so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”
7	Exodus 8:29	“As soon as I leave you,” Moses said, “I will pray to the LORD, so that tomorrow the swarms of flies will depart from Pharaoh and his officials and his people. But Pharaoh must not act deceitfully again by refusing to let the people go and sacrifice to the LORD.”
8	Hosea 10:2	Their hearts are devious; now they must bear their guilt. The LORD will break down their altars and demolish their sacred pillars.
9	Ecclesiastes 6:10	Whatever exists was named long ago, and what happens to a man is foreknown; but he cannot contend with one stronger than he.

Exodus 8:28 Summary

In Exodus 8:28, Pharaoh tries to make a deal with Moses, offering to let the Israelites go and sacrifice to the Lord in the wilderness, but only if they don't go too far. This shows that Pharaoh is still trying to control the situation and limit God's power, similar to what we see in Psalm 2:1-3, where the nations rebel against God's authority. However, God is not limited by our attempts to control Him, as seen in Jeremiah 32:17, where it says that nothing is too difficult for Him. We can learn from this verse to trust in God's power and sovereignty, rather than trying to manipulate or control Him, and to seek His will and guidance in our lives, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Pharaoh agree to let the Israelites go and sacrifice to the Lord in the wilderness?

Pharaoh agreed to let the Israelites go and sacrifice to the Lord in the wilderness because he was trying to find a compromise to end the plagues that were affecting his people, as seen in Exodus 8:28, and to appease Moses and the Lord, as mentioned in Exodus 8:29.

What did Pharaoh mean by 'you must not go very far'?

When Pharaoh said 'you must not go very far', he was trying to limit the distance the Israelites could travel, likely in an attempt to maintain control over them and prevent them from escaping entirely, which is similar to the tactics used by Pharaoh in Exodus 5:2, where he refused to let the Israelites go.

Why did Pharaoh ask Moses to pray for him?

Pharaoh asked Moses to pray for him because he recognized the power of the Lord and the effectiveness of Moses' prayers, as seen in Exodus 8:29-30, where Moses prayed to the Lord and the swarms of flies departed from Pharaoh and his people.

Is Pharaoh's request for Moses to pray for him a sign of genuine repentance?

Pharaoh's request for Moses to pray for him is not necessarily a sign of genuine repentance, as he was still trying to manipulate the situation to his advantage, but rather a desperate attempt to alleviate his suffering, similar to the actions of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:37, where he acknowledged the power of the Lord after being humbled.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which I try to compromise with God or limit His work in my life, and how can I learn to trust Him fully?
How can I, like Moses, stand firm in my faith and convictions, even when faced with opposition or pressure to compromise?
What are some areas in my life where I need to pray for deliverance or freedom, and how can I, like the Israelites, trust in God's power and promises?
In what ways can I, like Pharaoh, be prone to making empty promises or seeking temporary relief, and how can I cultivate a deeper desire to please God and follow His will?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 8:28

And Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the Lord your God in the wilderness,.... He does not say three days, though as he allowed them to go into the wilderness and sacrifice,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 8:28

And Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said, Go ye, sacrifice to your God in the land. Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said, Go ye, sacrifice to your God in the land.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 8:28

Exodus 8:28 And Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only ye shall not go very far away: intreat for me.Ver. 28. Only ye shall not go very far.] So loath was he to lose his hold. So is the devil. The Pope made large offers to Queen Elizabeth, as also to our king, when in Spain. Intreat for me.] So Simon Magus, in a fright, begs Peter’ s prayers. So Maximinus, the persecuting emperor, sent to the Church for prayers, when God had laid upon him a grievous disease. So Ezra 6:10, "Pray for the king’ s life, and for his sons." Euseb.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 8:28

Verse 28. I will let you go only ye shall not go very far away] Pharaoh relented because the hand of God was heavy upon him; but he was not willing to give up his gain. The Israelites were very profitable to him; they were slaves of the state, and their hard labour was very productive: hence he professed a willingness, first to tolerate their religion in the land, (Exodus 8:25); or to permit them to go into the wilderness, so that they went not far away, and would soon return. How ready is foolish man, when the hand of God presses him sore, to compound with his Maker! He will consent to give up some sins, provided God will permit him to keep others. Entreat for me.] Exactly similar to the case of Simon Magus, who, like Pharaoh, fearing the Divine judgments, begged an interest in the prayers of Peter, Acts 8:24.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 8:28

28. The Pharaoh recognises the force of Moses’ argument, and grants the required permission: they are only not to go very far away.

Sermons on Exodus 8:28

	Sermon	Description
	The Day of Golden Opportunity by R.A. Torrey	R.A. Torrey emphasizes the urgency of accepting Jesus Christ today, as the Holy Spirit continually calls us to act in the present rather than procrastinate. He illustrates the foll
	Progress of Redemption #04 by David Shirley	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the word of God and how it can change people's lives. The sermon takes place in Judea, a Persian province, around 430 BC. T
	The Believable Christian by Paris Reidhead	Paris Reidhead preaches on the importance of fellowship in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, using Acts 8:5-25 as a background. He emphasizes the need to preach Christ in all aspect
	A Divided Heart by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of a divided heart, emphasizing that such a condition leads to spiritual faultiness both individually and within the church. He warns that a divid
	A Supply for Every Need by J.C. Philpot	Joseph Philpot preaches about the unwavering confidence in God's provision, emphasizing the necessity of both doctrinal truth and personal experience to strengthen our faith. He de
	Living That Grieves the Spirit by A.W. Tozer	James urges believers to experience deep sorrow and wretchedness over their sins, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and inner penitence rather than external ascetic pract
	Ecclesiastes 6:10 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith discusses the futility of contending with God, emphasizing that humans often struggle against divine will due to life's adversities, such as tragedy or disappointment.