Exodus 9:7

Exodus 9:7 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Pharaoh sent officials and found that none of the livestock of the Israelites had died. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not let the people go.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

And Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not so much as one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. But the heart of Pharaoh was stubborn, and he did not let the people go.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Pharaoh sent and got word that there was no loss of any of the cattle of Israel. But the heart of Pharaoh was hard and he did not let the people go.

Free Bible Version FBV

Pharaoh sent out officials and discovered that not a single one of the Israelites' livestock had died. But Pharaoh was stubborn, and he would not let the people leave.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Pharaoh sent, and beholde, there was not one of the cattell of the Israelites dead: and the heart of Pharaoh was obstinate, and hee did not let the people goe.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Pharaoh sendeth, and lo, not even one of the cattle of Israel hath died, and the heart of Pharaoh is hard, and he hath not sent the people away.

World English Bible WEB

Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not so much as one of the livestock of the Israelites dead. But the heart of Pharaoh was stubborn, and he didn’t let the people go.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Pharao sent to see: and there was not any thing dead of that which Israel possessed. And Pharao’s heart was hardened, and he did not let the people go.

Translation for Translators T4T

The king sent men to investigate, and they were surprised to see that none of the Israeli people’s animals had died. But after they reported that to the king, he continued to be stubborn [IDM], and he did not let the Israeli people go.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 9:7

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 9:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֣ח פַּרְעֹ֔ה וְ/הִנֵּ֗ה לֹא מֵ֛ת מִ/מִּקְנֵ֥ה יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל עַד אֶחָ֑ד וַ/יִּכְבַּד֙ לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה וְ/לֹ֥א שִׁלַּ֖ח אֶת הָ/עָֽם

וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֣ח shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

פַּרְעֹ֔ה Parʻôh H6547 Pharaoh N-proper

וְ/הִנֵּ֗ה hinnêh H2009 behold Conj | Part

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

מֵ֛ת mûwth H4191 to die V-Qal-Perf-3ms

מִ/מִּקְנֵ֥ה miqneh H4735 livestock Prep | N-ms

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

אֶחָ֑ד ʼechâd H259 one Adj

וַ/יִּכְבַּד֙ kâbad H3513 to honor Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

לֵ֣ב lêb H3820 heart N-ms

פַּרְעֹ֔ה Parʻôh H6547 Pharaoh N-proper

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 9:7

וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֣ח shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.

פַּרְעֹ֔ה 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.

וְ/הִנֵּ֗ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Conj | Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" 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.

מֵ֛ת mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

מִ/מִּקְנֵ֥ה miqneh H4735 "livestock" Prep | N-ms

Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are domestic animals that can be bought and owned, as described in the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham's wealth.

Definition: 1) cattle, livestock 1a) cattle, livestock 1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal 1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)

Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance. See also: Genesis 4:20; Numbers 20:19; Psalms 78:48.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

אֶחָ֑ד ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

וַ/יִּכְבַּד֙ kâbad H3513 "to honor" Conj | V-Qal-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.

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.

פַּרְעֹ֔ה Parʻôh H6547 "Pharaoh" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.

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.

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.

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.

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 9:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 9:7 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 9:7
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 9:7
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 9:7
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 9:7
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 9:7
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 9:7
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 9:7
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 9:7
Sermons on Exodus 9:7

Context — The Fifth Plague: Livestock

5The LORD set a time, saying, “Tomorrow the LORD will do this in the land.” 6And the next day the LORD did just that. All the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one animal belonging to the Israelites died.

7Pharaoh sent officials and found that none of the livestock of the Israelites had died. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not let the people go.

8Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Take handfuls of soot from the furnace; in the sight of Pharaoh, Moses is to toss it into the air. 9It will become fine dust over all the land of Egypt, and festering boils will break out on man and beast throughout the land.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 7:14	Then the LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is unyielding; he refuses to let the people go.
2	Exodus 8:32	But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time as well, and he would not let the people go.
3	Isaiah 48:4	For I knew that you are stubborn; your neck is iron and your forehead is bronze.
4	Job 9:4	God is wise in heart and mighty in strength. Who has resisted Him and prospered?
5	Proverbs 29:1	A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.
6	Exodus 9:12	But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said to Moses.
7	Romans 9:18	Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden.
8	Daniel 5:20	But when his heart became arrogant and his spirit was hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne, and his glory was taken from him.

Exodus 9:7 Summary

This verse tells us that even though Pharaoh saw the miracle of the Israelites' livestock being spared, he still refused to let the people go, because his heart was hardened. This means that Pharaoh had become stubborn and unwilling to listen to God, similar to what happened in Exodus 4:21. We can learn from this that when we refuse to acknowledge God's power and authority, our hearts can become hardened too, as seen in Romans 2:5. We should strive to trust in God's sovereignty and power, as seen in Psalm 115:3, and acknowledge His authority in our lives, just like the Israelites did in Exodus 14:31.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Pharaoh's heart become hardened after seeing the miracle of the Israelites' livestock being spared?

Pharaoh's heart was hardened because he refused to acknowledge God's power and authority, as seen in Exodus 9:7, similar to the hardening of Pharaoh's heart in Exodus 4:21, where God says He will harden Pharaoh's heart.

What can we learn from Pharaoh's refusal to let the people go despite the evident miracle?

We learn that unbelief and disobedience can lead to further hardness of heart, as seen in Romans 2:5, where it is written that because of their unbelief, people store up wrath for themselves.

How does this verse relate to the overall theme of God's redemption in the book of Exodus?

This verse highlights God's power and authority over all creation, as well as His desire to redeem His people, as seen in Exodus 6:6-8, where God promises to redeem the Israelites with an outstretched arm.

What does this verse teach us about God's sovereignty and human free will?

This verse teaches us that God is sovereign over all things, including the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, as seen in Romans 9:17-18, yet humans are still responsible for their actions, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19, where we are told to choose life or death.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am refusing to acknowledge God's power and authority, and how can I surrender them to Him?
How can I apply the lesson of Pharaoh's hardened heart to my own life, and what are some potential consequences of refusing to obey God?
In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and power, even when I do not understand the circumstances of my life?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of humility and acknowledging God's authority in my life?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 9:7

And Pharaoh sent,.... Messengers to the land of Goshen, to see whether the murrain was upon the cattle of Israel or not, and whether any of them died or not.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 9:7

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.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 9:7

Exodus 9:7 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.Ver. 7. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened.] Like a smith’ s anvil, he grew harder for hammering. There was little need to say to Pharaoh, as the smith did to the Landgrave of Thuring, Durescite, durescite, O in felix Lantgravi. He hardened fast enough. Pet. Nicol. Gelstronp.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 9:7

(7) Pharaoh sent.—The Pharaoh evidently did not believe it possible that there should be such a widespread destruction of the Egyptian cattle without the Hebrew cattle suffering at all. He therefore sent persons to inquire and report on the facts. These persons found the announcement of Moses fulfilled to the letter. This was the more surprising, as Goshen consisted mainly of the low flat tract bordering on the Menzaleh marshes. The heart of Pharaoh was hardened.—Even the exact correspondence of the result with the announcement did not soften the heart of the king. It remained dull and unimpressed—literally, “heavy” kâbêd). Loss of property would not much distress an absolute monarch, who could easily exact the value of what he had lost from his subjects.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 9:7

Verse 7. And Pharaoh sent, &c.] Finding so many of his own cattle and those of his subjects slain, he sent to see whether the mortality had reached to the cattle of the Israelites, that he might know whether this were a judgment inflicted by their God, and probably designing to replace the lost cattle of the Egyptians with those of the Israelites.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 9:7

7. was stubborn] lit. heavy; the word regularly used by J (v. 34, Exodus 7:14, Exodus 8:15; Exodus 8:32, Exodus 10:1).

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 9:7

Was hardened - See Exodus 4:21. Pharaoh probably attributed the exemption of the Israelites to natural causes.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 9:7

7. And Pharaoh sent… and the heart of Pharaoh was hardened — Here, as in Exodus 7:22, the grammatical construction implies cause and effect.

Sermons on Exodus 9:7

	Sermon	Description
	(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
	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
	(Exodus) Exodus 8:20-32 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of making a choice between following the ways of the world or living according to God's word. He uses the analogy of two horse
	Christian, Are You Refusing God? by Tim Conway	This sermon emphasizes the importance of not refusing God's voice, drawing parallels between the consequences faced by those who rejected God's warnings in the past and the greater
	Of the Names of God. by John Gill	John Gill explores the significance of the names of God, emphasizing that understanding these names is essential for knowing God Himself. He explains that God's names reflect His n
	Lessons From the Recent Earthquake by Samuel Davies	Samuel Davies preaches about the recent earthquake, drawing lessons from the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755. He emphasizes the majesty and power of God, the sinfulness of the worl
	Of the Blessedness of God. by John Gill	John Gill expounds on the blessedness of God, emphasizing that God's nature is inherently blessed, eternal, and self-sufficient. He argues that God's happiness is independent of ex