Exodus 10:20
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let the children of Israel go.
Context
The plague is lifted, yet Pharaoh's hardening returns. This verse, repeated from earlier plagues, shows the pattern: mercy alone does not soften Pharaoh's heart. His refusal continues despite relief from the plague, demonstrating that without genuine repentance, temporary relief becomes an opportunity for renewed rebellion.
What Does Exodus 10:20 Mean?
The plague is lifted, yet Pharaoh's hardening returns. This verse, repeated from earlier plagues, shows the pattern: mercy alone does not soften Pharaoh's heart. His refusal continues despite relief from the plague, demonstrating that without genuine repentance, temporary relief becomes an opportunity for renewed rebellion.
The hardening of the heart is both God's action and Pharaoh's choice. God permits Pharaoh to continue in his stubbornness, and Pharaoh embraces that stubbornness. This tension—divine action and human choice—is central to understanding the Exodus story.