Exodus 11:10 Meaning and Explanation
“And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moses and Aaron performed all the wonders before Pharaoh, and the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart so he would not release Israel.
The Context of Exodus 11:10
A summary statement of the plague sequence up to this point.
What Does Exodus 11:10 Mean?
This summary of the plague narrative notes that both men worked together as God's agents. The wonders—all nine plagues so far—were performed before Pharaoh himself, confronting him directly with evidence. Yet his heart was hardened, preventing him from releasing the people despite the devastation.
The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is presented as God's action. Rather than Pharaoh freely choosing to resist, the text describes God as the active agent, controlling Pharaoh's will to ensure the plagues continue. This raises profound questions about freedom and divine sovereignty that ancient and modern readers continue to wrestle with.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 11:10
What does Exodus 11:10 mean?
Moses and Aaron performed all the wonders before Pharaoh, and the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart so he would not release Israel.
What is the context of Exodus 11:10?
A summary statement of the plague sequence up to this point.