Exodus 5:2 Meaning and Explanation
“And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Pharaoh refuses, claiming ignorance of the LORD and rejecting the command to release Israel.
The Context of Exodus 5:2
Pharaoh responds to God's demand with outright rejection and denial.
What Does Exodus 5:2 Mean?
Pharaoh's response is immediate defiance. His question 'Who is the LORD?' expresses both genuine ignorance—he does not recognize the God of Israel—and contempt. In Egyptian polytheism, Pharaoh himself held divine status; acknowledging another god's authority threatened his own supremacy.
By declaring 'I know not the LORD,' Pharaoh denies the very foundation of Moses' authority to speak. His refusal is absolute: he will not release Israel from slavery.
Exodus 5:2 in the Original Language
yada (יָדַע), 'know' — to recognize or acknowledge someone with relationship and authority, not merely intellectual awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 5:2
What does Exodus 5:2 mean?
Pharaoh refuses, claiming ignorance of the LORD and rejecting the command to release Israel.
What is the context of Exodus 5:2?
Pharaoh responds to God's demand with outright rejection and denial.