Exodus 8:20 Meaning and Explanation
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; lo, he cometh forth to the water; and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God directs Moses to meet Pharaoh at the water in the morning and repeat the demand for release.
The Context of Exodus 8:20
God positions Moses to confront Pharaoh before the fourth plague.
What Does Exodus 8:20 Mean?
God commands Moses to intercept Pharaoh at the water—the water where the plagues have originated and where Pharaoh's gods were thought to dwell. The location is deliberate, placing the confrontation at a point of Egypt's spiritual authority.
The early morning timing suggests Pharaoh's routine: he visits the water likely for spiritual or administrative reasons. Moses must meet him there with an uncompromising demand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 8:20
What does Exodus 8:20 mean?
God directs Moses to meet Pharaoh at the water in the morning and repeat the demand for release.
What is the context of Exodus 8:20?
God positions Moses to confront Pharaoh before the fourth plague.