Exodus 9:35 Meaning and Explanation
“And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, neither would he let the children of Israel go; as the LORD had spoken by Moses.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, and he refuses to release Israel, exactly as God had foretold through Moses.
The Context of Exodus 9:35
The chapter ends with Pharaoh's defiance confirmed, setting up the next cycle of plagues.
What Does Exodus 9:35 Mean?
The chapter closes with Pharaoh's refusal intact. Despite the plague, the confession, the prayer, and the answer to prayer, Pharaoh will not let Israel go. His heart is hardened—not broken, not transformed, but resistant.
The statement 'as the LORD had spoken by Moses' reminds the reader that none of this surprises God. This outcome has been announced from the beginning. Pharaoh's hardening, his refusal, and his continuation in power all fit the pattern God revealed to Moses long before.
Exodus 9:35 in the Original Language
hardened (קָשָׁה) — obstinate, resistant—the final state of Pharaoh's heart as the chapter ends.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 9:35
What does Exodus 9:35 mean?
Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, and he refuses to release Israel, exactly as God had foretold through Moses.
What is the context of Exodus 9:35?
The chapter ends with Pharaoh's defiance confirmed, setting up the next cycle of plagues.