Exodus 14:18 kjv
And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten me honor upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
Exodus 14:18 nkjv
Then the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gained honor for Myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen."
Exodus 14:18 niv
The Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I gain glory through Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen."
Exodus 14:18 esv
And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen."
Exodus 14:18 nlt
When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the LORD!"
Exodus 14 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ex 7:5 | And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out my hand upon Egypt... | God's identity revealed through plagues |
| Ex 9:16 | But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show my power in you, and that my name may be proclaimed... | Pharaoh's role in God's glory display |
| Ex 15:1 | I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea. | Song of Moses celebrating the victory |
| Deut 2:25 | This day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you on the peoples... when they hear of you... | God instilling fear in surrounding nations |
| Josh 2:10 | For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you... | Recognition by other nations of God's power |
| Ps 9:16 | The LORD has made himself known; he has executed judgment... | God's self-revelation through judgment |
| Ps 76:10 | For the wrath of man shall praise you; the remainder of wrath you will restrain. | Even human opposition glorifies God |
| Ps 83:18 | That they may know that you, whose name is the LORD—you alone are the Most High... | Ultimate purpose for knowing God's name |
| Ps 106:8 | Yet he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power known. | God's action for His own renown |
| Ps 136:15 | But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever. | God's steadfast love and judgment |
| Isa 2:11 | The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the LORD alone will be exalted... | God's exalting Himself by humbling pride |
| Isa 5:16 | But the LORD of hosts is exalted in justice, and the Holy God shows himself holy in righteousness. | God glorified in His just actions |
| Isa 45:6 | That people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the LORD, and there is no other. | Universal recognition of God's singularity |
| Jer 16:21 | "Therefore, behold, I will make them know, this time I will make them know my hand and my might, and they shall know that my name is the LORD." | God revealing Himself through judgment |
| Ezek 28:22 | Thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I am against you, O Sidon, and I will be glorified in your midst... and they shall know that I am the LORD." | God glorified in judgment of nations |
| Ezek 38:23 | So I will show my greatness and make myself holy and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD. | Eschatological display of God's glory |
| Rom 9:17 | For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." | Divine sovereignty over Pharaoh's life |
| 1 Cor 10:1 | For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea... | Historical example for NT believers |
| 2 Thess 1:9-10 | ...when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed... | Christ's glory in future judgment/salvation |
| Rev 15:3 | And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations!" | Echoes of Exodus victory in Revelation |
| Jude 1:5 | Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. | God's judgment on unbelief |
Exodus 14 verses
Exodus 14 18 Meaning
This verse declares that the overwhelming defeat and destruction of Pharaoh and his elite forces in the Red Sea will serve as a definitive revelation to the Egyptians, proving the absolute sovereignty and singular power of Yahweh. It highlights God's primary purpose: to demonstrate His glory and secure recognition of His identity, not just among His people but also among His enemies, through decisive judgment.
Exodus 14 18 Context
Exodus chapter 14 describes the climatic events at the Red Sea, where Israel, pursued by Pharaoh's army, appears hopelessly trapped. After Moses parts the sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground, Pharaoh and his formidable forces attempt to follow. This verse immediately precedes the waters returning and engulfing the Egyptians, emphasizing God's direct intervention and its revelatory purpose. Historically, this event directly challenges the might of the Egyptian Empire and its pantheon of gods, particularly Pharaoh, who was considered a living deity (son of Ra). The original audience, the newly freed Israelites, would understand this as Yahweh proving His supremacy over the most powerful nation and their gods, providing a foundational reason for their worship and trust in Him. It also serves as a direct polemic against the idea that Pharaoh or any other god held ultimate authority or power over the true God of Israel.
Exodus 14 18 Word analysis
- And the Egyptians (וּמִצְרַיִם - u'Mitzrayim): Refers to the people of Egypt, particularly its military and governing authority. This encompasses their entire national identity and pride, centered around their supposed strength and their deity-king. The knowledge to be gained is universal within that society.
- shall know (וְיָדְעוּ - v'yade'u): From the Hebrew root yada, which implies an experiential, intimate knowledge, not just intellectual understanding. It signifies a profound and undeniable recognition. After this event, they would not merely hear about Yahweh but experientially encounter His power and sovereignty. This serves as a vindication of Yahweh's statements and actions throughout the plagues.
- that I am the LORD (כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה - ki ani YHWH): This is a critical theological declaration. YHWH (rendered "LORD" in all capitals) is God's covenant name, signifying His self-existence, eternal nature, and covenant faithfulness. "I am" connects to His revelation at the burning bush (Ex 3:14-15), confirming His unique deity. This statement directly refutes Egyptian polytheism and the divinity of Pharaoh, asserting Yahweh's singular supremacy as the only true God.
- when I have gotten glory over (בְּהִכָּבְדִי בְּ - b'hikavdi b'): From the Hebrew root kabad, meaning to be heavy, significant, honored, or weighty. "To get glory" means God will manifest His weighty presence, power, and majesty through a dramatic act of judgment. His "glory" here is not just an inherent attribute but a visible demonstration of His absolute authority and power over His creation and those who defy Him. This glorification occurs through Pharaoh's downfall.
- Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen (פַּרְעֹה בְּרִכְבּוֹ וּבְפָרָשָׁיו - Par'oh b'richbo u'vfarashav): This phrase specifically names the most powerful symbols of Egypt's military might and technological superiority. Chariots were the tanks of the ancient world, representing an unstoppable force. God targets precisely what they trust in, showing His absolute superiority over all earthly power, making the victory undeniably divine and removing any possibility of human achievement.
Words-group Analysis
- "And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD": This phrase underlines the ultimate divine purpose of the entire Red Sea event. It is not just about rescuing Israel, but about God's self-revelation. The destruction serves as a tangible, irrefutable proof of Yahweh's existence, power, and authority over all other claims to deity. It shifts from Israel knowing God experientially to even His enemies being forced to acknowledge His unparalleled existence and power.
- "when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen": This explicitly states how the Egyptians will come to know Yahweh. God's glory is demonstrated through His judgment and complete triumph over Egypt's most potent forces. The objects of His glory-gaining are specifically the symbols of Egypt's national strength and Pharaoh's personal power and supposed divinity. This acts as a theological statement that God is not only powerful but He is powerful over what is seemingly unbeatable, leaving no room for doubt about His sovereignty.
Exodus 14 18 Bonus Section
- Divine Hardening: This verse is a direct outcome of God's strategic hardening of Pharaoh's heart (Ex 14:4), ensuring Pharaoh would pursue Israel precisely so God could "get glory" from him and his army. God uses even human rebellion to accomplish His ultimate sovereign purposes and reveal His greatness.
- Foundational Revelation: The events at the Red Sea were a foundational act in the relationship between God and Israel. It served as a permanent witness to God's deliverances and judgments, to be recalled in worship, national identity, and future admonitions. This demonstration of His power formed a basis for their obedience and trust.
- A Polemic Against Empire and Idolatry: The verse subtly functions as a powerful polemic not just against Egyptian gods but against the very concept of any earthly power or empire defying the living God. The chariots and horsemen, representing the apex of military might, are effortlessly subdued by divine power, illustrating that ultimate victory belongs only to Yahweh.
Exodus 14 18 Commentary
Exodus 14:18 encapsulates the core theological truth driving the Exodus narrative: God acts for His own glory, specifically by demonstrating His supremacy over all human and idolatrous powers. The spectacular destruction of Pharaoh's army was designed not merely as a practical escape for Israel but as a profound act of divine revelation. Through this unprecedented judgment, Yahweh proves Himself to be the one true God, exposing the impotence of the Egyptian gods and Pharaoh's self-proclaimed divinity. This knowledge gained by the Egyptians, albeit through judgment, secures God's fame among nations, validating His name and demonstrating His covenant power. It ensures that none could mistake the event for a mere natural phenomenon; it was the work of "I AM," for all to know Him.