Exodus 3 19

Exodus 3:19 kjv

And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.

Exodus 3:19 nkjv

But I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not even by a mighty hand.

Exodus 3:19 niv

But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him.

Exodus 3:19 esv

But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand.

Exodus 3:19 nlt

"But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand forces him.

Exodus 3 verses

Exodus 3 19 Meaning

Exodus 3:19 reveals God's divine foreknowledge and certainty regarding Pharaoh's initial refusal to release the Israelites. God assures Moses that the ruler of Egypt will not voluntarily permit His people to leave, indicating that diplomatic requests or minor concessions will be insufficient. Instead, Pharaoh's obstinacy will necessitate the demonstration of overwhelming divine power, described as God's "mighty hand," which will compel Pharaoh to relent. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic display of God's power through the plagues, culminating in the Exodus.

Exodus 3 19 Context

Exodus 3 narrates the pivotal moment of Moses' calling at the burning bush. God reveals His divine name, "I AM WHO I AM" (Yahweh), and outlines His plan to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage. Amidst Moses' initial reluctance and questions about the task ahead, God reassures him by foretelling the entire process. Verse 19 specifically addresses Moses' anticipated difficulty: even though God commands Pharaoh to let His people go, Pharaoh will resist. This resistance is crucial, as it sets the stage for God's awe-inspiring intervention. Historically, Egypt was a formidable power, and Pharaoh was revered as a living deity, an absolute ruler whose word was law. The idea of slaves demanding release, backed by an unseen deity, would have been preposterous and insulting to the Egyptian worldview. This verse foreshadows God's direct challenge to Pharaoh's authority and to the false gods of Egypt, asserting Yahweh's ultimate sovereignty.

Exodus 3 19 Word Analysis

• And I am sure (וַאֲנִי יָדַעְתִּי - wa'anī yāda‘tî):

  • וַאֲנִי (wa'anī): "And I." The inclusion of the pronoun "I" after the conjunction "and" is emphatic in Hebrew, emphasizing God as the speaker. It underlines divine authority and agency.
  • יָדַעְתִּי (yāda‘tî): "I have known" or "I am sure." This is the Qal Perfect first common singular of the verb יָדַע (yāda‘), meaning "to know." The perfect tense here conveys completed action, signifying God's absolute, certain, and prior knowledge of future events. This is not conjecture but a statement of divine omniscience and predestination within His plan. God knows the beginning and the end.

• that the king of Egypt (כִּי לֹא־יִתֵּן אֶתְכֶם מֶלֶךְ מִצְרַיִם - kî lo’-yitten ’etḵem meleḵ miṣrayim):

  • מֶלֶךְ מִצְרַיִם (meleḵ miṣrayim): "King of Egypt." This refers to Pharaoh, the most powerful man on earth at that time, worshipped as a god by his people. This contrast between the supreme human authority and the absolute divine authority of Yahweh is central to the Exodus narrative.

• will not let you go (לֹא־יִתֵּן אֶתְכֶם לַהֲלֹךְ - lo’-yitten ’etḵem lahalōḵ):

  • לֹא־יִתֵּן (lo’-yitten): "He will not give/permit." This highlights Pharaoh's determined resistance, indicating he will not easily yield to God's command or Moses' appeals.

• no, not by a mighty hand (וְלֹא בְּיָד חֲזָקָה׃ - wəlo’ bəyāḏ ḥăzaqāh):

  • וְלֹא (wəlo’): "And not." This strong negative reinforces Pharaoh's stubbornness.
  • בְּיָד חֲזָקָה (bəyāḏ ḥăzaqāh): "by/with a strong hand." This phrase is pivotal and highly significant, occurring dozens of times in relation to the Exodus.
    • יָד (yāḏ): "Hand," a metonymy for power, strength, and agency. It symbolizes direct action.
    • חֲזָקָה (ḥăzaqāh): "Mighty," "strong," "hard." An adjective describing the hand. It denotes immense power, forceful action, and decisive intervention.
  • Interpretation of "no, not by a mighty hand": This phrase has been interpreted in different ways:
    • Interpretation A (less common but possible initial reading): Pharaoh will not let them go even without the application of a mighty hand, meaning he is so obstinate he wouldn't budge even if it seemed easy.
    • Interpretation B (most common and supported by subsequent events, e.g., Ex 3:20): Pharaoh will not let them go until compelled by a mighty hand, or "unless by a mighty hand." This indicates that God's forceful intervention is the only means by which Pharaoh will eventually concede. God is prophesying the necessity of His intervention, as a simple request will fail.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go": This reveals God's divine insight into human nature, particularly into the heart of a powerful and arrogant ruler. It underscores that God anticipates obstacles and has already formulated a response, providing assurance to Moses.
  • "no, not by a mighty hand": This phrase immediately points to the means of Israel's deliverance. It emphasizes that negotiation or persuasion will be futile; only a demonstration of overwhelming divine power, exceeding human might, will secure their release. This serves as a prophetic statement about the plagues and the Red Sea event. The power will not come from Moses or Israel, but from God alone.

Exodus 3 19 Bonus Section

• The divine foreknowledge presented in this verse ("And I am sure...") does not negate human free will but frames it within God's overarching purpose. Pharaoh's subsequent choices to harden his heart, though foreseen, remain his own. God then responds to or utilizes that resistance for His greater glory (Ex 4:21, 7:3).
• The phrase "mighty hand" (יָד חֲזָקָה - yāḏ ḥăzaqāh) becomes a foundational theological concept for Israel, repeatedly serving as a powerful shorthand throughout the Old Testament to refer to God's unique, miraculous, and overwhelming deliverance from Egypt. It serves as a reminder of God's capacity to save His people from impossible situations and fulfill His promises.
• This verse foreshadows a cosmic struggle. The impending conflict is not merely political but theological, challenging Pharaoh's claim to divinity and establishing Yahweh as the one true, powerful God over all other so-called gods (Ex 12:12, Num 33:4).

Exodus 3 19 Commentary

Exodus 3:19 encapsulates God's strategic foresight and commitment to His covenant with Israel. It communicates a foundational truth: God is omniscient, aware of every impediment, and sovereign over all opposition, even from the most powerful earthly ruler. Pharaoh's resistance, far from being an unforeseen hurdle, is woven into God's plan. This pre-announced defiance serves a divine purpose: to provide the necessary catalyst for God to unleash His unprecedented "mighty hand." This display of power not only delivers Israel but also publicly humbles Egypt's false gods and their divine ruler, demonstrating Yahweh's unparalleled supremacy. It reassures Moses that while the task seems daunting, God is fully in control and has already predetermined the ultimate outcome, assuring ultimate victory not by human strength or cunning, but by divine might alone.