Exodus 7:13 kjv

And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

Exodus 7:13 nkjv

And Pharaoh's heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, as the LORD had said.

Exodus 7:13 niv

Yet Pharaoh's heart became hard and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.

Exodus 7:13 esv

Still Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the LORD had said.

Exodus 7:13 nlt

Pharaoh's heart, however, remained hard. He still refused to listen, just as the LORD had predicted.

Exodus 7 verses

Exodus 7 13 Meaning

Exodus 7:13 conveys that God confirmed or intensified Pharaoh's resolve against Moses and Aaron, causing him to refuse their divine command. This outcome precisely aligned with God's prior declaration, underscoring His sovereign foreknowledge and control over all events. Pharaoh's unyielding heart led to his continued disobedience to Yahweh's demand to release the Israelites.

Exodus 7 13 Context

Exodus chapter 7 begins a pivotal phase in the biblical narrative where Moses and Aaron directly confront Pharaoh. After repeated attempts by Moses to approach Pharaoh, often met with refusal, God escalates the situation by performing a demonstrative sign through Aaron's staff turning into a serpent. Pharaoh's magicians counter by performing similar feats, which, though seemingly comparable, are ultimately shown to be inferior when Aaron's staff swallows theirs. Exodus 7:13 immediately follows this miraculous event and Pharaoh's initial unresponsiveness. It explains that Pharaoh's continued refusal to listen was not arbitrary but divinely purposed and foretold, setting the stage for the escalating plagues. The verse is part of a larger theological discourse on God's absolute sovereignty over earthly powers and His commitment to His covenant promises to Israel. This period highlights the spiritual warfare between Yahweh and the gods of Egypt, where Pharaoh functions as their human representative.

Exodus 7 13 Word analysis

• And: Connects the outcome of the magicians' failure and Aaron's staff's victory with the subsequent event.
• he: Refers to "the LORD" mentioned at the end of the verse. It indicates God's active role in hardening Pharaoh's heart at this point in the narrative, following Pharaoh's initial self-hardening or stubbornness (e.g., Ex 7:4).
• hardened: (Hebrew: וַיֶּחֱזַק, vayyechezak from the root חָזַק, chazaq). This root means "to be strong," "to be firm," or "to grasp." When used causatively, as here, it means "to make strong," "to strengthen," or "to harden." In theological terms, this refers to God either allowing Pharaoh's natural stubbornness to manifest fully, intensifying his resistance, or confirming his existing rebellious disposition for His own sovereign purposes. It denotes a deliberate divine action that confirms Pharaoh's defiance.
• Pharaoh's heart: (Hebrew: לֵב פַּרְעֹה, lev parʿoh). In the ancient Near East, the "heart" was considered the center of intellect, will, and moral decision-making, not merely emotions. A "hardened heart" implies a mind closed to divine truth, an unyielding will, and a refusal to submit or consider. It signifies Pharaoh's entire inner being made stubbornly resistant.
• that he hearkened not: (Hebrew: וְלֹא שָׁמַע, welo shama from שָׁמַע, shama). While shama means "to hear" or "to listen," in this context, it unequivocally implies "to obey," "to heed," or "to give careful attention to." Pharaoh physically heard Moses and Aaron's words but refused to act upon them, demonstrating his willful disobedience.
• unto them: Referring to Moses and Aaron, who acted as God's designated messengers. Pharaoh's defiance was directed at them, and thus, ultimately, at Yahweh Himself.
• as the LORD had said: (Hebrew: כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה, ka'asher dibber YHVH). This phrase is crucial. It asserts God's foreknowledge and unwavering commitment to His word, reassuring Moses that Pharaoh's resistance was anticipated and part of the divine plan (referencing previous declarations like Ex 4:21; 7:3-4). It underscores God's sovereignty over historical events and His covenant faithfulness.

Exodus 7 13 Bonus section

The narrative of Pharaoh's hardening presents a profound theological paradox, showcasing the intricate interplay between human responsibility and divine sovereignty. Initially, Pharaoh hardens his own heart (Ex 7:4, and implied through his previous refusals), indicating his free choice in defiance. However, after a point, God actively hardens Pharaoh's heart (as in Ex 7:13 and subsequent verses), not coercing him against his nature, but intensifying or confirming his existing rebellion to bring about a greater divine purpose. This purpose included demonstrating God's supreme power over all of Egypt's gods and ruler, ultimately leading to Israel's exodus. God uses Pharaoh's obstinacy as a platform to reveal His glory, ensure His name is declared throughout the earth, and demonstrate His justice against those who defiantly oppose Him. This also teaches Israel about Yahweh's absolute authority and power as their deliverer.

Exodus 7 13 Commentary

Exodus 7:13 marks the divine confirmation of Pharaoh's hardened stance, setting in motion the series of plagues. After the initial sign with Aaron's staff and the magicians' attempts to replicate it, Pharaoh remains defiant, not because the sign was unclear, but because God has intensified his already resistant will. This hardening serves a multifaceted divine purpose: it glorifies Yahweh's power over all Egyptian gods, demonstrates His ultimate sovereignty, ensures the comprehensive deliverance of Israel, and displays His just judgment against unyielding pride. It confirms God's word (foretelling this resistance) and ensures the complete humiliation of Pharaoh and the redemption of God's chosen people through miraculous displays of power, validating His unique status as the only true God.