Exodus 9:12 kjv

And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses.

Exodus 9:12 nkjv

But the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh; and he did not heed them, just as the LORD had spoken to Moses.

Exodus 9:12 niv

But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart and he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said to Moses.

Exodus 9:12 esv

But the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he did not listen to them, as the LORD had spoken to Moses.

Exodus 9:12 nlt

But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and just as the LORD had predicted to Moses, Pharaoh refused to listen.

Exodus 9 verses

Exodus 9 12 Meaning

Exodus 9:12 describes a pivotal moment in the series of plagues where, following the sixth plague (boils), the LORD supernaturally intensified Pharaoh's resolve and resistance. This action by God ensured Pharaoh would not heed Moses and Aaron's plea to release Israel. The verse emphasizes divine sovereignty, indicating that this hardening of Pharaoh’s heart was not a random occurrence but a deliberate act in fulfillment of God's prior prophetic declaration to Moses, ensuring His ultimate plan and glory would unfold.

Exodus 9 12 Context

Exodus chapter 9 details the sixth and seventh plagues on Egypt: boils and hail. Leading up to verse 12, Pharaoh had consistently demonstrated self-hardened stubbornness after previous plagues were relieved (Ex 7:13, 8:15, 8:32, 9:7). Each instance saw Pharaoh refuse to release the Israelites, despite the escalating severity and specificity of the plagues and the admission by his own magicians that the plagues were "the finger of God" (Ex 8:19). Verse 12 marks a transition where the narrative explicitly states that the LORD takes over the hardening, shifting from Pharaoh's volitional resistance to divine judicial hardening. This particular hardening prepares for the even more devastating plagues to come, aligning with God's stated purpose of displaying His mighty power and ensuring Pharaoh’s full defiance for an ultimate demonstration of God's supremacy over Egypt and its gods.

Exodus 9 12 Word analysis

• But: This conjunction signifies a strong contrast. Prior verses indicated Pharaoh's own hardening or his heart "being hardened" passively. Here, it explicitly introduces the LORD's direct, active intervention in hardening Pharaoh's heart.
• the LORD: The covenant name of God, Yahweh (YHWH), highlighting His personal, active involvement in human history and His unique identity as the sovereign God who fulfills His promises and judgments.
• hardened: The Hebrew word used here is חָזַק (ḥāzaq), meaning "to be strong," "to be firm," "to strengthen." When used with a heart, it implies making it firm, resolute, or rigid in its refusal. Unlike other Hebrew words for hardening (e.g., כָּבֵד kavēd, "to be heavy" or "dull," used for Pharaoh's self-hardening; קָשָׁה qashah, "to be stiff"), chazaq can also denote positive strengthening. Here, in the context of Pharaoh, it's a strengthening of his existing stubborn will towards resistance, a judicial act by God to bring His plan to fruition.
• Pharaoh's heart: In ancient thought, the heart (לֵב lev or לֵבָב levav) was not just the seat of emotion but primarily the center of the intellect, will, and moral decision-making. Thus, "hardening Pharaoh's heart" means God confirmed or strengthened his resolve and willful defiance. This was not a negation of Pharaoh's existing will, but an intensification of it towards a pre-determined outcome.
• and he would not listen to them: This phrase states the immediate, observable consequence of the hardened heart. Pharaoh’s refusal to heed Moses and Aaron was not accidental; it was the direct result and purpose of the divine hardening, allowing the plagues to continue.
• just as: This adverbial phrase signals the fulfillment of prophecy and divine decree. It links this event directly back to earlier divine pronouncements, highlighting God’s precise foreknowledge and control.
• the LORD had spoken to Moses: Refers to explicit predictions made by God to Moses, specifically in Exodus 4:21 ("I will harden his heart") and 7:3 ("I will harden Pharaoh’s heart"). This underscores God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His plan of redemption and judgment.

• "But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart": This specific phrasing marks a turning point in the Exodus narrative's description of Pharaoh's hardening. Prior to this, the text often described Pharaoh himself hardening his heart (Ex 7:13, 8:15, 8:32, 9:7) or his heart being "hardened" passively (Ex 7:14, 7:22). Here, after repeated self-hardening and ignoring multiple opportunities to repent, God directly takes the action of hardening, turning Pharaoh over to the full implications of his chosen rebellion. It's a judicial act.
• "just as the LORD had spoken to Moses": This phrase is crucial for understanding the theological framework of the passage. It removes any notion of randomness or human surprise regarding Pharaoh's obstinacy. God had declared His intentions to Moses long before the plagues began, signifying His ultimate control over history and His purposes. This reinforces God's divine authorship of the unfolding events and His reliable word.

Exodus 9 12 Bonus section

The concept of divine hardening often raises questions about human free will. Biblically, Pharaoh’s hardening by God (Ex 9:12 and subsequent verses) happens after Pharaoh had repeatedly hardened his own heart. This sequence suggests God's hardening is a judicial act, a divine judgment upon a heart already inclined toward rebellion. It’s an intensification of existing sin, rather than the imposition of sin where none existed. Pharaoh had consistently chosen defiance, and God's action confirmed his will, allowing His ultimate plan of liberation and demonstration of power to unfold. This demonstrates God’s ability to use even human wickedness to accomplish His perfect will, showing His supreme authority over all creation and rulers, for the glorification of His name and the redemption of His people.

Exodus 9 12 Commentary

Exodus 9:12 serves as a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty in the face of human resistance. After Pharaoh had repeatedly and volitionally hardened his own heart against the first five plagues, rejecting ample opportunity to comply with God's command, the text marks a decisive shift. Here, God actively strengthens Pharaoh’s existing obstinacy through a judicial act of hardening. This was not about making a good man evil, but about firming the resolve of an already defiant king to serve God's greater redemptive and demonstrative purposes. The verse emphasizes that this divine intervention was neither arbitrary nor a desperate measure, but precisely what God "had spoken" to Moses from the very beginning of the commission. This fulfilled prophecy demonstrates God's foreknowledge and His orchestration of events, ensuring His mighty power and glory would be fully revealed through Pharaoh's persistent refusal, leading to the miraculous Exodus and the worldwide recognition of Yahweh's unparalleled supremacy over all other gods and rulers.