Exodus 10:1 (KJV)

What does Exodus 10:1 mean?

Exodus 10:1 records God telling Moses to go to Pharaoh because God has made Pharaoh’s heart and his officials’ hearts stubborn, so that God can display His signs to them. This verse sets up the next confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh, showing that God is actively involved in the unfolding events.

In this scene, the LORD (God) is speaking directly to Moses, instructing him to approach Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. The verse explains that God has intentionally made Pharaoh and his servants resistant (“hardened their hearts”) in order to demonstrate God’s power through miraculous signs. This moment is part of the ongoing struggle between God’s will and Pharaoh’s stubbornness, leading up to the final plagues.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 10:1

• The word “hardened” comes from כָּבֵד (kavéd), which often means “to make heavy” or “to make stubborn.” Here, it suggests that Pharaoh’s heart is not just stubborn but weighed down, unable or unwilling to respond to God’s demands.
• The word “heart” is לֵב (lev), which in Hebrew thinking refers not just to emotions but to the inner will or decision-making center. God is affecting Pharaoh’s core resolve, not just his feelings.
• The word “signs” is אוֹת (ot), meaning a sign or miracle. This word highlights that the plagues and wonders are meant to be visible demonstrations of God’s power, not just random disasters.
• The word “shew” is שִׁית (shith), meaning “to set” or “to place.” In this context, it carries the idea of putting these signs right in front of Pharaoh, making them impossible to ignore.

Why Exodus 10:1 matters

• This verse clarifies that Pharaoh’s stubbornness is not just personal pride but is part of God’s larger plan to reveal His power and purpose.
• Exodus 10:1 helps explain why the plagues continue even when Pharaoh seems ready to give in; God is using these events to make a point to Egypt and to future generations.
• The verse connects to the wider story by showing that God’s actions are intentional and purposeful, not random or reactionary, setting the stage for the dramatic events that follow.