Exodus 10:11 (KJV)

What does Exodus 10:11 mean?

Exodus 10:11 records Pharaoh’s response to Moses and Aaron, where Pharaoh refuses to let all the Israelites go and instead tells only the men to go and serve the LORD, then has Moses and Aaron driven out from his presence. Pharaoh is limiting the request and not granting full freedom for the entire people to worship as they asked.

In this scene, Pharaoh is speaking to Moses and Aaron during the negotiations over letting the Israelites leave Egypt to worship God. Pharaoh’s use of “men” shows he is only willing to let a select group go, not the whole community, which includes women and children. The verse highlights Pharaoh’s continued resistance and control, as well as the tension between his authority and God’s command through Moses.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 10:11

• “men” (אֲנָשִׁים, ʾanashim): This word specifically refers to adult males, not the whole Israelite community. Pharaoh’s use of this term shows he is restricting the permission, not allowing families or the entire nation to leave.
• “serve” (עָבַד, ʿavad): This verb means to work or serve, and in this context, it refers to worshiping or performing religious duties for the LORD. Pharaoh acknowledges their desire to serve God but tries to control how it happens.
• “out” (גָּרַשׁ, garash): This word means to drive out or expel. The verse emphasizes that Moses and Aaron are not just dismissed politely but are forcibly removed from Pharaoh’s presence, showing the hostility and tension.

Why Exodus 10:11 matters

• This verse clarifies that Pharaoh is not truly relenting but is still trying to maintain control by limiting who can go, which sets up the continued conflict and the next plague.
• The use of the word for “men” makes it clear that Pharaoh is not granting real freedom, which is important for understanding why Moses rejects this offer.
• The detail that Moses and Aaron are driven out underscores the seriousness of the confrontation and Pharaoh’s unwillingness to negotiate further at this point.