Exodus 10:16 (KJV)

What does Exodus 10:16 mean?

Exodus 10:16 shows Pharaoh urgently summoning Moses and Aaron and admitting that he has sinned against both the LORD (the God of Israel) and against them personally. Pharaoh’s words are a direct confession after the devastating plague of locusts, expressing his guilt and desperation.

In this verse, Pharaoh is speaking to Moses and Aaron during the series of plagues in Egypt. The situation is tense: the land has just been ravaged by locusts, and Pharaoh, in a hurry, calls for Moses and Aaron. His confession is significant because he acknowledges wrongdoing not only against God (using the specific name for Israel’s God) but also against the two leaders themselves, showing a moment of humility or at least distress.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 10:16

• חָטָא (chata) — “sinned”: This word means to miss the mark or do wrong. Pharaoh’s use of it here is a rare admission of fault, especially from someone in his position, and highlights the seriousness of the situation.
• מִהַר (mihēr) — “in haste”: This word shows Pharaoh’s urgency. He is not acting out of routine but out of immediate fear and anxiety, which underlines how severe the plague’s impact is on him.

Why Exodus 10:16 matters

• This verse marks one of the few times Pharaoh openly admits his guilt, which is notable given his repeated stubbornness throughout the plagues.
• The urgency in Pharaoh’s actions shows just how desperate the situation in Egypt has become, helping readers understand the escalating pressure of the plagues.
• By confessing to both God and Moses and Aaron, Pharaoh recognizes the authority and role of Moses and Aaron as God’s representatives, which is a key theme in the larger story of Exodus.