Exodus 10:17 (KJV)

What does Exodus 10:17 mean?

Exodus 10:17 shows Pharaoh urgently asking Moses to forgive his sin just this one time and to plead with the LORD God to remove the deadly plague from Egypt. Pharaoh is desperate for relief and admits his wrongdoing, but his request is focused on ending the immediate crisis.

Pharaoh is speaking to Moses after Egypt has been devastated by a plague of locusts, one of the disasters God sent because Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go. Pharaoh’s words reveal that he recognizes his actions as sin and seeks forgiveness, but his main concern is escaping the consequences (“this death”) rather than a true change of heart. The verse highlights Pharaoh’s pattern of temporary repentance under pressure.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 10:17

• "forgive" (נָשָׂא, nāśā’): This word often means to lift or carry away, so Pharaoh is asking Moses to “lift away” his guilt, not just overlook it. It shows he wants the burden of his wrongdoing removed.
• "sin" (חַטָּאָה, ḥaṭṭā’āh): This word refers to missing the mark or wrongdoing. Pharaoh admits he has done wrong, but only asks forgiveness for “this once,” hinting at a limited or reluctant confession.
• "intreat" (עָתַר, ‘āṯar): This word means to plead or intercede earnestly. Pharaoh is asking Moses to act as a go-between with God, showing he feels unable or unworthy to approach God himself.
• "death" (מָוֶת, māweṯ): Here, “death” refers to the deadly threat of the locusts destroying Egypt’s food supply, not just physical death. Pharaoh calls the plague “this death,” showing how severe and life-threatening it is.

Why Exodus 10:17 matters

• This verse clears up the idea that Pharaoh’s repentance was deep or lasting; his request is focused on immediate relief, not real change.
• The language shows Pharaoh recognizes Moses’ unique relationship with God, since he asks Moses to intercede rather than praying himself.
• Exodus 10:17 connects to the wider story by showing a repeated cycle: Pharaoh admits fault when suffering, but his heart remains unchanged once the crisis passes.