Exodus 10:7 (KJV)

What does Exodus 10:7 mean?

Exodus 10:7 shows Pharaoh’s own officials urging him to release the Israelite men to worship their God. They see Moses’ continued presence as a threat to Egypt and believe Pharaoh has failed to recognize how severely the country has suffered.

The officials call Moses “a snare,” picturing him as a trap that brings danger upon them. Their question, “How long?” shows their growing impatience after Moses has warned of another plague.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 10:7

• “snare” — מוֹקֵשׁ (moqesh): A trap or something that catches and endangers. The word gives the officials’ complaint a vivid image: they see Moses as a source of danger to Egypt.
• “destroyed” — אָבַד (avad): To perish or be ruined. The officials use forceful language to describe Egypt’s condition as they plead with Pharaoh.

Why Exodus 10:7 matters

• The pressure on Pharaoh now comes from within his own court. His “servants,” or officials, speak openly against his continued refusal.
• The officials’ proposed release is specific. They say “let the men go,” a detail that becomes important when Pharaoh later asks who will go and refuses Moses’ request to take the whole community (verses 8–11).