Exodus 10:8 (KJV)

What does Exodus 10:8 mean?

Exodus 10:8 describes how Moses and Aaron were brought back to Pharaoh, who told them they could go and serve the LORD their God, but then questioned who exactly would be going. Pharaoh is not simply granting permission; he is probing for details about who will leave Egypt.

In this scene, Pharaoh is speaking to Moses and Aaron after a series of plagues have struck Egypt. Pharaoh’s question, “but who are they that shall go?” shows his reluctance to let all the Israelites leave and hints at his desire to control or limit their departure. The verse sets up a negotiation, revealing Pharaoh’s ongoing resistance and the tension between his words and intentions.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 10:8

• “Go” (יֵלְכוּ, yēlĕḵû) and “go” (הָלֹךְ, hāloḵ): Both words relate to movement, but the first is Pharaoh’s command for Moses and Aaron to “Go,” while the second is his question about who will actually “go.” The repetition highlights Pharaoh’s suspicion and desire for specifics.
• “Serve” (עָבַד, ʿāvad): This word means to work or serve, often in the sense of worship. Pharaoh uses it to refer to the Israelites’ request to worship the LORD, but it can also carry the sense of labor, which is part of the tension in the story.
• “LORD” (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the specific name for the God of Israel, emphasizing that the request is not just for any religious observance, but for worship of their particular God, which Pharaoh recognizes but does not honor.

Why Exodus 10:8 matters

• This verse shows Pharaoh’s ongoing resistance and lack of trust, even after repeated signs and plagues, by questioning who will actually leave.
• The verse highlights the negotiation process between Pharaoh and Moses, making clear that Pharaoh is not fully yielding but is trying to maintain control.
• Understanding Pharaoh’s question helps explain the escalation of the conflict and why the plagues continue, as Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened and he is unwilling to let the entire people go.