And the LORD said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.

EXODUS 11:1KJV
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Exodus 11:1 (KJV)

What does Exodus 11:1 mean?

Exodus 11:1 describes God telling Moses that He will bring one final plague upon Pharaoh and Egypt, after which Pharaoh will not only let the Israelites go but will actually drive them out completely. This verse signals a turning point: the coming plague will finally break Pharaoh’s resistance and lead to the Israelites’ release.

In this verse, the LORD (God) is speaking directly to Moses, preparing him for what is about to happen. The situation is tense—after a series of plagues, Pharaoh has still refused to let the Israelites leave Egypt. God now promises that one more act will change everything, and Pharaoh will not just permit but insist that the Israelites leave, ending their long period of slavery.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 11:1

  • The word for "plague" is נֶגַע (nega‘), which often means a blow, strike, or affliction. Here, it emphasizes the severity of what God is about to do—this is not just a minor trouble but a decisive, powerful act.
  • The phrase "he shall surely thrust you out" uses the Hebrew גָּרֵשׁ (garesh), repeated for emphasis. This doubling means Pharaoh will not just allow but forcefully expel the Israelites, showing a total reversal from his previous stubbornness.
  • The word "altogether" is כָּלָה (kalah), meaning completely or entirely. This stresses that Pharaoh’s action will be final and complete, with no half-measures or conditions.

Why Exodus 11:1 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the final plague will be different in its effect—Pharaoh’s attitude will shift from stubborn refusal to urgent expulsion, which is a dramatic change in the story.
  • The language used highlights that the Israelites’ departure will not be negotiated or partial; it will be total and unavoidable, fulfilling God’s promise of deliverance.
  • Understanding this verse helps readers see the buildup of tension in the Exodus story and sets the stage for the significance of the Passover and the actual departure from Egypt.

Where else these words appear

“altogether” Hebrew H3617 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 18:21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
  • Jeremiah 4:27 For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end.
  • Ezekiel 13:13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even rend it with a stormy wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger, and great hailstones in my fury to consume it.

“surely” Hebrew H1644 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • Leviticus 21:14 A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, or an harlot, these shall he not take: but he shall take a virgin of his own people to wife.
  • 1 Chronicles 17:21 And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt?

“plague” Hebrew H5061 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 12:17 And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife.
  • Leviticus 13:44 He is a leprous man, he is unclean: the priest shall pronounce him utterly unclean; his plague is in his head.
  • Leviticus 14:37 And he shall look on the plague, and, behold, if the plague be in the walls of the house with hollow strakes, greenish or reddish, which in sight are lower than the wall;