And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

EXODUS 14:17KJV
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Exodus 14:17 (KJV)

What does Exodus 14:17 mean?

Exodus 14:17 says that God will make the Egyptians determined to pursue the Israelites, and by doing so, God will show His power and gain honor for Himself through what happens to Pharaoh, his army, his chariots, and his horsemen. This verse highlights that the coming events are not just about escape, but about God demonstrating His greatness to everyone watching.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses as the Israelites are trapped between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army. God explains that He will "harden the hearts" of the Egyptians so they will chase after the Israelites, setting up a situation where God’s deliverance will be unmistakable. The focus is on God’s intention to be recognized as powerful and worthy of honor, not just by Israel but by the Egyptians and the world.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 14:17

  • The word "harden" (חָזַק, ḥazaq) means to make strong, firm, or stubborn. Here, it suggests that God will strengthen the Egyptians’ resolve, making them determined to pursue, even when it seems unwise.
  • "Hearts" (לֵב, lev) in Hebrew often refers to the inner will or determination, not just emotions. God is influencing their decision-making at the deepest level.
  • "Honour" (כָּבֵד, kaveid) means to make heavy or weighty, and by extension, to give glory or importance. God’s actions are meant to show His significance and authority in a way that cannot be ignored.

Why Exodus 14:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Egyptians’ pursuit was not just their own stubbornness, but part of a larger plan where God is actively involved in the unfolding events.
  • It emphasizes that the coming miracle at the Red Sea is about more than just rescue; it is about God being recognized as powerful and worthy of honor by all nations.
  • Understanding the meaning of "harden" and "honour" in the original Hebrew helps readers see that God’s actions are purposeful, aiming to reveal His character and authority through the story.

Where else these words appear

“horsemen” Hebrew H6571 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 50:9 And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company.
  • 1 Kings 10:26 And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.
  • Isaiah 22:6 And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.

“chariots” Hebrew H7393 · used in 104 verses

  • Genesis 50:9 And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company.
  • 1 Kings 16:9 And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah.
  • 2 Chronicles 12:3 With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.

“honour” Hebrew H3513 · used in 109 verses

  • Genesis 13:2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
  • 2 Samuel 10:3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?
  • Proverbs 12:9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.