Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.

EXODUS 6:1KJV
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Exodus 6:1 (KJV)

What does Exodus 6:1 mean?

Exodus 6:1 records God telling Moses that Moses will soon witness what God will do to Pharaoh: Pharaoh will not only let the Israelites go, but will drive them out of Egypt with force. God is assuring Moses that Pharaoh’s resistance will be overcome by God’s power, and the Israelites’ release is certain.

In this verse, the LORD is speaking directly to Moses, who has just expressed discouragement after Pharaoh made life harder for the Israelites. God responds by promising decisive action against Pharaoh. The verse sets up the coming events where God’s strength will be displayed, and Pharaoh, despite his stubbornness, will be compelled to send the Israelites away.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 6:1

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing His covenant relationship and faithfulness to His promises.
  • "Strong" (חָזָק, chazaq) and "hand" (יָד, yad): The phrase "with a strong hand" is repeated twice, highlighting the idea of overwhelming force or power. It shows that Pharaoh’s actions will not be voluntary but forced by God’s might.
  • "Drive them out" (גָּרַשׁ, garash): This word means to expel or force out, not just allow to leave. It stresses that Pharaoh will be so eager to get rid of the Israelites that he will actively push them out.

Why Exodus 6:1 matters

  • Exodus 6:1 clarifies that Israel’s deliverance is not just a negotiation but will happen through God’s direct intervention and power, not Pharaoh’s goodwill.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s control over the situation, reassuring both Moses and the reader that God’s promises will be fulfilled despite setbacks.
  • This verse marks a turning point in the story, shifting from Moses’ doubts and Pharaoh’s defiance to God’s unfolding plan to free His people with unmistakable authority.

Where else these words appear

“out” 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?

“strong” Hebrew H2389 · used in 54 verses

  • Exodus 3:19 And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.
  • Deuteronomy 34:12 And in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses shewed in the sight of all Israel.
  • Isaiah 27:1 In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.