Exodus 7:13 (KJV)

What does Exodus 7:13 mean?

Exodus 7:13 says that God made Pharaoh’s heart stubborn so that Pharaoh would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as God had previously said would happen. This verse highlights that Pharaoh’s refusal was not a surprise, but something God had already foretold.

In this scene, Moses and Aaron are confronting Pharaoh, asking him to let the Israelites go. Despite witnessing signs and wonders, Pharaoh remains unmoved. The verse emphasizes that Pharaoh’s resistance is part of a pattern that God had warned about, underlining both God’s foreknowledge and Pharaoh’s hardened attitude.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 7:13

• "hardened" (חָזַק, chazaq): This word often means to strengthen or make firm. Here, it suggests that Pharaoh’s heart was made stubborn or unyielding, not just emotionally resistant but firmly set against letting the Israelites go.
• "heart" (לֵב, lev): In Hebrew thought, the "heart" refers to the inner self—will, mind, and emotions. The verse is describing Pharaoh’s whole inner attitude, not just his feelings.
• "hearkened" (שָׁמַע, shama): This word means to listen or obey. Pharaoh’s refusal wasn’t just about hearing Moses and Aaron, but about refusing to respond or act on what they said.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God used in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing God’s active role and authority in the events.

Why Exodus 7:13 matters

• This verse clarifies that Pharaoh’s stubbornness was not unexpected; it was something God had already told Moses would happen, showing that the unfolding events were under God’s control.
• The use of the word "hardened" signals that Pharaoh’s resistance was not just a passing mood but a deliberate, deep-seated refusal, which sets the stage for the dramatic confrontations that follow.
• Understanding the Hebrew words helps readers see that this is about more than just Pharaoh’s emotions; it’s about his entire will and attitude being set against God’s command.