Exodus 7:22 (KJV)

What does Exodus 7:22 mean?

Exodus 7:22 describes how the magicians of Egypt were able to imitate the miracle Moses and Aaron performed by turning water into blood, which led Pharaoh to harden his heart and refuse to listen, just as God had predicted. The verse shows that Pharaoh was unmoved by the sign, remaining stubborn and unwilling to change his mind.

In this scene, Moses and Aaron have just performed a miracle before Pharaoh, turning the Nile and other waters of Egypt into blood. The Egyptian magicians, using their own secret arts, manage to produce a similar effect, which gives Pharaoh an excuse to ignore Moses and Aaron’s warning. The verse emphasizes Pharaoh’s resistance and the fulfillment of God’s earlier statement that Pharaoh would not listen.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 7:22

• "magicians" (חַרְטֻמִּים, chartummim): This word refers to the Egyptian wise men or occult practitioners who used rituals or secret arts. Their ability to imitate the miracle is meant to show their skill, but also the limits of their power compared to God’s.
• "enchantments" (לַהֲטֵיהֶם, lahatayhem): This term points to magical practices or secret arts, suggesting the magicians used rituals or tricks rather than true divine power.
• "hardened" (חָזַק, chazaq): This word carries the sense of becoming strong or stubborn. Here, it means Pharaoh’s heart became firm or obstinate, not just emotionally unmoved but actively resistant.
• "hearken" (שָׁמַע, shama): This verb means to listen or obey. In this context, it highlights Pharaoh’s refusal to pay attention or respond to Moses and Aaron’s message.

Why Exodus 7:22 matters

• The verse clarifies that Pharaoh’s resistance was not just ignorance but a deliberate hardening of his heart, even in the face of miraculous signs.
• Exodus 7:22 shows that the magicians’ imitation gave Pharaoh a reason to dismiss Moses and Aaron, making it clear that signs alone would not change his mind.
• This verse connects to the larger theme in Exodus of God predicting Pharaoh’s stubbornness, showing that the unfolding events are happening just as God said they would.