Exodus 9:27 (KJV)

What does Exodus 9:27 mean?

Exodus 9:27 shows Pharaoh admitting to Moses and Aaron that he has sinned, declaring that the LORD is righteous and that he and his people are wicked. This is a rare moment where Pharaoh openly confesses wrongdoing and acknowledges the justice of Israel’s God.

Pharaoh is speaking to Moses and Aaron after the seventh plague, which was a devastating hailstorm sent by God. In the middle of this crisis, Pharaoh calls for Moses and Aaron and makes this confession, likely because of the overwhelming destruction. His words show a clear contrast between the character of the LORD (righteous) and the guilt of himself and his people (wicked), which is not something Pharaoh usually admits.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 9:27

• "Sinned" (חָטָאתי, ḥāṭā’ti): This word means to miss the mark or do wrong. Pharaoh’s use of it is significant because he rarely admits fault in the story.
• "Righteous" (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq): This word means just or morally right. Pharaoh calls the LORD tsaddiq, highlighting God’s fairness compared to Pharaoh’s own actions.
• "Wicked" (רָשָׁע, rasha‘): This word means evil or guilty. Pharaoh includes both himself and his people, showing a broad admission of guilt, not just a personal one.

Why Exodus 9:27 matters

• Pharaoh’s confession stands out in the story, since he usually resists Moses and refuses to acknowledge the LORD’s authority; this moment shows the pressure he feels during the plagues.
• The verse highlights a sharp moral contrast: Pharaoh admits the LORD is just, while he and his people are not, which underlines the reason for the plagues.
• This admission is important in the wider narrative, as it shows that even the most stubborn opponent of God’s will can be brought to recognize the truth, at least in words, under extreme circumstances.