But as for thee and thy servants, I know that ye will not yet fear the LORD God.

EXODUS 9:30KJV
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Exodus 9:30 (KJV)

What does Exodus 9:30 mean?

Exodus 9:30 shows Moses telling Pharaoh that he knows Pharaoh and his officials still do not truly respect or fear the LORD God, even though they are asking for relief from the plagues. Moses is pointing out that their hearts have not changed, and their requests are not coming from real reverence for God.

In this scene, Moses is speaking directly to Pharaoh during the plague of hail in Egypt. Pharaoh has just asked Moses to pray for the hail to stop, promising to let the Israelites go. Moses responds honestly, saying he knows Pharaoh and his servants are not yet ready to truly honor or submit to God. This highlights the ongoing stubbornness and lack of genuine repentance in Pharaoh’s court.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 9:30

  • "Servants" (עֶבֶד, ʿeved): This word refers to Pharaoh’s officials or attendants. Moses includes them with Pharaoh, showing that the resistance to God is not just one man’s attitude but shared by his leadership.
  • "Know" (יָדַע, yadaʿ): This verb often means more than intellectual knowledge; it can imply deep understanding or certainty. Moses is not guessing—he is sure of their lack of true fear.
  • "Fear" (יָרֵא, yareʾ): This word means to stand in awe of, to revere, or to be afraid of. Moses is saying Pharaoh and his servants do not yet have a real sense of awe or respect for the LORD.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH) and "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): The use of both names together emphasizes that Moses is speaking about the God of Israel, who is both the personal covenant God (YHWH) and the powerful Creator (Elohim).

Why Exodus 9:30 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Pharaoh’s promises to let Israel go are not sincere; Moses sees through the outward words to the unchanged heart.
  • The verse highlights a key theme in Exodus: true fear or reverence for God is more than just wanting relief from trouble—it involves a real change in attitude.
  • By including Pharaoh’s servants, the verse shows that resistance to God’s will can be widespread among those in power, not just the leader alone.