And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day.

NEHEMIAH 9:10KJV
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Nehemiah 9:10 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 9:10 mean?

Nehemiah 9:10 recalls how God performed miraculous signs and wonders against Pharaoh, his officials, and the people of Egypt because they acted arrogantly toward the Israelites. By doing this, God made a lasting name for Himself that was still recognized in Nehemiah’s time.

In this verse, the Levites are leading the people of Israel in a public prayer, recounting God’s mighty acts during the Exodus. They highlight that God saw the pride and oppression of the Egyptians and responded with powerful miracles, which established His reputation among the nations. The verse is part of a larger confession, reminding the people of God’s faithfulness and power throughout their history.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 9:10

  • "Signs" (אוֹת, 'ot): This word refers to miraculous acts that serve as evidence or proof. Here, it points to the plagues and wonders God used to show His power over Egypt.
  • "Wonders" (מוֹפֵת, mopheth): This word often means extraordinary events that cause amazement. In this context, it emphasizes the supernatural nature of God’s actions during the Exodus.
  • "Proudly" (זָדוֹן, zadon): This word carries the sense of acting with arrogance or insolence. The verse highlights that God responded to the Egyptians’ prideful treatment of Israel.
  • "Name" (שֵׁם, shem): In Hebrew, "name" often means reputation or fame. The verse notes that God’s actions gave Him a reputation that endured through generations.

Why Nehemiah 9:10 matters

  • Nehemiah 9:10 clarifies that God’s miracles in Egypt were not just random acts but direct responses to the Egyptians’ arrogance and oppression of Israel.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s reputation was built on visible, historical acts, not just words or promises, which was important for the Israelites’ faith and identity.
  • This verse connects the people’s present worship and confession to the larger story of God’s faithfulness, reminding them—and readers today—of the enduring impact of God’s actions in history.

Where else these words appear

“proudly” Hebrew H2102 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 25:29 And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:
  • Deuteronomy 1:43 So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD, and went presumptuously up into the hill.
  • Nehemiah 9:16 But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,

“wonders” Hebrew H4159 · used in 35 verses

  • Exodus 4:21 And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.
  • Deuteronomy 28:46 And they shall be upon thee for a sign and for a wonder, and upon thy seed for ever.
  • Psalms 105:27 They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.

“signs” Hebrew H226 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
  • Numbers 17:10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.
  • Psalms 65:8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.