Exodus 14:17
What does Exodus 14:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Exodus 14:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Exodus 14:17 means
God explicitly states His intention to harden the hearts of the Egyptians further, ensuring they will follow Israel into the divided sea. This divine action guarantees that God will achieve great honor over Pharaoh, his entire army, chariots, and horsemen. This highlights God's sovereignty over both His people and His adversaries, revealing His purpose to demonstrate His supreme power and judgment through the complete destruction of Egypt's military pursuing Israel into the trap He has laid.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall go in after them: and I will get me honor upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall go in after them: and I will get me honor upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And I will make the heart of the Egyptians hard, and they will go in after them: and I will be honoured over Pharaoh and over his army, his war-carriages, and his horsemen.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And I--lo, I am strengthening the heart of the Egyptians, and they go in after them, and I am honoured on Pharaoh, and on all his force, on his chariots, and on his horsemen;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And I will harden the heart of the Egyptians to pursue you: and I will be glorified in Pharao, and in all his host, and in his chariots and in his horsemen.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall pursue after them; and I will glorify myself in Pharaoh and in all his host, in his chariots and in his horsemen.
Context
Building on the instructions for parting the sea in verse 16, this verse reveals God's specific plan for the pursuing Egyptians. It further clarifies the 'honor' God will gain, directly preceding the declaration that the Egyptians will finally know the Lord. This divine intention prepares the reader for the Egyptians' subsequent foolish pursuit and their ultimate destruction in the sea.
v.16And lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thy hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go into the midst of the sea on dry ground.
v.17This passage
v.18And the Egyptians shall know that I am Jehovah, when I have gotten me honor upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 9:9
And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you;
- Hosea 5:14
For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will carry off, and there shall be none to deliver.
- Genesis 6:17
And I, behold, I do bring the flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is in the earth shall die.
- Exodus 14:8
And Jehovah hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: for the children of Israel went out with a high hand.
- Isaiah 48:15
I, even I, have spoken; yea, I have called him; I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.
- Jeremiah 23:39
therefore, behold, I will utterly forget you, and I will cast you off, and the city that I gave unto you and to your fathers, away from my presence:
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Exodus 14
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Exodus 14.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Silence Before God
The Bible speaks of the importance of silence before God, encouraging reverent waiting and attentiveness to His voice. Quiet contemplation allows us to draw closer to Him and understand His will.
Topic
Bible Verses About Adoption as Sons
God’s plan for us includes adoption into his family, bringing us from spiritual orphanhood to beloved children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Adultery
Adultery, a grave sin against God and marriage, represents a betrayal of trust and a violation of sacred vows.
What the Bible says about…