Devine Scripture

Exodus 14:8

What does Exodus 14:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Exodus 14:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Exodus 14:8 means

This verse reiterates that the hardening of Pharaoh's heart was explicitly God's doing, enabling him to pursue the children of Israel. This divine action directly caused Pharaoh to chase a people who had marched out with boldness and confidence, described as having gone out "with a high hand." This phrase implies a display of power and defiance against Egypt, yet Pharaoh, under God's influence, foolishly pursued them, setting the stage for God to demonstrate His glory over Egypt through their ultimate defeat.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the Lord made the heart of Pharaoh hard, and he went after the children of Israel: for the children of Israel had gone out without fear.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Jehovah strengtheneth the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursueth after the sons of Israel, and the sons of Israel are going out with a high hand,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharao, king of Egypt, and he pursued the children of Israel; but they were gone forth in a mighty hand.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jehovah hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel; and the children of Israel had gone out with a high hand.

Context

This verse serves as a theological statement, firmly attributing Pharaoh's pursuit to God's active hardening of his heart, echoing God's earlier declarations in verses 3 and 4. It contextualizes the overwhelming military force described in verse 7, making it clear that the pursuit is not merely Pharaoh's initiative but part of God's larger plan to achieve honor and make Himself known to the Egyptians.

v.7and he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over all of them.

v.8This passage

v.9And the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, before Baal-zephon.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Exodus 13:18

    but God led the people about, by the way of the wilderness by the Red Sea: and the children of Israel went up armed out of the land of Egypt.

  • Acts 13:17

    The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they sojourned in the land of Egypt, and with a high arm led he them forth out of it.

  • Exodus 14:4

    And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he shall follow after them; and I will get me honor upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host: and the Egyptians shall know that I am Jehovah. And they did so.

  • Exodus 13:9

    And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thy hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the law of Jehovah may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath Jehovah brought thee out of Egypt.

  • Psalms 86:13

    For great is thy lovingkindness toward me; And thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest Sheol.

  • Deuteronomy 26:8

    and Jehovah brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders;

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.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Exodus 14:8.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary