Exodus 3:19
What does Exodus 3:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Exodus 3:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Exodus 3:19 means
God revealed His foreknowledge of Pharaoh's hardened heart and his stubborn refusal to let the Israelites go. He stated clearly that Pharaoh would not grant their request, "no, not by a mighty hand." This divine prediction indicated that a simple request would not suffice; a greater, supernatural intervention would be necessary. This foretelling prepared Moses for inevitable resistance, assuring him that Pharaoh's refusal was part of God's larger plan and not a failure on Moses's part.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And I know that the king of Egypt will not give you leave to go, no, not by a mighty hand.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And I know that the king of Egypt will not give you leave to go, no, not by a mighty hand.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And I am certain that the king of Egypt will not let you go without being forced.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And I--I have known that the king of Egypt doth not permit you to go, unless by a strong hand,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go, but by a mighty hand.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a powerful hand.
Context
This verse immediately follows the instruction to approach Pharaoh with the request, providing a divine insight into Pharaoh's anticipated response. This foreknowledge is crucial for Moses, as it explains why the initial request will fail and prepares him for the necessity of God's miraculous intervention, setting the stage for the plagues.
v.18And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, Jehovah, the God of the Hebrews, hath met with us: and now let us go, we pray thee, three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to Jehovah our God.
v.19This passage
v.20And I will put forth my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 136:11
And brought out Israel from among them; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever;
- Exodus 5:2
And Pharaoh said, Who is Jehovah, that I should hearken unto his voice to let Israel go? I know not Jehovah, and moreover I will not let Israel go.
- Exodus 7:1
And Jehovah said unto Moses, See, I have made thee as God to Pharaoh; and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.
- Isaiah 63:12
that caused his glorious arm to go at the right hand of Moses? that divided the waters before them, to make himself an everlasting name?
- Exodus 6:1
And Jehovah said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for by a strong hand shall he let them go, and by a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.
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