Exodus 3:20
What does Exodus 3:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Exodus 3:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Exodus 3:20 means
God declared His intent to act decisively against Egypt. He would "put forth my hand" and strike Egypt with numerous "wonders"—a clear reference to the plagues. These powerful acts of judgment would compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. This divine intervention demonstrated God's supreme power over all earthly rulers and His unwavering commitment to His people's liberation. It was a promise of overwhelming divine force to accomplish what human effort could not.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And I will stretch out 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But I will put out my hand and overcome Egypt with all the wonders which I will do among them: and after that he will let you go.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and I have put forth My hand, and have smitten Egypt with all My wonders, which I do in its midst--and afterwards he doth send you away.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For I will stretch forth my hand, and will strike Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst of them: after these he will let you go.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And I will stretch out 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.
Context
Following the prediction of Pharaoh's stubbornness, this verse outlines God's response to that resistance: divine judgment through wonders and plagues. It sets forth the mechanism by which Israel will ultimately be freed, directly linking Pharaoh's refusal to God's powerful intervention. This promise assures Moses of ultimate victory despite initial opposition.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Exodus 7:3
And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.
- Exodus 6:6
Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am Jehovah, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm, and with great judgments:
- Psalms 106:22
Wondrous works in the land of Ham, And terrible things by the Red Sea.
- Exodus 12:31
And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve Jehovah, as ye have said.
- Psalms 135:8
Who smote the first-born of Egypt, Both of man and beast;
- Exodus 11:8
And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in hot anger.
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