Exodus 14:4
And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so.
Original Language Analysis
וְחִזַּקְתִּ֣י
And I will harden
H2388
וְחִזַּקְתִּ֣י
And I will harden
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
1 of 17
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לֵב
heart
H3820
לֵב
heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
3 of 17
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
וְרָדַ֣ף
that he shall follow
H7291
וְרָדַ֣ף
that he shall follow
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
5 of 17
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
אַֽחֲרֵיהֶם֒
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵיהֶם֒
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
וְאִכָּֽבְדָ֤ה
them and I will be honoured
H3513
וְאִכָּֽבְדָ֤ה
them and I will be honoured
Strong's:
H3513
Word #:
7 of 17
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
וּבְכָל
H3605
וּבְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חֵיל֔וֹ
and upon all his host
H2428
חֵיל֔וֹ
and upon all his host
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
10 of 17
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
וְיָֽדְע֥וּ
may know
H3045
וְיָֽדְע֥וּ
may know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
11 of 17
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
מִצְרַ֖יִם
that the Egyptians
H4714
מִצְרַ֖יִם
that the Egyptians
Strong's:
H4714
Word #:
12 of 17
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
13 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֑ה
that I am the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
that I am the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Exodus 7:3And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.Exodus 7:5And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.Romans 9:17For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
Historical Context
This statement reveals God's purpose in the exodus: not merely Israel's freedom but demonstration of YHWH's supremacy to both Israel and the nations. The events at the Red Sea would be remembered for millennia.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God using your difficulties to display His glory give purpose to trials?
- What does God desiring even enemies to 'know that I am the LORD' teach about judgment's purpose?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's purpose statement: 'I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host.' The Hebrew 'kaved' (כָּבֵד) means to be heavy, weighty, glorious—God will display His glory through Egypt's defeat. The outcome: 'the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD.' God's judgment serves pedagogical purposes—teaching His identity and character. The prediction 'they did so' confirms Israel's obedient faith despite apparent danger.