Exodus 3:19
And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.
Original Language Analysis
יָדַ֔עְתִּי
And I am sure
H3045
יָדַ֔עְתִּי
And I am sure
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
2 of 12
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֠י
H3588
כִּ֠י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִתֵּ֥ן
will not let
H5414
יִתֵּ֥ן
will not let
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶתְכֶ֛ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֛ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לַֽהֲלֹ֑ךְ
you go
H1980
לַֽהֲלֹ֑ךְ
you go
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
9 of 12
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְלֹ֖א
H3808
וְלֹ֖א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Exodus 5:2And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.Exodus 6:1Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.
Historical Context
Pharaoh's refusal despite ten devastating plagues demonstrates human capacity for stubborn rebellion against God. This preview prepares Moses psychologically—he won't interpret Pharaoh's refusals as mission failure but as predicted resistance requiring patience and trust in God's ultimate victory. The phrase anticipates Deuteronomy 26:8 where Israel recalls God delivering them 'with a mighty hand.'
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's advance warning about Pharaoh's resistance help you endure opposition when obeying God's call?
- What does this verse teach about persistence in ministry despite foreknown difficulties?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand (וַאֲנִי יָדַעְתִּי כִּי לֹא־יִתֵּן אֶתְכֶם מֶלֶךְ מִצְרַיִם לַהֲלֹךְ וְלֹא בְּיָד חֲזָקָה)—God warns Moses of certain refusal: the king of Egypt will not let you go. I am sure (יָדַעְתִּי, yadati, "I know") shows God's foreknowledge. The phrase not by a mighty hand is ambiguous: either "not even by [Pharaoh's own] mighty hand [would he let you go]" or "not unless [compelled] by a mighty hand [of YHWH]." Most translations take the latter: only God's powerful intervention will free Israel. This prepares Moses for the plagues—Pharaoh's obstinacy necessitates escalating judgments. God foreknowing resistance doesn't cause it; He simply reveals what will happen given Pharaoh's character.