Exodus 6:1
Then 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.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֙
Then the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
Then the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַתָּ֣ה
H6258
תִרְאֶ֔ה
Now shalt thou see
H7200
תִרְאֶ֔ה
Now shalt thou see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
6 of 17
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֖ה
what I will do
H6213
אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֖ה
what I will do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
וּבְיָ֣ד
hand
H3027
וּבְיָ֣ד
hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
11 of 17
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
חֲזָקָ֔ה
and with a strong
H2389
חֲזָקָ֔ה
and with a strong
Strong's:
H2389
Word #:
12 of 17
strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)
יְשַׁלְּחֵ֔ם
shall he let them go
H7971
יְשַׁלְּחֵ֔ם
shall he let them go
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
13 of 17
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
וּבְיָ֣ד
hand
H3027
וּבְיָ֣ד
hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
14 of 17
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
חֲזָקָ֔ה
and with a strong
H2389
חֲזָקָ֔ה
and with a strong
Strong's:
H2389
Word #:
15 of 17
strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)
Cross References
Psalms 136:12With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.Exodus 12:39And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual.Exodus 12:31And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said.Exodus 12:33And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.Exodus 11:1And the LORD said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.Deuteronomy 32:39See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.Isaiah 63:12That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?Psalms 12:5For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.Psalms 89:13Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.Exodus 13:3And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.
Historical Context
The 'strong hand' motif appears throughout Exodus, referring sometimes to Pharaoh's stubbornness and sometimes to God's power. Ancient Near Eastern warfare often ended with victors 'driving out' defeated populations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's timing ('now') speak to your current season of waiting?
- What does this passage teach about God working through opposition rather than removing it?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's response 'Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh' marks a turning point. The phrase 'with a strong hand' (בְּיָד חֲזָקָה, beyad chazaqah) introduces the paradox: the same 'strengthening' that hardens Pharaoh's heart will also drive him to release Israel. The doubling 'thrust them out... drive them out' emphasizes Pharaoh's complete reversal.