Exodus 7:14
And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כָּבֵ֖ד
is hardened
H3515
כָּבֵ֖ד
is hardened
Strong's:
H3515
Word #:
5 of 10
heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)
לֵ֣ב
heart
H3820
לֵ֣ב
heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
6 of 10
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
Cross References
Exodus 8:15But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.Exodus 10:27But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go.Exodus 10:20But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.Exodus 10:1And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him:
Historical Context
The Nile was Egypt's lifeline, worshipped as divine. Hapi's annual flood determined Egypt's prosperity. The plague striking Egypt's water supply while Goshen remained unaffected (8:22-23) demonstrates selective judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this plague reveal God's sovereignty over creation and false gods?
- What modern 'life sources' do people trust instead of God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Verse 14 in the first plague narrative describes the Nile turning to blood. This targets Hapi, Egyptian god of the Nile, demonstrating YHWH's supremacy over Egypt's life source. The water that sustains Egypt becomes death, reversing the blessing.