Exodus 8:15
But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֣רְא
saw
H7200
וַיַּ֣רְא
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 14
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָֽיְתָה֙
H1961
הָֽיְתָה֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וְהַכְבֵּד֙
he hardened
H3513
וְהַכְבֵּד֙
he hardened
Strong's:
H3513
Word #:
6 of 14
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
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לִבּ֔וֹ
his heart
H3820
לִבּ֔וֹ
his heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
8 of 14
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמַ֖ע
and hearkened
H8085
שָׁמַ֖ע
and hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
10 of 14
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Isaiah 26:10Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD.Ecclesiastes 8:11Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.Exodus 7:4But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.Hebrews 3:8Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:Hebrews 3:15While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.Exodus 4:21And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.Exodus 14:5And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?Revelation 16:9And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.Proverbs 29:1He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.Hosea 6:4O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.
Historical Context
Heqet assisted in childbirth and symbolized life and fertility. Frogs were sacred, making them untouchable. The plague forced Egyptians to encounter their goddess everywhere, yet powerless and disgusting.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God expose the impotence of idols you've trusted?
- What happens when blessings become curses through misplaced worship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Verse 15 describes the plague of frogs, targeting Heqet, Egyptian goddess of fertility portrayed as frog-headed. Frogs filled houses, bedrooms, ovens, and kneading bowls—contaminating private and sacred spaces. What Egypt worshipped became its torment.