Exodus 8:32
And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּכְבֵּ֤ד
hardened
H3513
וַיַּכְבֵּ֤ד
hardened
Strong's:
H3513
Word #:
1 of 11
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 #:
3 of 11
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 #:
4 of 11
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
גַּ֖ם
H1571
גַּ֖ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
בַּפַּ֣עַם
at this time
H6471
בַּפַּ֣עַם
at this time
Strong's:
H6471
Word #:
6 of 11
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שִׁלַּ֖ח
go
H7971
שִׁלַּ֖ח
go
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
9 of 11
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
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 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.Romans 2:5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
Historical Context
Khepri, the scarab-headed god, symbolized the rising sun and transformation. The distinction between Egypt and Goshen shows this is not natural disaster but divine judgment. God's protection of His people proves His sovereignty.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's protection of His people encourage you in judgment?
- What does the Egypt-Goshen distinction teach about being 'in the world but not of it'?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Verse 32 describes the plague of flies (עָרֹב, arov—swarms), with crucial distinction: Goshen is protected. God says 'I will sever... the land of Goshen' (v.22), demonstrating selective judgment. This plague may target Khepri, scarab beetle god representing resurrection and transformation.