Exodus 9:12
And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְחַזֵּ֤ק
hardened
H2388
וַיְחַזֵּ֤ק
hardened
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
1 of 13
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לֵ֣ב
the heart
H3820
לֵ֣ב
the heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
4 of 13
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 #:
6 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמַ֖ע
and he hearkened
H8085
שָׁמַ֖ע
and he hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
7 of 13
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֥ר
had spoken
H1696
דִּבֶּ֥ר
had spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
10 of 13
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
Historical Context
Sekhmet was lioness goddess who both caused and healed disease. Imhotep, deified architect, became god of healing. Their inability to prevent or cure boils demonstrates YHWH's supremacy over health and disease.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the magicians' personal affliction teach about false religion's impotence?
- How does physical suffering sometimes reveal spiritual realities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Verse 12 introduces the plague of boils (שְׁחִין, shechin—inflamed sores), targeting Sekhmet (goddess of healing) and Imhotep (god of medicine). The magicians themselves are afflicted and cannot stand before Moses. This plague physically marks Egypt's defeat.