New International VersionBut when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said.
New Living TranslationBut when Pharaoh saw that relief had come, he became stubborn. He refused to listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had predicted.
English Standard VersionBut when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the LORD had said.
Berean Standard BibleWhen Pharaoh saw that there was relief, however, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said.
King James BibleBut when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
New King James VersionBut when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not heed them, as the LORD had said.
New American Standard BibleBut when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
NASB 1995But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not listen to them, as the LORD had said.
NASB 1977But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not listen to them, as the LORD had said.
Legacy Standard BibleThen Pharaoh saw that there was relief, and he hardened his heart with firmness and did not listen to them, as Yahweh had spoken.
Amplified BibleBut when Pharaoh saw that there was [temporary] relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen or pay attention to them, just as the LORD had said.
Christian Standard BibleBut when Pharaoh saw there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the LORD had said.
Holman Christian Standard BibleBut when Pharaoh saw there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the LORD had said.
American Standard VersionBut when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them, as Jehovah had spoken.
Contemporary English VersionBut when the king saw that things were now better, he again did just as the LORD had said he would and stubbornly refused to listen to Moses and Aaron.
English Revised VersionBut when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhen Pharaoh saw that the plague was over, he became stubborn and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, as the LORD had predicted.
Good News TranslationWhen the king saw that the frogs were dead, he became stubborn again and, just as the LORD had said, the king would not listen to Moses and Aaron.
International Standard VersionBut when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not listen to them, just as the LORD had predicted.
NET BibleBut when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not listen to them, just as the LORD had predicted.
New Heart English BibleBut when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart, and did not listen to them, as the LORD had spoken.
Webster's Bible TranslationBut when Pharaoh saw that there was respit, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not to them, as the LORD had said. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen Pharaoh saw that there was relief, however, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said.
World English BibleBut when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart, and didn’t listen to them, as Yahweh had spoken. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Pharaoh sees that there has been a respite, and he has hardened his heart, and has not listened to them, as YHWH has spoken.
Young's Literal Translation And Pharaoh seeth that there hath been a respite, and he hath hardened his heart, and hath not hearkened unto them, as Jehovah hath spoken.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Pharaoh will see that there was enlargement, and he made his heart heavy, and he heard not to them; as Jehovah spake.Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims Bible
And Pharao seeing that rest was given, hardened his own heart, and did not hear them, as the Lord had commanded.
Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Pharaoh, seeing that relief had been provided, hardened his own heart, and he did not listen to them, just as the Lord had instructed.
New American Bible
But when Pharaoh saw there was a respite, he became obstinate and would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
New Revised Standard Version
But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart, and would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
And when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the LORD had said to Moses.
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Pharaoh saw that relief came and he hardened his heart and did not listen to them, according to what LORD JEHOVAH said to Moshe.OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken.
Brenton Septuagint Translation
And when Pharao saw that there was relief, his heart was hardened, and he did not hearken to them, as the Lord spoke.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Second Plague: Frogs… 14They were piled into countless heaps, and there was a terrible stench in the land. 15When Pharaohsaw thatthere wasrelief, however,he hardenedhis heartand would notlistento Moses and Aaron,just asthe LORDhad said.
Cross References Romans 2:5But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
Hebrews 3:13But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
Proverbs 29:1A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.
1 Samuel 6:6Why harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened theirs? When He afflicted them, did they not send the people out so they could go on their way?
2 Chronicles 36:13He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God. But Zedekiah stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD, the God of Israel.
Isaiah 63:17Why, O LORD, do You make us stray from Your ways and harden our hearts from fearing You? Return, for the sake of Your servants, the tribes of Your heritage.
Jeremiah 5:3O LORD, do not Your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain. You finished them off, but they refused to accept discipline. They have made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent.
Ezekiel 3:7But the house of Israel will be unwilling to listen to you, since they are unwilling to listen to Me. For the whole house of Israel is hard-headed and hard-hearted.
Daniel 5:20But when his heart became arrogant and his spirit was hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne, and his glory was taken from him.
Mark 3:5Jesus looked around at them with anger and sorrow at their hardness of heart. Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored.
Acts 7:51You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did.
Revelation 16:9And the people were scorched by intense heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had authority over these plagues. Yet they did not repent and give Him glory.
Psalm 95:8do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, in the day at Massah in the wilderness,
Zechariah 7:12They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts.
Matthew 13:15For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’
Treasury of Scripture But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and listened not to them; as the LORD had said. saw Exodus 14:5 And 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? Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because 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. Isaiah 26:10 Let 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. he hardened Exodus 4:21 And 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 7:4,13,14 But 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… Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardenethhis neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. Jump to Previous AaronEarHardHardenedHearkenedHeartMosesPeacePharaohReliefRespitRespiteTimeJump to Next AaronEarHardHardenedHearkenedHeartMosesPeacePharaohReliefRespitRespiteTimeExodus 8 1.Frogs are sent8.Pharaoh complains to Moses, who by prayer removes them16.The dust is turned into lice, which the magicians could not do20.The plague of flies25.Pharaoh inclines to let the people go, but yet is hardenedWhen Pharaoh saw that there was reliefPharaoh's observation of relief refers to the cessation of the plague of frogs, which was the second plague sent upon Egypt. This moment highlights Pharaoh's tendency to respond to immediate circumstances rather than genuine repentance or acknowledgment of God's power. The relief from the plague was temporary, yet Pharaoh's reaction was to revert to his previous stance, demonstrating a pattern of behavior that would continue throughout the plagues. however, he hardened his heart
The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a recurring theme in the Exodus narrative. It illustrates the spiritual and moral obstinacy that Pharaoh exhibited despite witnessing God's power. This hardening can be seen as both a personal choice and a divine judgment, as God had foretold this response. Theologically, it raises questions about free will and divine sovereignty, showing how God can use human decisions to fulfill His purposes. and would not listen to Moses and Aaron
Pharaoh's refusal to listen to Moses and Aaron signifies his rejection of God's messengers and, by extension, God's commands. Moses and Aaron served as God's appointed leaders to deliver His message to Pharaoh. This refusal is emblematic of a broader resistance to divine authority, which is a central theme in the narrative of the Exodus. It also foreshadows the continued resistance Pharaoh would show, leading to further plagues. just as the LORD had said
This phrase underscores the fulfillment of God's word and His foreknowledge of events. It reflects the prophetic nature of God's declarations to Moses before the plagues began, where God informed Moses that Pharaoh would not easily let the Israelites go. This assurance of God's sovereignty and the reliability of His word is a key element in the narrative, reinforcing the idea that God's plans are unthwarted by human resistance. Persons / Places / Events 1. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt who is central to the account of the Exodus. His heart is repeatedly hardened, leading to the continued enslavement of the Israelites. 2. Moses and AaronGod's chosen leaders to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites. They act as God's messengers and perform signs and wonders. 3. The PlaguesA series of divine judgments sent by God upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a recurring theme throughout these events. 4. EgyptThe land where the Israelites are enslaved. It serves as the backdrop for the confrontation between God’s will and Pharaoh’s resistance. 5. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who demonstrates His power and sovereignty through the plagues and the eventual liberation of His people. Teaching Points The Danger of a Hardened HeartPharaoh's repeated hardening of his heart serves as a warning against resisting God's will. Believers are encouraged to remain open and responsive to God's guidance. God's Sovereignty and Human ResponsibilityWhile God is sovereign and His plans will prevail, humans are still responsible for their responses to His commands. Pharaoh's choices led to his downfall, illustrating the consequences of resisting God. The Importance of ObedienceThe account highlights the importance of obedience to God. Moses and Aaron's faithfulness contrasts with Pharaoh's disobedience, showing the blessings of aligning with God's will. Recognizing God's TimingPharaoh's temporary relief led to a false sense of security. Believers should recognize that God's timing and purposes are perfect, even when immediate relief is not apparent. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Exodus 8:15?
2.How does Pharaoh's hardening heart in Exodus 8:15 reflect human resistance to God?
3.What lessons can we learn from Pharaoh's response to God's mercy in Exodus 8:15?
4.How does Exodus 8:15 connect to other biblical examples of hardened hearts?
5.How can we guard against hardening our hearts like Pharaoh in Exodus 8:15?
6.What practical steps can we take to remain obedient to God’s will today?
7.Why did Pharaoh harden his heart in Exodus 8:15 despite witnessing God's power?
8.Does Exodus 8:15 suggest free will or predestination in Pharaoh's actions?
9.How does Exodus 8:15 reflect on human stubbornness against divine intervention?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 8?
11.What were the Ten Plagues of Egypt in the Bible?
12.What did Moses mean by 'Let my people go'?
13.What defines a hardened heart?
14.If Exodus 14:17 says God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, how can Pharaoh be held responsible for his actions?What Does Exodus 8:15 Mean When Pharaoh saw that there was relief•Exodus 8:13-14 records that the LORD answered Moses’ prayer and “the frogs died in the houses, in the courtyards, and in the fields.” The immediate crisis eased; Egypt’s king felt a pause from judgment. • Moments of ease often expose what is truly in the human heart. Compare how Israel “forgot His works” once pressure lifted (Psalm 106:12-13) and how some hearers of the word “endure only for a while” when tribulation passes (Mark 4:16-17). • God’s mercy—granting relief—was intended to lead Pharaoh to repentance, echoingRomans 2:4, yet the opposite occurred.
He hardened his heart• Earlier warnings stand: “Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen” (Exodus 7:13). This verse shows the same deliberate choice. • Hardening is progressive; every refusal makes the next refusal easier. SeeExodus 8:32; 9:34. •1 Samuel 6:6 asks the Philistines, “Why harden your hearts as the Egyptians did?” revealing Pharaoh’s attitude as a cautionary pattern. •Hebrews 3:13 warns believers lest they become “hardened by the deceitfulness of sin,” underscoring that the danger did not end with Pharaoh.
And would not listen to Moses and Aaron• God’s spokesmen had delivered a clear command: “Let My people go” (Exodus 8:1). Pharaoh’s refusal was not ignorance but rebellion. • Disregarding God-given messengers equates to rejecting God Himself (Luke 10:16). • Each act of disobedience escalated the coming judgments (Exodus 9:2-3), proving that selective hearing toward God always carries consequences.
Just as the LORD had said• Long before Moses returned to Egypt, God predicted this resistance: “I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go” (Exodus 4:21). • The phrase underscores divine foreknowledge and sovereignty; the unfolding events were no surprise to the LORD (Isaiah 46:10). • Pharaoh’s stubbornness, though self-chosen, fulfilled God’s larger redemptive plan to “multiply My signs and wonders in the land” (Exodus 7:3-5), ultimately displaying God’s glory to Israel and the nations (Romans 9:17).
summaryExodus 8:15 reveals the tragedy of a ruler who, once the pressure lifted, chose self-will over surrender. Relief exposed the true state of Pharaoh’s heart; instead of gratitude, he entrenched himself in rebellion, refusing God’s word through Moses and Aaron. Yet every step of defiance unfolded exactly as God had foretold, demonstrating both human responsibility and divine sovereignty. The verse challenges readers to respond to God’s mercies with soft hearts and obedience, rather than allowing momentary comfort to breed complacency and hardness. (15) When Pharaoh saw that there was respite.--Hebrew, a breathing space.He hardened his heart.--Hitherto Pharaoh's nature had not been impressed; his heart had remained dull, callous, hard. Now an impression had been made (Exodus 8:8), and he must have yielded, if he had not called in his own will to efface it. Herein was his great guilt. (See the comment onExodus 4:21.) Verse 15. - When Pharaoh saw that there was respite. Literally, "a taking of breath," i.e., "a breathing-space." He hardened his heart. He became hard and merciless once more, believing that the danger was past, and not expecting any fresh visitation. As Isaiah says - "Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness" ( Isaiah 26:10). Bad men "despise the riches of God's goodness and forbearance, and long-suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth them to repentance." In this way, they "treasure up to themselves wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God" ( Romans 2:4, 5), either in this world or in the world to come. As the Lord had said. See Exodus 3:19; Exodus 4:21; Exodus 7:4. CHAPTER 8:16-19
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew When Pharaohפַּרְעֹ֗ה(par·‘ōh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547:Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kingssawוַיַּ֣רְא(way·yar)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200:To seethere wasהָֽיְתָה֙(hā·yə·ṯāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, berelief, however,הָֽרְוָחָ֔ה(hā·rə·wā·ḥāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7309:Respite, reliefhe hardenedוְהַכְבֵּד֙(wə·haḵ·bêḏ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 3513:To be heavy, weighty, or burdensomehis heartלִבּ֔וֹ(lib·bōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3820:The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centreand would notוְלֹ֥א(wə·lō)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nolistenשָׁמַ֖ע(šā·ma‘)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlyto [Moses and Aaron],אֲלֵהֶ֑ם(’ă·lê·hem)Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tojust asכַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר(ka·’ă·šer)Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatthe LORDיְהוָֽה׃(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelhad said.דִּבֶּ֥ר(dib·ber)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subdue
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OT Law: Exodus 8:15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was (Exo. Ex) |
