New International Versionthe magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not listen, just as the LORD had said.
New Living Translation“This is the finger of God!” the magicians exclaimed to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart remained hard. He wouldn’t listen to them, just as the LORD had predicted.
English Standard VersionThen the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the LORD had said.
Berean Standard Bible“This is the finger of God,” the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
King James BibleThen the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
New King James VersionThen the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, just as the LORD had said.
New American Standard BibleThen the soothsayer priests said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
NASB 1995Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the LORD had said.
NASB 1977Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the LORD had said.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened with strength, and he did not listen to them, as Yahweh had spoken.
Amplified BibleThen the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the [supernatural] finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
Christian Standard Bible“This is the finger of God,” the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart was hard, and he would not listen to them, as the LORD had said.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThis is the finger of God,” the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the LORD had said.
American Standard VersionThen the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as Jehovah had spoken.
Contemporary English VersionThe magicians told the king, "God has done this." But, as the LORD had said, the king was too stubborn to listen.
English Revised VersionThen the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationSo the magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the hand of God!" Yet, Pharaoh continued to be stubborn and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, as the LORD had predicted.
Good News Translationand the magicians said to the king, "God has done this!" But the king was stubborn and, just as the LORD had said, the king would not listen to Moses and Aaron.
International Standard VersionThe magicians told Pharaoh, "It is the finger of God!" But Pharaoh's heart was stubborn and he did not listen to them, just as the LORD had predicted.
NET BibleThe magicians said to Pharaoh, "It is the finger of God!" But Pharaoh's heart remained hard, and he did not listen to them, just as the LORD had predicted.
New Heart English BibleThen the magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God:" and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them; as the LORD had spoken.
Webster's Bible TranslationThen the magicians said to Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not to them; as the LORD had said. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“This is the finger of God,” the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
World English BibleThen the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is God’s finger;” but Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he didn’t listen to them, as Yahweh had spoken. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the enchanters say to Pharaoh, “It [is] the finger of God”; and the heart of Pharaoh is strong, and he has not listened to them, as YHWH has spoken.
Young's Literal Translation and the scribes say unto Pharaoh, 'It is the finger of God;' and the heart of Pharaoh is strong, and he hath not hearkened unto them, as Jehovah hath spoken.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the sacred scribes will say to Pharaoh, This the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart will be strengthened, and he heard not to them: as Jehovah said.Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims Bible
And the magicians said to Pharao This is the finger of God. And Pharao heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them, as the Lord had commanded.
Catholic Public Domain Version
And the sorcerers said to Pharaoh: “This is the finger of God.” And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not listen to them, just as the Lord had instructed.
New American Bible
and the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” Yet Pharaoh hardened his heart and would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
New Revised Standard Version
And the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God!” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, This is the finger of God; and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the LORD had said.
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Sorcerers said to Pharaoh, “It is the finger of God”, and the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not listen to them, just as LORD JEHOVAH had said.OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh: 'This is the finger of God'; and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken.
Brenton Septuagint Translation
So the charmers said to Pharao, This is the finger of God. But the heart of Pharao was hardened, and he hearkened not to them, as the Lord said.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Third Plague: Gnats… 18The magicians tried to produce gnats using their magic arts, but they could not. And the gnats remained on man and beast. 19“Thisis the fingerof God,”the magicianssaidtoPharaoh.But Pharaoh’sheartwas hardened,and he would notlistento them,just asthe LORDhad said.
Cross References Matthew 12:28But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Luke 11:20But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Acts 8:9-11Prior to that time, a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and astounded the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great, / and all the people, from the least to the greatest, heeded his words and said, “This man is the divine power called the Great Power.” / They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery.
2 Timothy 3:8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and disqualified from the faith.
Revelation 16:14These are demonic spirits that perform signs and go out to all the kings of the earth, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty.
1 John 4:4You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
John 3:2He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.”
Mark 3:22And the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and, “By the prince of the demons He drives out demons.”
1 Corinthians 1:22-24Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom, / but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, / but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Romans 1:20For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse.
Psalm 78:43-44when He performed His signs in Egypt and His wonders in the fields of Zoan. / He turned their rivers to blood, and from their streams they could not drink.
Psalm 105:27-28They performed His miraculous signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham. / He sent darkness, and it became dark—yet they defied His words.
Deuteronomy 6:22Before our eyes the LORD inflicted great and devastating signs and wonders on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his household.
Deuteronomy 7:19the great trials that you saw, the signs and wonders, and the mighty hand and outstretched arm by which the LORD your God brought you out. The LORD your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear.
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?
Treasury of Scripture Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he listened not to them; as the LORD had said. this is 1 Samuel 6:3,9 And they said, If ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not empty; but in any wise return him a trespass offering: then ye shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you… Psalm 8:3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; Daniel 2:10,11,19 The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter: thereforethere is no king, lord, nor ruler,that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean… and Pharaoh's 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. Jump to Previous EarFingerHardHardenedHearkenedHeartMagiciansPharaohPharaoh'sScribesStrongStubbornWonder-WorkersJump to Next EarFingerHardHardenedHearkenedHeartMagiciansPharaohPharaoh'sScribesStrongStubbornWonder-WorkersExodus 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 hardened“This is the finger of God,”The phrase "finger of God" signifies divine intervention and power. In the context of the plagues, it indicates that the magicians recognized a supernatural force beyond their own abilities. This expression is also found in other parts of Scripture, such as in Luke 11:20, where Jesus refers to casting out demons by the "finger of God," highlighting divine authority. The use of "finger" suggests precision and control, emphasizing God's direct involvement in the events. the magicians said to Pharaoh.
The magicians were Egyptian priests skilled in the arts of magic and sorcery, often serving as advisors to Pharaoh. Their acknowledgment of God's power marks a turning point, as they concede that the plagues are beyond their replication. This admission contrasts with their earlier attempts to mimic the miracles performed by Moses and Aaron, showing a shift in their understanding of the situation. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened,
The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a recurring theme in Exodus, illustrating his resistance to God's will. This hardening can be seen as both a divine act and a personal choice, reflecting the tension between God's sovereignty and human free will. The hardening serves to fulfill God's purposes, demonstrating His power and ultimately leading to the liberation of the Israelites. and he would not listen to them,
Pharaoh's refusal to heed the magicians' warning underscores his stubbornness and pride. Despite the evidence of divine power, he remains obstinate, prioritizing his own authority over the counsel of his advisors. This refusal to listen is a common trait of those who oppose God's plans, as seen throughout biblical history. just as the LORD had said.
This phrase highlights the fulfillment of God's word, as He had previously informed Moses that Pharaoh would not easily let the Israelites go (Exodus 7:3-4). It underscores the reliability and foreknowledge of God, affirming that His plans will come to pass despite human resistance. This assurance of divine prophecy is a recurring theme in Scripture, providing comfort and confidence to believers. Persons / Places / Events 1. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt, whose heart was hardened against the Israelites and God’s commands. 2. MagiciansEgyptian magicians who initially replicated some of the plagues but recognized the divine power behind the plague of gnats. 3. Moses and AaronGod’s chosen leaders to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. 4. The Plague of GnatsThe third plague sent by God, which the magicians could not replicate, leading them to acknowledge God's power. 5. EgyptThe land where the Israelites were enslaved and where God demonstrated His power through the plagues. Teaching Points Recognition of Divine PowerThe magicians' acknowledgment of "the finger of God" highlights the undeniable power and authority of God, which even those opposed to Him must recognize. The Hardening of the HeartPharaoh's hardened heart serves as a warning against resisting God's will. It illustrates the danger of pride and stubbornness in the face of divine truth. God's Sovereignty and PurposeDespite Pharaoh's resistance, God's purposes were fulfilled. This teaches us about God's sovereignty and His ability to work through any situation to accomplish His will. The Limitations of Human PowerThe magicians' inability to replicate the plague of gnats shows the limitations of human power and wisdom compared to God's omnipotence. Responding to God's SignsThe passage challenges us to respond to God's signs and wonders with faith and obedience, rather than skepticism and resistance. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Exodus 8:19?
2.How does Exodus 8:19 demonstrate God's power over Pharaoh's magicians?
3.What does "finger of God" signify about divine intervention in Exodus 8:19?
4.How can we recognize God's work in our lives, as in Exodus 8:19?
5.How does Exodus 8:19 connect to other instances of God's power in Scripture?
6.How should believers respond when witnessing God's undeniable power, as in Exodus 8:19?
7.How does Exodus 8:19 demonstrate the power of God over Egyptian magicians?
8.Why did Pharaoh's heart remain hardened despite the magicians' acknowledgment in Exodus 8:19?
9.What does Exodus 8:19 reveal about the limitations of human power against divine intervention?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 8?
11.What does "Finger of God" mean?
12.What does 'Finger of God' mean?
13.Exodus 8:18–19: Why do Egyptian records not mention their magicians failing before a Hebrew prophet?
14.How do magicians replicate biblical miracles using illusions?What Does Exodus 8:19 Mean This is the finger of God- The magicians admit a power beyond any human or occult ability. •Exodus 8:18 notes their failure to replicate the plague of gnats, underscoring the contrast between God’s omnipotence and their limitations. •Luke 11:20 mirrors this wording: “But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you,” connecting the Exodus event with Jesus’ miracles that reveal divine authority. •Psalm 8:3 highlights God’s creative power: “When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,” reminding us that the same hand that formed the stars directs these plagues.
the magicians said to Pharaoh- Court experts, once confident in their secret arts (Exodus 7:11), now testify against themselves. • Their confession is an unexpected witness to the truth, like Balaam (Numbers 24:3–4) or Nebuchadnezzar’s advisors silenced before Daniel (Daniel 2:10–11). • Even hardened unbelievers can become voice-pieces for God’s glory when confronted with undeniable evidence (Acts 4:16).
But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened- Scripture attributes his stubbornness both to his own choice (Exodus 8:15) and to God’s judicial hardening (Exodus 4:21). •Romans 1:24–28 shows how God may hand people over to the path they insist on. • Each plague intensifies the contrast between God’s patience and Pharaoh’s rebellion, illustratingProverbs 29:1—“A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be broken.”
and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said- Pharaoh ignores the very counselors he once trusted, fulfilling God’s prior warning (Exodus 7:4). •1 Samuel 2:25 describes a similar refusal to heed warning, leading to judgment. •Isaiah 46:10 reminds us that God “declares the end from the beginning”; every word to Moses continues to unfold with pinpoint accuracy.
summaryThe magicians’ admission exposes the limits of human and demonic power while spotlighting the Lord’s unrivaled sovereignty. Pharaoh’s persistent hardness confirms both divine foreknowledge and human responsibility.Exodus 8:19 therefore stands as a vivid reminder that when God acts, even His enemies must acknowledge Him, yet those who refuse to submit face inevitable judgment. (19) The finger of God.--Rather, of a goal. The magicians meant to say, "This is beyond the power of man: it is supernatural; some god must be helping Moses and Aaron." They did not mean to profess a belief in One God. Pharaoh's heart was hardened.--The mosquitoes did not impress Pharaoh as the frogs had done (Exodus 8:8-15). His heart remained hard. He had no need to harden it by an act of his will. Probably the visitation affected him but little, since he would possess mosquito curtains, and could inhabit the loftier parts of his palace, which would be above the height whereto the mosquito ascends (Herod, ii. 95). Verse 19. -The magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God. Or "of a God." It is not probable that the magicians believed in a single God, or intended in what they said to express any monotheistic idea. All that they meant to say was - "This is beyond the power of man - it is supernatural - some god must be helping the Israelites." No doubt they had come to this conclusion by a careful scrutiny of all the miracles hitherto wrought by Aaron.He hearkened not unto them. The magicians were minded to resist no longer; but Pharaoh was otherwise minded. It is quite possible that the mosquito plague did not greatly annoy him. He would probably possess lofty apartments above the height to which the mosquito ascends (Herod. 2:95); or he may have guarded himself by mosquito curtains of the finest Egyptian muslin. His subjects would naturally suffer from such a plague far more than he.As the Lord had said. See the comment on the same phrase in ver. 11 CHAPTER 8:20-24 THE FOURTH PLAGUE.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew “This
הִ֑וא(hî)
Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, are
is the finger
אֶצְבַּ֥ע(’eṣ·ba‘)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 676:Something to sieze with, a finger, a toe
of God,”
אֱלֹהִ֖ים(’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative
the magicians
הַֽחַרְטֻמִּים֙(ha·ḥar·ṭum·mîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2748:An engraver, writer
said
וַיֹּאמְר֤וּ(way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559:To utter, say
to
אֶל־(’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to
Pharaoh.
פַּרְעֹ֔ה(par·‘ōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547:Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings
But Pharaoh’s
פַּרְעֹה֙(par·‘ōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547:Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings
heart
לֵב־(lêḇ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3820:The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre
was hardened,
וַיֶּחֱזַ֤ק(way·ye·ḥĕ·zaq)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2388:To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer
and he would not
וְלֹֽא־(wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no
listen
שָׁמַ֣ע(šā·ma‘)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligently
to them,
אֲלֵהֶ֔ם(’ă·lê·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to
just as
כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר(ka·’ă·šer)
Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that
the LORD
יְהוָֽה׃(Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
had 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 8:19 Then the magicians said to Pharaoh This (Exo. Ex) |
