Exodus 3:19
<< Exodus 3:19 >>
New International Version (©1984)
But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him.

New Living Translation (©2007)
"But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand forces him.

English Standard Version (©2001)
But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
"But I know that the king of Egypt will not permit you to go, except under compulsion.

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go, even if he is forced to.

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.

American King James Version
And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.

American Standard Version
And I know that the king of Egypt will not give you leave to go, no, not by a mighty hand.

Douay-Rheims Bible
But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go, but by a mighty hand.

Darby Bible Translation
But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a powerful hand.

English Revised Version
And I know that the king of Egypt will not give you leave to go, no, not by a mighty hand.

Webster's Bible Translation
And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.

World English Bible
I know that the king of Egypt won't give you permission to go, no, not by a mighty hand.

Young's Literal Translation
'And I -- I have known that the king of Egypt doth not permit you to go, unless by a strong hand,

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

No, not - See the marginal rendering. Others explain it to mean, Pharaoh will not let the people go even when severely smitten.


Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand - When the facts detailed in this history have been considered in connection with the assertion as it stands in our Bibles, the most palpable contradiction has appeared. That the king of Egypt did let them go, and that by a mighty hand, the book itself amply declares. We should therefore seek for another meaning of the original word. ולא velo, which generally means and not, has sometimes the meaning of if not, unless, except, etc.; and in Becke's Bible, 1549, it is thus translated: I am sure that the kyng of Egypt wyl not let you go, Except wyth a mighty hand. This import of the negative particle, which is noticed by Noldius, Heb. Part., p. 328, was perfectly understood by the Vulgate, where it is translated nisi, unless; and the Septuagint in their εαν μη, which is of the same import; and so also the Coptic. The meaning therefore is very plain: The king of Egypt, who now profits much by your servitude, will not let you go till he sees my hand stretched out, and he and his nation be smitten with ten plagues. Hence God immediately adds, Exodus 3:20 : I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders - and after that, he will let you go.


Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go,.... Or "but" (c) "I am sure", &c. though so reasonable a request was made him, yet it would not be granted; this is observed to them, that they might not be discouraged when he should refuse to dismiss them, which the omniscient God knew beforehand, and acquaints them with it, that, when it came to pass, they might be induced to believe that the mission of Moses was of God, rather than the contrary:

no, not by a mighty hand; the mighty power of God displayed once and again, even in nine plagues inflicted on him, until the tenth and last came upon him; or "unless by a mighty hand" (d), even the almighty hand of God; prayers, entreaties, persuasions, and arguments, will signify nothing, unless the mighty power of God is exerted upon him.

(c) "ego autem", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; "sed ego", V. L. (d) Sept. "nisi", V. L. Pagninus, Vatablus; so Noldius, p. 344. No. 1246.


Geneva Study Bible

And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.


Wesley's Notes

3:19 I am sure he will not let you go - God sends his messengers to those whose obstinacy he foresees, that it may appear he would have them turn and live.


King James Translators' Notes

no...: or, but by strong hand


Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

3:16-22 Moses' success with the elders of Israel would be good. God, who, by his grace, inclines the heart, and opens the ear, could say beforehand, They shall hearken to thy voice; for he would make them willing in this day of power. As to Pharaoh, Moses is here told that petitions and persuasions, and humble complaints, would not prevail with him; nor a mighty hand stretched out in signs and wonders. But those will certainly be broken by the power of God's hand, who will not bow to the power of his word. Pharaoh's people should furnish Israel with riches at their departure. In Pharaoh's tyranny and Israel's oppression, we see the miserable, abject state of sinners. However galling the yoke, they drudge on till the Lord sends redemption. With the invitations of the gospel, God sends the teaching of his Spirit. Thus are men made willing to seek and to strive for deliverance. Satan loses his power to hold them, they come forth with all they have and are, and apply all to the glory of God and the service of his church.


Exodus 5:2 Pharaoh said, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD and I will not let Israel go."
Exodus 6:1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of my mighty hand he will let them go; because of my mighty hand he will drive them out of his country."
Exodus 7:4 he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites.

Compelled Compels Compulsion Egypt Except Forced Hand Leave Mighty Permission Permit Powerful Strong Sure Unless Won't


And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.

will not. 5:2 7:4

no, not by a mighty hand. or, but by a strong hand. 6:1 7:1 8:1 9:1 10:1 11:1 12:1 13:1 14:1 Ps 136:11,12 Isa 63:12,13

Exodus Chapter 3 Verse 19

Alphabetical: a But compels compulsion Egypt except go hand him I king know let mighty not of permit that the to under unless will you

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