Exodus 10:11

ESV No! Go, the men among you, and serve the Lord, for that is what you are asking." And they were driven out from Pharaoh 's presence.

NIV No! Have only the men go and worship the Lord, since that’s what you have been asking for." Then Moses and Aaron were driven out of Pharaoh’s presence.

NASB Not so! Go now, but only the men among you, and serve the Lord, since that is what you desire.' So they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.

CSB No, go—just able-bodied men—worship the Lord, since that’s what you want." And they were driven from Pharaoh’s presence.

NLT Never! Only the men may go and worship the Lord, since that is what you requested.' And Pharaoh threw them out of the palace.

KJV Not so: go now ye that are men, and serve the Lord; for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence.

NKJV Not so! Go now, you who are men, and serve the Lord, for that is what you desired.” And they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.

What does Exodus 10:11 mean?

Pharaoh is willing to negotiate for the release of some Hebrew slaves (Exodus 10:7). His nation has been devastated by seven plagues (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24). Even so, he refuses to accept the command from God that all of the people be let go (Exodus 5:1; 7:16; 8:1, 21; 9:1, 13, 10:3). His offer to let only a few leave for worship (Exodus 10:8) was rejected (Exodus 10:9). The king's response is arrogant and bitter (Exodus 10:10).

After his sneering response, Pharaoh makes his only offer: to let the Israelite men go for worship. He knows that if all the people leave, no one will return. This is the only request he will consider. As far as Pharoah is concerned, Moses is asking for the men to be released to prevent the next plague (Exodus 10:4–6). Apparently without waiting for an answer, the king has Moses and Aaron removed from his presence.

It will not be long before Pharaoh summons Moses and Aaron back, this time to beg for mercy (Exodus 10:16–17).

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