What does Exodus 10:29 mean?

Moses has just been given an overt death threat from the king of Egypt, the pharaoh (Exodus 10:28). Pharaoh is no longer willing to even hear God's commands to release Hebrew slaves (Exodus 1:11–14; 10:3). Even great catastrophes have not changed his mind (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23). The king tells Moses that if he ever comes back—if he "sees his face" again—it will be a death sentence.

Rather than fear, or submission, or even protest, Moses responds with calm. Some see a conflict in his reply since he will speak to Pharaoh again (Exodus 11:8). Moses will also answer a summons by Pharoah later (Exodus 12:31–32). However, Moses' remark is more dismissive than prophetic. He is replying with the equivalent of "whatever you say, Pharaoh." This might be open sarcasm. Or, it might refer to the fact that very soon—probably that same night (Exodus 11:4)—the people would be freed and Moses would truly never see Pharaoh again. In that sense, Moses agrees that Pharaoh is about to see him for the last time.

It's also possible that the message Moses receives from God (Exodus 11:1–3) happens at this very moment, as he stands in front of Pharaoh. This would suggest that the warning given about the tenth plague (Exodus 11:4–8) was spoken before he left the room. In any case, Pharaoh will not listen (Exodus 11:10) and his nation will once again suffer (Exodus 12:29–30).