Exodus 8:15

ESV But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the Lord had said.

NIV But 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.

NASB But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not listen to them, just as the Lord had said.

CSB But when Pharaoh saw there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the Lord had said.

NLT But when Pharaoh saw that relief had come, he became stubborn. He refused to listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had predicted.

KJV But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said.

NKJV But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not heed them, as the Lord had said.

What does Exodus 8:15 mean?

As the plagues continue (Exodus 3:19–20), Egypt's Pharaoh will demonstrate an absurd level of stubbornness and pride. That he did not agree to release his slaves, at first, is not surprising (Exodus 5:1–4). His spiteful retaliation, however, was unfortunate (Exodus 5:6–9). When his magicians seem to duplicate signs and miracles (Exodus 7:10–12, 22–23), that gives him an excuse to resist the Lord's message. Here, at the end of the second plague, we see that Pharaoh is insincere. When under pressure, he appears to negotiate (Exodus 8:8), only to change his mind once the threat appears to be gone.

This comes as no surprise to the Lord (Exodus 7:4). Pharaoh will shut himself off to God's will over and over (Exodus 7:14, 22; 8:19, 32; 9:7). Eventually (Proverbs 29:1), the Lord will begin using Pharaoh to illustrate divine power and judgment (Exodus 7:3; 9:12; 10:1, 20, 27). Even after his will is finally broken (Exodus 12:29–32), he will fall back into spiteful pride (Exodus 14:5–9) and suffer utter destruction (Exodus 14:26–30).

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