Old Testament
Exodus 14:17
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God declares His intention to influence the hearts of the Egyptians, making them pursue the Israelites.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
I myself will harden the Egyptians' hearts so they follow right in after them. Then I will gain glory through Pharaoh and his entire army — his chariots and his horsemen.
And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God declares His intention to influence the hearts of the Egyptians, making them pursue the Israelites. This action is part of a larger plan to demonstrate His power and authority. By hardening their hearts, God ensures that Pharaoh and his army will follow the Israelites into the sea. This moment is crucial for showing the world that God is in control. The Egyptians, with their chariots and horsemen, represent the might of human strength, but they will ultimately be defeated. God’s glory will shine through this event, revealing His sovereignty over all nations. This story illustrates that sometimes, challenges arise to showcase a greater purpose. It reminds us that God can use difficult situations to reveal His greatness and deliverance. Trusting in God means believing that He can turn even the most daunting circumstances into opportunities for His glory to be revealed in our lives. His plans may not always align with our understanding, but they are always for a greater good.
Key themes
Related topics
Related Bible verses
How to apply Exodus 14:17 to your life
When facing challenges, remember that God can use difficult situations for His purpose. Trust that He is in control, even when things seem overwhelming. Look for ways to see His glory revealed in your life, especially during tough times. Your struggles can lead to greater understanding and strength in faith. Stay hopeful and faithful in His plans for you, even when uncertain paths lie ahead. “Trust in the process.” “Believe in the outcome.”
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
Why did God want to gain glory through Pharaoh?
God's desire to gain glory through Pharaoh and his army highlights His sovereignty over all nations. By allowing the Egyptians to pursue the Israelites, God aimed to demonstrate His unmatched power in delivering His people. This event served as a pivotal moment in biblical history, revealing God's ability to triumph over human pride and strength, ultimately leading to the recognition of His greatness among the nations.
How can this verse apply to my life today?
Exodus 14:17 teaches us that God can use challenging situations to reveal His glory and purpose in our lives. When facing difficulties, remember that God is in control and can turn obstacles into opportunities for growth and faith. Trusting in His plans, even when they seem unclear, can lead to a deeper understanding of His sovereignty and a stronger faith. Look for ways God might be working through your struggles.
What lesson can we learn about faith from this verse?
From Exodus 14:17, we learn that faith involves trusting God even in uncertain and challenging circumstances. The Israelites faced a daunting pursuit by the Egyptians, yet God had a plan for their deliverance. This teaches us to remain hopeful and faithful, believing that God can use our struggles for His glory and our growth. It encourages us to trust in His timing and purpose, even when we cannot see the way forward.
What does Exodus 14:17 mean?
Exodus 14:17 centers on god's sovereignty. In this verse, God declares His intention to influence the hearts of the Egyptians, making them pursue the Israelites.
The Book of Exodus
Exodus 1: Israel's Oppression in Egypt
The sons of Israel settle in Egypt, and their families grow rapidly until the land is filled with them. A new Pharaoh arises who does not know Joseph and fears that the Israelites will join Egypt's enemies if war comes, so he places them under harsh labor and forces them to build the store cities Pithom and Raamses. The more they are oppressed, the more they multiply, which increases Egyptian fear. Pharaoh commands the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill every male child at birth, but they fear God and let the boys live. When Pharaoh confronts them, they say the Hebrew women deliver before the midwives arrive, and God blesses the midwives with households. Pharaoh then commands all his people to cast every Hebrew son into the river while allowing the daughters to live.
Unlock the full Exodus summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Exodus — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 40 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Exodus summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.