Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Why do you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh did? When Israel’s god dealt harshly with them, did they not send the Israelites out so they could go on their way? New Living Translation Don’t be stubborn and rebellious as Pharaoh and the Egyptians were. By the time God was finished with them, they were eager to let Israel go. English Standard Version Why should you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? After he had dealt severely with them, did they not send the people away, and they departed? Berean Standard Bible Why harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened theirs? When He afflicted them, did they not send the people out so they could go on their way? Berean Literal Bible And why do you⁺ harden your⁺ hearts, as Egypt and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? Was it not that only when He had dealt severely with them that they sent them off so they could go on their way? King James Bible Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed? New King James Version Why then do you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? When He did mighty things among them, did they not let the people go, that they might depart? New American Standard Bible Why then do you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? When He had severely dealt with them, did they not let the people go, and they left? NASB 1995 “Why then do you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? When He had severely dealt with them, did they not allow the people to go, and they departed? NASB 1977 “Why then do you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? When He had severely dealt with them, did they not allow the people to go, and they departed? Legacy Standard Bible Why then do you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? When He had abused them, did they not allow the people to go, and they went? Amplified Bible Why then do you harden your hearts [allowing pride to cause your downfall] just as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? When He had severely dealt with them and mocked them, did they not allow the people [of Israel] to go, and they departed? Berean Annotated Bible Why harden (make heavy) your⁺ hearts as the Egyptians (double straits) and Pharaoh (great house) hardened theirs? When He afflicted them, did they not send the people out so they could go on their way? Christian Standard Bible Why harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened theirs? When he afflicted them, didn’t they send Israel away, and Israel left? Holman Christian Standard Bible Why harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened theirs? When He afflicted them, didn’t they send Israel away, and Israel left? American Standard Version Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? When he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed? Contemporary English Version Don't be like the Egyptians and their king. They were stubborn, but when Israel's God was finished with them, they had to let Israel go. English Revised Version Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go and they departed? GOD'S WORD® Translation Why should you be as stubborn as the Egyptians and their Pharaoh were? After he toyed with the Egyptians, didn't they send the Israelites on their way? Good News Translation Why should you be stubborn, as the king of Egypt and the Egyptians were? Don't forget how God made fools of them until they let the Israelites leave Egypt. International Standard Version Why should you harden your hearts just as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? Isn't it true that after God toyed with them, they let Israel go, and off they went? NET Bible Why harden your hearts like the Egyptians and Pharaoh did? When God treated them harshly, didn't the Egyptians send the Israelites on their way? New Heart English Bible Why then do you harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? When he had worked wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed? Webster's Bible Translation Why then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhy harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened theirs? When He afflicted them, did they not send the people out so they could go on their way? World English Bible Why then do you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? When he had worked wonderfully among them, didn’t they let the people go, and they departed? Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand why do you harden your heart as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their heart? Do they not—when He has rolled Himself on them—send them away, and they go? Berean Literal Bible And why do you⁺ harden your⁺ hearts, as Egypt and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? Was it not that only when He had dealt severely with them that they sent them off so they could go on their way? Young's Literal Translation and why do ye harden your heart as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their heart? do they not -- when He hath rolled Himself upon them -- send them away, and they go? Smith's Literal Translation And why shall ye make your hearts heavy, as Egypt and Pharaoh made their heart heavy? Did he not then do wonders among them, and they will send them away, and they will go? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhy do you harden your hearts, as Egypt and Pharao hardened their hearts? did not he, after he was struck, then let them go, and they departed? Catholic Public Domain Version Why have you hardened your hearts, just as Egypt and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? After he was struck, did he not then release them, and they went away? New American Bible Why should you become stubborn, the way the Egyptians and Pharaoh were stubborn? Was it not after he had dealt ruthlessly with them that the Israelites were released and departed? New Revised Standard Version Why should you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? After he had made fools of them, did they not let the people go, and they departed? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd you shall not harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts, and as they mocked the Israelites and did not send them nor let them go. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And you shall not harden your heart as when the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their heart and as when they mocked at them, neither did they send them, neither did they go OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when He had wrought among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed? Brenton Septuagint Translation And why do ye harden your hearts, as Egypt and Pharao hardened their hearts? was it not so when he mocked them, that they let the people go, and they departed? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Ark Returned to Israel…5Make images of your tumors and of the rats that are ravaging the land. Give glory to the God of Israel, and perhaps He will lift His hand from you and your gods and your land. 6Why harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened theirs? When He afflicted them, did they not send the people on their way as they departed? 7Now, therefore, prepare one new cart with two milk cows that have never been yoked. Hitch the cows to the cart, but take their calves away and pen them up.… Cross References Why harden your hearts Psalm 95:8 do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, in the day at Massah in the wilderness, Hebrews 3:8 do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness, Hebrews 3:15 As it has been said: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion.” as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened theirs? Exodus 8:15 When Pharaoh saw that there was relief, however, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said. Exodus 8:32 But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time as well, and he would not let the people go. Exodus 14:17 And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. Then I will gain honor by means of Pharaoh and all his army and chariots and horsemen. When He afflicted them, Exodus 9:14 Otherwise, I will send all My plagues against you and your officials and your people, so you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth. Exodus 3:20 So I will stretch out My hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders I will perform among them. And after that, he will release you. Psalm 105:36 Then He struck all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their vigor. did they not send the people out Exodus 12:31 Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Get up, leave my people, both you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. Exodus 12:32 Take your flocks and herds as well, just as you have said, and depart! And bless me also.” Exodus 12:33 And in order to send them out of the land quickly, the Egyptians urged the people on. “For otherwise,” they said, “we are all going to die!” so they could go on their way? Exodus 12:37 The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth with about 600,000 men on foot, besides women and children. Exodus 12:41 At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD’s divisions went out of the land of Egypt. Numbers 33:3 On the fifteenth day of the first month, on the day after the Passover, the Israelites set out from Rameses. They marched out defiantly in full view of all the Egyptians, Exodus 9:34 When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had ceased, he sinned again and hardened his heart—he and his officials. Treasury of Scripture Why then do you harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had worked wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed? harden Job 9:4 He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered? Psalm 95:8 Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; the Egyptians Exodus 7:13 And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said. Exodus 8:15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said. Exodus 9:16,34 And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth… wonderfully. Exodus 12:31-33 And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said… the people [heb] them Jump to Previous Allow Dealt Departed Egyptians Hard Harden Hardened Harshly Heart Hearts Israelites Mightily Pharaoh Rolled Severely Sport Treated Way Wherefore Wonderfully Worked WroughtJump to Next Allow Dealt Departed Egyptians Hard Harden Hardened Harshly Heart Hearts Israelites Mightily Pharaoh Rolled Severely Sport Treated Way Wherefore Wonderfully Worked Wrought1 Samuel 6 1. After seven months the Philistines take counsel how to send back the ark10. They bring it on a new cart with an offering unto Beth Shemesh 19. The people are smitten for looking into the ark 21. They send to them of Kiriath Jearim to fetch it Why harden your hearts This phrase calls to mind the spiritual condition of stubbornness and resistance to God's will. In biblical terms, a hardened heart is one that is unresponsive to God's commands and guidance. This concept is prevalent throughout Scripture, notably in the narrative of Pharaoh during the Exodus. A hardened heart is often associated with pride and rebellion against God, leading to spiritual blindness and eventual judgment. as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened theirs? When He afflicted them did they not send the people out so they could go on their way? Persons / Places / Events 1. PhilistinesA group of people who captured the Ark of the Covenant and experienced God's judgment as a result. 2. Egyptians and Pharaoh Historical figures who resisted God's will during the Exodus, leading to severe plagues. 3. Ark of the Covenant The sacred chest representing God's presence, captured by the Philistines and causing them distress. 4. Israelites God's chosen people, who were enslaved in Egypt and later freed by God's intervention. 5. Plagues Divine judgments sent by God to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Teaching Points The Danger of a Hardened HeartJust as Pharaoh's heart was hardened, leading to his downfall, we must guard against hardening our hearts to God's voice. Learning from History The Philistines are reminded of the consequences faced by the Egyptians. We, too, should learn from biblical history to avoid repeating past mistakes. God's Sovereignty and Judgment God's power and authority are evident in His dealings with both the Egyptians and the Philistines. Recognizing His sovereignty should lead us to humility and obedience. The Importance of Repentance The Philistines' eventual decision to return the Ark reflects a form of repentance. We should be quick to repent and align ourselves with God's will. The Role of Remembrance Remembering God's past actions, as the Philistines were reminded of Egypt, can strengthen our faith and encourage us to trust in His plans. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 6:6?2. How does 1 Samuel 6:6 illustrate the consequences of hardening one's heart against God? 3. What lessons can we learn from the Egyptians' and Pharaoh's hardened hearts? 4. How can we ensure our hearts remain open to God's guidance today? 5. What other biblical examples show the dangers of resisting God's will? 6. How can we apply the warnings of 1 Samuel 6:6 in daily life? 7. Why did the Philistines harden their hearts like the Egyptians in 1 Samuel 6:6? 8. What does 1 Samuel 6:6 reveal about God's judgment and mercy? 9. How does 1 Samuel 6:6 connect to the story of the Exodus? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 6? 11. Why does 1 Chronicles 16 differ from 2 Samuel 6 in describing the Ark's journey and the people's offerings? 12. Romans 9:17–18: When God hardens hearts, how can He still hold people accountable for their actions? 13. If Exodus 14:17 says God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, how can Pharaoh be held responsible for his actions? 14. 1 Samuel 5:6 - Is there any scientific or medical basis for the tumors supposedly afflicting the Philistines? What Does 1 Samuel 6:6 Mean Why harden your hearts• The Philistine priests challenge their rulers to stop resisting what God is clearly doing through the ark’s presence. A hardened heart is a conscious refusal to surrender to the truth staring you in the face (Exodus 8:15; Hebrews 3:13). • Hardness is never neutral; it sets a person in direct opposition to God, placing them under judgment (Proverbs 28:14; Acts 7:51). • In the narrative, tumors and panic spread through Philistia (1 Samuel 5:6–12). Every fresh outbreak is God’s gracious warning: “Yield before something worse happens.” as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened theirs? • The question points back to a well-known historical fact: Pharaoh repeatedly “hardened his heart” even after each plague (Exodus 7:13; 9:34; 10:1). • Remembering Egypt is meant to jolt the Philistines: “Do you really want to replay that disaster?” (Psalm 78:12–13). • God preserved the Exodus account so that future nations—and we today—would heed its lesson (Romans 9:17). When He afflicted them • “He” is the LORD, the covenant God who actively intervenes in history. The plagues were not random natural events; they were targeted acts of judgment (Exodus 3:20; 7:5). • Affliction was both punitive and persuasive. Each plague dismantled Egypt’s idols, proving the LORD alone is God (Exodus 12:12; Psalm 105:26–36). • Those who refuse lighter disciplines invite heavier ones; God’s escalating judgments display His patience as well as His power (Revelation 9:20–21). did they not send the people out so they could go on their way? • After the tenth plague, Pharaoh finally capitulated: “Up, leave my people—you and the Israelites!” (Exodus 12:31–33). • God’s purpose—the liberation of His people—was accomplished despite Pharaoh’s resistance (Exodus 14:30; Psalm 105:37). • The point for the Philistines is clear: yield willingly now, or be forced later. God’s deliverance plan for Israel will not be thwarted, and defying Him only multiplies suffering (Proverbs 21:30). summary 1 Samuel 6:6 is a God-given wake-up call. Hard hearts court disaster; humble hearts receive mercy. Egypt’s story proves that when God afflicts, He intends repentance and release. The wisest course—then and now—is to surrender promptly, acknowledge His sovereignty, and let His people, purposes, and truth proceed without obstruction. (6) As the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts.--We have here the traditional account of the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, no doubt, as it was preserved in Philistia. These constant references to the story of Moses and the Exodus are indications of the deep impression those events had made on the surrounding nations; hence the value they set on the Ark, which they looked upon as the visible symbol of the mighty Hebrew God. The argument here used by the priests and diviners is:--You all remember the well-known story of the obduracy of the powerful Egyptians in connection with these Israelites, yet even they in the end had to let them go. You Philistines have had the experience of one plague; will you, like those foolish Egyptians, harden your hearts till you. like them, have been smitten with ten?"Verse 6. - Wherefore do you harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh? On this reference to Egypt see on 1 Samuel 4:8. It is remarkable that they so correctly point out that it was the obduracy of the Egyptians which made their punishment so severe. Yet finally even they, in spite of their determined opposition were compelled to let Israel go. So now the question is whether the Philistines will restore the ark on the warning of one plague, or whether they will hold out till they have been smitten with ten.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Whyוְלָ֤מָּה (wə·lām·māh) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what harden תְכַבְּדוּ֙ (ṯə·ḵab·bə·ḏū) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 3513: To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome your hearts לְבַבְכֶ֔ם (lə·ḇaḇ·ḵem) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart as כַּאֲשֶׁ֧ר (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that the Egyptians מִצְרַ֥יִם (miṣ·ra·yim) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4713: Egyptian -- inhabitant of Egypt and Pharaoh וּפַרְעֹ֖ה (ū·p̄ar·‘ōh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings hardened כִּבְּד֛וּ (kib·bə·ḏū) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3513: To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome theirs? לִבָּ֑ם (lib·bām) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre When כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that He afflicted them, הִתְעַלֵּ֣ל (hiṯ·‘al·lêl) Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5953: To effect thoroughly, to glean, to overdo, maltreat, be saucy to, pain, impose did they not הֲלוֹא֙ (hă·lō·w) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no send the people on their way וַֽיְשַׁלְּח֖וּם (way·šal·lə·ḥūm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine plural Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out as they departed? וַיֵּלֵֽכוּ׃ (way·yê·lê·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk Links 1 Samuel 6:6 NIV1 Samuel 6:6 NLT 1 Samuel 6:6 ESV 1 Samuel 6:6 NASB 1 Samuel 6:6 KJV 1 Samuel 6:6 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 6:6 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 6:6 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 6:6 French Bible 1 Samuel 6:6 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 6:6 Why then do you harden your hearts (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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