Exodus 3:19

19 But I know that Pharao king of Egypt will not let you go, save with a mighty hand;

Exodus 3:19 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 3:19

And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go
Or "but" ^F3 "I am sure" though so reasonable a request was made him, yet it would not be granted; this is observed to them, that they might not be discouraged when he should refuse to dismiss them, which the omniscient God knew beforehand, and acquaints them with it, that, when it came to pass, they might be induced to believe that the mission of Moses was of God, rather than the contrary: no, not by a mighty hand;
the mighty power of God displayed once and again, even in nine plagues inflicted on him, until the tenth and last came upon him; or "unless by a mighty hand" ^F4, even the almighty hand of God; prayers, entreaties, persuasions, and arguments, will signify nothing, unless the mighty power of God is exerted upon him.

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FOOTNOTES:

F3 (yna) "ego autem", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; "sed ego", V. L.
F4 (alw) (ean mh) Sept. "nisi", V. L. Pagninus, Vatablus; so Noldius, p. 344. No. 1246.

Exodus 3:19 In-Context

17 And he said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of the Egyptians to the land of the Chananites and the Chettites, and Amorites and Pherezites, and Gergesites, and Evites, and Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and honey.

18 And they shall hearken to thy voice, and thou and the elders of Israel shall go in to Pharao king of Egypt, and thou shalt say to him, The God of the Hebrews has called us; we will go then a journey of three days into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to our God.

19 But I know that Pharao king of Egypt will not let you go, save with a mighty hand;

20 and I will stretch out my hand, and smite the Egyptians with all my wonders, which I shall work among them, and after that he will send you forth.

21 And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, and whenever ye shall escape, ye shall not depart empty.