Exodus 3:19

19 But I know, that the king of Egypt shall not deliver you that ye go, but by strong hand; (But I know, that the king of Egypt shall not let you go, unless compelled by a strong 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 I said, that I should lead out you from the affliction of Egypt (and I have decided that I will lead you out of your afflictions in Egypt), into the land of Canaanites, and of Hittites, and of Amorites, and of Perizzites, and of Hivites, and of Jebusites, to the land flowing with milk and honey.

18 And they shall hear thy voice; and thou shalt enter, and the elder men of Israel, to the king of Egypt, and thou shalt say to him, The Lord God of Hebrews hath called us; we shall go the way of three days into wilderness, that we offer to our Lord God. (And they shall hear thy voice; and then thou, and the elders of Israel, shall go to the king of Egypt, and thou shalt say to him, The Lord God of the Hebrews hath called us; let us make journey for three days into the wilderness, so that we can offer our sacrifices to the Lord our God.)

19 But I know, that the king of Egypt shall not deliver you that ye go, but by strong hand; (But I know, that the king of Egypt shall not let you go, unless compelled by a strong hand;)

20 for I shall hold forth mine hand, and I shall smite Egypt in all my marvels which I shall do in the midst of them; after these things he shall deliver you. (and so I shall stretch forth my hand, and I shall strike Egypt with all the miracles which I shall do in their midst; and then after these things he shall let you go.)

21 And I shall give grace to this people before [the] Egyptians, and when ye shall go out, ye shall not go out void;