Pharaoh (of the Exodus)

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew parʿōh (פַּרְעֹה), from Egyptian “Great House,” a royal title rather than a personal name
• Period/Era: Patriarchal Period (Israel in Egypt and the Exodus traditions)
• Main References: Exodus 1–15 (also Exodus 7–12; 14)
• Key Connections: Moses and Aaron; the Israelites as an enslaved people; Egypt as a major foreign power

Who was Pharaoh (of the Exodus)?

Pharaoh is the unnamed king of Egypt who ruled during Israel’s enslavement and the Exodus.
He is portrayed as exercising absolute authority over Israelite labor and resisting Israel’s departure.
His repeated refusals set the stage for the plagues and the deliverance narrative.

Key Events & Achievements

• Oppression decree: Intensified Israelite forced labor and attempted to curb Israel’s growth (Exodus 1).
• Confrontations with Moses: Rejected the demand to release Israel and endured escalating plagues (Exodus 7–12).
• Pursuit and defeat: Chased Israel to the sea, where his force was overwhelmed in the waters (Exodus 14).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Pharaoh’s story functions as a sustained portrayal of human kingship resisting the God who claims Israel as his people.

Key Verse

"But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt," — Exodus 7:3, ESV