Curiously Kaitlyn

Why did God harden Pharaoh's heart?

4 snips
Jul 15, 2025
Carmen Imes, an Associate Professor of Old Testament at Biola University and an accomplished scholar, discusses the profound question of why God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. She breaks down the theological tension between divine sovereignty and free will, offering insights into the metaphorical meanings of hard-heartedness. Imes also explores the humorous yet poignant narrative of the plagues in Egypt, emphasizing that these aren't just punishments but divine messages meant for reflection. Her explanations invite a deeper understanding of God’s nature and the complexities of morality.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Meaning of "Harden Heart" in Hebrew

  • The Hebrew phrase "harden Pharaoh's heart" means to make his heart resolute or determined, not merely cruel or unkind.
  • God strengthens Pharaoh's resolve to continue what he already decided, respecting his free will rather than overriding it.
INSIGHT

Pharaoh’s Heart Made "Heavy"

  • Pharaoh's "heavy heart" signifies guilt and injustice according to Egyptian understanding, meaning he fails even by their moral standards.
  • This metaphor shows Pharaoh's moral failure distinct from merely being resolute.
ADVICE

Use Theology to Understand Bible

  • Understand the Bible by learning foundational truths about God’s sovereignty and goodness first.
  • Use theological principles to rule out unfair interpretations and better grasp difficult passages.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app