All these wonders uses the same word as in the previous verse, which identifies them as Yahweh’s wonders. It may be better to change did to “performed,” as New Revised Standard Version has done. Before Pharaoh means “in the presence of the king,” “in front of the king,” or “while the king was watching.” Contemporary English Version restructures this sentence as follows: “So the king of Egypt saw Moses and Aaron work miracles.”

And has been changed to “but” in New Revised Standard Version to show that it was Yahweh who hardened Pharaoh’s heart, or “made him stubborn” (Good News Translation). The word for hardened means to make strong (as discussed at 4.21). And he did not let the people of Israel go refers to the king, not to Yahweh. “He would not” (Good News Translation) may be more appropriate, since he was “stubborn.” Out of his land means “his country” (Good News Translation), that is, Egypt.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .