For this time introduces what seems to be a result clause that assumes the Pharaoh’s continued refusal. The word for For (ki) in Hebrew is frequently used as a conjunction to introduce a causal clause. And a few translations (Jerusalem Bible, New International Version, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch, Contemporary English Version) interpret the ki as conditional, in the sense of “or else,” or “If you don’t.” This is possible, even though the conditional sense is usually made clear with two words, ki ʿim, meaning “for if,” as in 9.2. Good News Translation and others, however, omit the ki entirely, interpreting it simply as a marker emphasizing the absolute certainty of what will happen. This is the more probable meaning, and translators are advised to follow Good News Translation. This time means “this occurrence,” or simply “now.” In this case, therefore, the coming of the plague is certain, and the king’s positive response to the demand of verse 13 should be the result.

I will send, of course, means Yahweh will send. The same Hebrew verb is used here as in the demand formula in verse 13 (“Let my people go”). This may be an intentional play on the word. (See the discussion at 7.16 and 8.21.) All my plagues is difficult to understand. Good News Translation‘s “I will punish” probably fails to convey the full meaning of the plural form. It is possible to interpret this as a general statement explaining the reason for all the plagues, or all the remaining plagues, and not just the hailstorm. For example, Translator’s Old Testament has “at the present time I am sending all these plagues on you.” But it is more likely that the plural form is emphatic. New American Bible has “I will hurl all my blows upon you,” and New International Version has “I will send the full force of my plagues against you.” Contemporary English Version interprets the plural as meaning “worst”: “he [Yahweh] will send his worst plagues to strike you.” Another possible way of expressing this is “I am going to punish you more severely than before….”

Upon your heart is literally “to” or “toward your heart,” referring to the Pharaoh alone. The word heart is often used figuratively for the entire person, so New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh translates “upon your person.” In this case, however, your heart may indeed suggest “your mind” (Durham) in the sense of “your conscience,” but most translations stay with the simple meaning of “against you” (New International Version), or “you yourself” (New Revised Standard Version). Your servants and your people refers to the king’s “officials” (Good News Translation) and all the Egyptians.

Note that Good News Translation has changed the sequence of “you,” “your officials,” and “your people” to read: “not only your officials and your people, but I will punish you as well.” This is a device in English to bring out the intended emphasis in ascending order rather than the descending order of the Hebrew.

That you may know is another in a series of statements that explain the purpose of the plagues and answer the original question of the Pharaoh in 5.2, “Who is the LORD?” You is singular, referring to the king. There is none like me is only two words in Hebrew, meaning “absence” or “nothingness” plus “like me.” In all the earth means “anywhere on earth” (New American Bible) or “in the whole world” (New Jerusalem Bible).

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 .