Pharaoh — Meaning in the Bible
The title of the kings of ancient Egypt. Several different pharaohs appear in the Bible.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
The Bible names only some pharaohs, such as Shishak (1 Kings 14:25) and Neco (2 Kings 23:29); the ones in Genesis and Exodus are not named.
What it means
A pharaoh made Joseph ruler over Egypt; a later king "who didn't know Joseph" made the Israelites slaves and ordered their baby boys thrown into the Nile. Genesis 41:41Exodus 1:8–11Exodus 1:22
Moses and Aaron told Pharaoh, "Let my people go," and Pharaoh refused until after the plagues. Exodus 5:1–2Exodus 12:31
Key passages
- Genesis 41:37–44 — Pharaoh honours Joseph
- Exodus 1:8–14 — A new king oppresses Israel
- Exodus 5:1–2 — "Who is the LORD?"
For children
Pharaoh was the name for the king of Egypt. In Moses' time, Pharaoh would not let God's people go free. Exodus 5:1–2