Lexical Summary Pharaó: Pharaoh Original Word: Φαραώ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Pharaoh. Of foreign origin (Par'oh); Pharao (i.e. Pharoh), an Egyptian king -- Pharaoh. see HEBREW Par'oh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Eg. origin (great house) Definition Pharaoh, an Eg. king NASB Translation Pharaoh (3), Pharaoh's (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5328: ΦαραώΦαραώ (פַּרְעֹה; in Josephus, Antiquities 2, 13 and 14 Φαραωθης (also Φαραων, Φαρωνος, 8, 6, 2, etc.)), ὁ (indeclinable, Buttmann, 15 (14)), Pharaoh, the common title of the ancient kings of Egypt (ὁ φαραων κατ' Αἰγυπτίους βασιλέα σημαίνει, Josephus, Antiquities 8, 6, 2 (according to Ebers (in Riehm, under the word Pharao) the name is only the Hebrew form of the Egyptian per-aa denoting (as even Horapollo 1, 62 testifies) great house, a current title of kings akin to the Turkish sublime porte; others besides; see BB. DD., under the word)): Acts 7:13, 21; Romans 9:17; Hebrews 11:24; Φαραώ, with βασιλεύς Αἰγύπτου added in apposition (as if Φαραώ were a proper name, as sometimes in the O. T.: מִצְרַיִם מֶלֶך פַּרעֹה, 1 Kings 3:1; 1 Kings 9:16; Topical Lexicon Historical Background“Pharaoh” is the royal title of Egypt’s sovereigns from at least the Eighteenth Dynasty onward. In the Old Testament narrative the office comes to symbolize worldly power set in opposition to the purposes of God, especially in the Exodus account where the divine name is magnified over the might of Egypt. By the first century the word had become familiar in Greek-speaking Judaism, so that Φαραώ needed no explanation when cited by New Testament writers. Occurrences in the New Testament Acts 7:10, 13, 21 – In Stephen’s speech the title surfaces three times. Pharaoh embodies both benevolence and oppression. He elevates Joseph (7:10), welcomes Joseph’s family (7:13), yet under a later regime becomes the ruler who commands the exposure of Israelite infants (7:21). Stephen’s contrast underscores God’s providence through shifting political climates. Romans 9:17 – Paul cites Exodus 9:16 to illustrate divine sovereignty over rulers: “For Scripture says to Pharaoh: ‘I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.’” Pharaoh is the quintessential example of a heart that resists God and is judicially hardened, thereby serving the redemptive plan. Hebrews 11:24 – The writer highlights Moses’ faith: “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.” Here Pharaoh’s household represents the fleeting pleasures of sin and earthly prestige, set against the enduring reward of identifying with God’s people. Theological Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility Pharaoh’s repeated defiance—foreseen and used by God—illustrates that even the obstinacy of rulers cannot thwart but rather advances the divine purpose (Romans 9:17-18). 2. Deliverance Motif The Exodus, with Pharaoh as antagonist, foreshadows the greater redemption accomplished in Christ. Bondage under a tyrant becomes a type of bondage under sin; the Passover lamb anticipates the Lamb of God. 3. Faith’s Renunciation Moses’ break with Pharaoh’s court (Hebrews 11:24-26) teaches believers to esteem reproach for Christ above temporal glory. Practical Lessons for Ministry • Proclamation: Pharaoh’s downfall encourages preaching that exalts God’s supremacy over all human authority. Conclusion The five New Testament references to Φαραώ assume the historicity of the Exodus account and employ the title as a theological touchstone. Whether as the ruler who promoted Joseph, the tyrant who oppressed Israel, or the household Moses renounced, Pharaoh stands as an enduring reminder that “The Lord reigns for ever and ever” (Exodus 15:18). Forms and Transliterations Φαραω Φαραώ Φαραὼ Pharao Pharaō Pharaṓ PharaṑLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 7:10 NGRK: σοφίαν ἐναντίον Φαραὼ βασιλέως Αἰγύπτου NAS: in the sight of Pharaoh, king KJV: in the sight of Pharaoh king INT: wisdom before Pharoah king of Egypt Acts 7:13 N Acts 7:21 N Romans 9:17 N Hebrews 11:24 N |
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