Exodus 12:12
Exodus 12:12 in Multiple Translations
On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD.
For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.
For I will go through the land of Egypt in that night, and will smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am Jehovah.
For on that night I will go through the land of Egypt, sending death on every first male child, of man and of beast, and judging all the gods of Egypt: I am the Lord.
That very night I will go all through Egypt and kill every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring condemnation on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord.
For I will passe through the lande of Egypt the same night, and will smite all the first borne in the land of Egypt, both man and beast, and I will execute iudgement vpon all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord.
and I have passed over through the land of Egypt during this night, and have smitten every first-born in the land of Egypt, from man even unto beast, and on all the gods of Egypt I do judgments; I [am] Jehovah.
For I will go through the land of Egypt in that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and animal. I will execute judgments against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD.
For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast: and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.
And I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and will kill every firstborn in the land of Egypt both man and beast: and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord.
On that night I will go through all the country of Egypt, and I will kill all the oldest males in Egypt, both humans and animals. By doing this I will show that all the gods in Egypt are worthless. I can do this, because I am Yahweh, the all-powerful God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 12:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 12:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עָבַרְתִּ֣י
בְ/אֶֽרֶץ
מִצְרַיִם֮
בַּ/לַּ֣יְלָה
הַ/זֶּה֒
וְ/הִכֵּיתִ֤י
כָל
בְּכוֹר֙
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
מִצְרַ֔יִם
מֵ/אָדָ֖ם
וְ/עַד
בְּהֵמָ֑ה
וּ/בְ/כָל
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
מִצְרַ֛יִם
אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה
שְׁפָטִ֖ים
אֲנִ֥י
יְהוָֽה
וְ/עָבַרְתִּ֣י
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
בְ/אֶֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
מִצְרַיִם֮
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
בַּ/לַּ֣יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
Prep | N-ms
הַ/זֶּה֒
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
וְ/הִכֵּיתִ֤י
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
כָל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
בְּכוֹר֙
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
N-ms
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
מִצְרַ֔יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
מֵ/אָדָ֖ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Prep | N-ms
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Conj | Prep
בְּהֵמָ֑ה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
animal
N-fs
וּ/בְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | Prep | N-ms
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
מִצְרַ֛יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
שְׁפָטִ֖ים
shepheṭ
H8201
judgment
N-mp
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 12:12
וְ/עָבַרְתִּ֣י
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
בְ/אֶֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מִצְרַיִם֮
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
בַּ/לַּ֣יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
Prep | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
הַ/זֶּה֒
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
וְ/הִכֵּיתִ֤י
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בְּכוֹר֙
bᵉkôwr
H1060
"firstborn"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מִצְרַ֔יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
מֵ/אָדָ֖ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Prep | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
בְּהֵמָ֑ה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
"animal"
N-fs
This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.
Definition: 1) beast, cattle, animal 1a) beasts (coll of all animals) 1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals) 1c) wild beasts
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 1:24; Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalms 8:8.
וּ/בְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
מִצְרַ֛יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
שְׁפָטִ֖ים
shepheṭ
H8201
"judgment"
N-mp
This word refers to a sentence or act of judgment, often used to describe God's decisions or human punishments. It appears in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah, highlighting the importance of justice. Judgment is a key theme in the Bible.
Definition: judgment, act of judgment
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: judgment. See also: Exodus 6:6; Ezekiel 11:9; Proverbs 19:29.
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Exodus 12:12
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- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 12:12
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- Sermons on Exodus 12:12
Context — The First Passover
10Do not leave any of it until morning; before the morning you must burn up any part that is left over.
11This is how you are to eat it: You must be fully dressed for travel, with your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. You are to eat in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover.
12On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD.
13The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a sign; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. 14And this day will be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD, as a permanent statute for the generations to come.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 33:4 | who were burying all their firstborn, whom the LORD had struck down among them; for the LORD had executed judgment against their gods. |
| 2 | Exodus 12:23 | When the LORD passes through to strike down the Egyptians, He will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway; so He will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down. |
| 3 | Psalms 82:6 | I have said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’ |
| 4 | Psalms 82:1 | God presides in the divine assembly; He renders judgment among the gods: |
| 5 | Isaiah 19:1 | This is the burden against Egypt: Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud; He is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt will tremble before Him, and the hearts of the Egyptians will melt within them. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 43:13 | He will demolish the sacred pillars of the temple of the sun in the land of Egypt, and he will burn down the temples of the gods of Egypt.’” |
| 7 | Zephaniah 2:11 | The LORD will be terrifying to them when He starves all the gods of the earth. Then the nations of every shore will bow in worship to Him, each in its own place. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 12:16 | But I will spare a few of them from sword and famine and plague, so that in the nations to which they go, they can recount all their abominations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.” |
| 9 | John 10:34–35 | Jesus replied, “Is it not written in your Law: ‘I have said you are gods’ ? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken— |
| 10 | Exodus 6:2 | God also told Moses, “I am the LORD. |
Exodus 12:12 Summary
This verse, Exodus 12:12, tells us that God was going to pass through the land of Egypt and bring judgment on all the firstborn males, both humans and animals, because Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go. God was showing His power and authority over all of Egypt, including their gods. This event was a significant part of the Passover, as seen in Exodus 12:11-13, and it reminds us of God's mercy and love for His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:6-8. By trusting in God's power and promises, we can have confidence in His presence and protection in our own lives, just like the Israelites did during the Passover.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'pass through' the land of Egypt in Exodus 12:12?
This phrase signifies God's sovereign judgment and power as He executes His plan to free the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, as seen in Exodus 12:12 and also in Ezekiel 20:6 where God's presence and power are demonstrated.
Why did God target the firstborn males in Egypt?
God's judgment on the firstborn males was a demonstration of His power and authority over all of Egypt, including their gods, as stated in Exodus 12:12, and it was also a call to Pharaoh to release the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 4:22-23 where God says Israel is His firstborn son.
What does it mean for God to 'execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt'?
This statement signifies God's supremacy over all other gods and idols, as He demonstrates His power and authority, as seen in Exodus 12:12 and also in Isaiah 46:9-10 where God declares His uniqueness as the one true God.
How does this verse relate to the concept of the Passover?
This verse is central to the institution of the Passover, as it explains the reason for the Passover - God's judgment on Egypt and His mercy on the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 12:11-13 and also in Leviticus 23:5 where the Passover is commanded to be observed as a memorial.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's character and power?
- How does the concept of God 'passing through' the land of Egypt relate to our own lives and struggles?
- What can we learn from God's judgment on the gods of Egypt, and how does this apply to our own worship and priorities?
- In what ways can we apply the principle of God's sovereignty and power in our own lives, especially in times of difficulty or uncertainty?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 12:12
For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night,..... Which must be understood consistent with his omnipresence, and of the manifestation of his powerful presence, or of the exertion of his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 12:12
For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 12:12
I will execute judgment; either, 1. By exposing them to shame and contempt, as vain and impotent gods that could not save their worshippers. But that appeared before. Or, 2. By destroying those beasts which they worshipped; and it is not unlikely but those particular beasts, which were their chief idols, as Apis, Mnevis, &c., were first-born, and therefore perished in this plague. Or, 3. By over-throwing their idols, as he afterwards did Dagon. And so some Hebrew writer tells us, that this very night all their idols were broken and thrown down. And there are some footsteps hereof even in heathen authors; of whom some tell us that most of the temples of Egypt at one time fell down by an earthquake; and others affirm, that the Egyptian gods, for fear of one Typho, (by whom it is apparent they meant Moses,) did hide themselves for a season, &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 12:12
Exodus 12:12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I [am] the LORD.Ver. 12. And I will smite all the firstborn.] This crosseth not that in Ezekiel 18:20, "The son shall not bear the iniquity of his father"; for God never punisheth the innocent, because all are guilty before him. These Egyptians had slain Israel, God’ s firstborn. And it is the observation of Theodoret, that when God smote Pharaoh’ s firstborn, he drew blood of the arm for the cure of the head: which, because it mended not thereupon, came also to confusion. And against all the gods of Egypt.] As he did here upon the Popish idols in the beginning of the Reformation, by detecting their vanity, and laying their honour in the dust.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 12:12
(12) For I will pass through.—Rather, go through, since the word used is entirely unconnected with pesahh.Against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment.—The translation “gods” is far preferable to that of “princes,” given in the margin. The death of all the firstborn beasts would have been felt by the Egyptians as a heavy judgment upon their gods. Some of their sacred animals were regarded as actual incarnations of deity; and if any of these perished, as is likely, the threat would have been executed to the letter. But even apart from this, as cows, sheep, goats, cats, dogs, jackals, crocodiles, hippopotami, apes, ibises, frogs, &c, were sacred, either throughout Egypt or in parts of it, a general destruction of all firstborn animals would have been felt as a blow dealt to the gods almost equally. I am the Lord.—Heb. I, Jehovah. The construction is, “I, Jehovah, will execute judgment.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 12:12
Verse 12. Against all the gods of Egypt, c.] As different animals were sacred among the Egyptians, the slaying of the first-born of all the beasts might be called executing judgment upon the gods of Egypt. As this however does not appear very clear and satisfactory, some have imagined that the word אלהי elohey should be translated princes, which is the rendering in our margin for as these princes, who were rulers of the kingdom under Pharaoh, were equally hostile to the Hebrews with Pharaoh himself, therefore these judgments fell equally heavy on them also. But we may ask, Did not these judgments fall equally on all the families of Egypt, though multitudes of them had no particular part either in the evil counsel against the Israelites or in their oppression? Why then distinguish those in calamities in which all equally shared? None of these interpretations therefore appear satisfactory. Houbigant, by a very simple and natural emendation, has, he thinks, restored the whole passage to sense and reason. He supposes that אלהי elohey, GODS, is a mistake for אהלי ahley, TENTS or habitations, the ה he and the ל lamed being merely interchanged. This certainly gives a very consistent sense, and points out the universality of the desolation to which the whole context continually refers. He therefore contends that the text should be read thus: And on all the TENTS (or HABITATIONS) of Egypt I will execute judgment; by which words the Lord signified that not one dwelling in the whole land of Egypt should be exempted from the judgment here threatened.
It is but justice to say that however probable this criticism may appear, it is not supported by any of the ancient versions, nor by any of the MSS. collated by Kennicott and De Rossi. The parallel place also, Numbers 33:4, is rather against Houbigant's interpretation: For the Egyptians buried all their first-born, which the Lord had smitten among them: upon their gods also [ובאלהיהם ubeloheyhem] the Lord executed judgments. But Houbigant amends the word in this place in the same way as he does that in Exodus. There appears also to be an allusion to this former judgment in Isaiah 19:1: Behold, the Lord - shall come into Egypt, and the idols [אלילי eliley] of Egypt shall be moved at his presence. And in Jeremiah 43:13: The houses of the gods [בתי אלהי bottey elohey] of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire. The rabbins say that "when Israel came out of Egypt, the holy blessed God threw down all the images of their abominations, and they were broken to pieces." When a nation was conquered, it was always supposed that their gods had either abandoned them or were overcome. Thus Egypt was ruined, and their gods confounded and destroyed by Jehovah. See Clarke on Exodus 11:7.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 12:12
12. And I will go through, &c.] cf. Exodus 11:4. and against, &c.] cf. Numbers 33:4 (P); for ‘judgements,’ also, see on Exodus 6:6.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 12:12
I will pass through - A word wholly distinct from that which means “pass over.” The “passing through” was in judgment, the “passing over” in mercy. Against all the gods of Egypt - Compare the margin reference.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 12:12
12. Against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment — See Introd. to the history of the plagues, (1.)
Sermons on Exodus 12:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Exodus) Exodus 11:10 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the gods of Egypt claiming the firstborn of both man and beast. However, God intervenes and takes what belongs to Him. The spea |
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Dagon Was Fallen Upon His Face to the Earth by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the confrontation between the Ark of the Lord and the idol Dagon, illustrating the supremacy of Jehovah over false gods. The fall of Dagon symbolizes the inev |
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The Blood of the Lamb Exodus 12 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of the Passover in Exodus 12, illustrating how the blood of the lamb served as a protective sign for the Israelites during God's judgm |
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Bible Survey - Exodus by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the Book of Exodus, highlighting God's almighty power, sovereignty, holiness, faithfulness, and His acts of redemption, judgment, and provision for His pe |
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Hebrews 11 by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the preacher shares two stories from the Bible to emphasize the importance of seeking God's perspective in difficult situations. He recounts the story of a little o |
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I Can't Take It by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, Pastor Symbol emphasizes the importance of shining as believers by doing everything without complaining or arguing. He acknowledges that this is not an easy task, b |
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Midnight! What Then? by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the ten virgins from the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared and ready for the return of Christ. The five f |