Exodus 7:20

Exodus 7:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded; in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials, Aaron raised the staff and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was turned to blood.

King James Version KJV

And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.

American Standard Version ASV

And Moses and Aaron did so, as Jehovah commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Moses and Aaron did as the Lord had said; and when his rod had been lifted up and stretched out over the waters of the Nile before the eyes of Pharaoh and his servants, all the water in the Nile was turned to blood;

Free Bible Version FBV

Moses and Aaron did exactly as the Lord had ordered. While Pharaoh and all his officials watched, Aaron lifted up his walking stick and hit the water of the Nile. Immediately the whole river turned to blood!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

So Moses and Aaron did euen as the Lord commanded: and hee lift vp the rodde, and smote the water that was in the riuer in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his seruants: and all the water that was in the riuer, was turned into blood.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Moses and Aaron do so, as Jehovah hath commanded, and he lifteth up [his hand] with the rod, and smiteth the waters which [are] in the River, before the eyes of Pharaoh, and before the eyes of his servants, and all the waters which [are] in the River are turned to blood,

World English Bible WEB

Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and struck the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned into blood.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Moses and Aaron did as the Lord had commanded: and lifting up the rod he struck the water of the river before Pharao and his servants: and it was turned into blood.

Translation for Translators T4T

So Aaron and Moses/I did what Yahweh commanded. As the king and his officials were watching, Aaron lifted up his stick and then struck the water in the Nile River with it. And all the water in the river turned red like blood.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 7:20

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 7:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יַּֽעֲשׂוּ כֵן֩ מֹשֶׁ֨ה וְ/אַהֲרֹ֜ן כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר צִוָּ֣ה יְהוָ֗ה וַ/יָּ֤רֶם בַּ/מַּטֶּה֙ וַ/יַּ֤ךְ אֶת הַ/מַּ֨יִם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּ/יְאֹ֔ר לְ/עֵינֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה וּ/לְ/עֵינֵ֖י עֲבָדָ֑י/ו וַ/יֵּהָֽפְכ֛וּ כָּל הַ/מַּ֥יִם אֲשֶׁר בַּ/יְאֹ֖ר לְ/דָֽם

וַ/יַּֽעֲשׂוּ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

כֵן֩ kên H3651 right Adv

מֹשֶׁ֨ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

וְ/אַהֲרֹ֜ן ʼAhărôwn H175 Aaron Conj | N-proper

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

צִוָּ֣ה tsâvâh H6680 to command V-Piel-Perf-3ms

יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

וַ/יָּ֤רֶם rûwm H7311 to exalt Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

בַּ/מַּטֶּה֙ maṭṭeh H4294 tribe Prep | N-ms

וַ/יַּ֤ךְ nâkâh H5221 to smite Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/מַּ֨יִם֙ mayim H4325 Water (Gate) Art | N-mp

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

בַּ/יְאֹ֔ר yᵉʼôr H2975 stream Prep | N-proper

לְ/עֵינֵ֣י ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd

פַרְעֹ֔ה Parʻôh H6547 Pharaoh N-proper

וּ/לְ/עֵינֵ֖י ʻayin H5869 eye Conj | Prep | N-cd

עֲבָדָ֑י/ו ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp | Suff

וַ/יֵּהָֽפְכ֛וּ hâphak H2015 to overturn Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הַ/מַּ֥יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) Art | N-mp

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

בַּ/יְאֹ֖ר yᵉʼôr H2975 stream Prep | N-proper

לְ/דָֽם dâm H1818 blood Prep | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 7:20

וַ/יַּֽעֲשׂוּ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

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.

כֵן֩ kên H3651 "right" Adv

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

מֹשֶׁ֨ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

וְ/אַהֲרֹ֜ן ʼAhărôwn H175 "Aaron" Conj | N-proper

Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest

Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

צִוָּ֣ה tsâvâh H6680 "to command" V-Piel-Perf-3ms

To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded

Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.

יְהוָ֗ה 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.

וַ/יָּ֤רֶם rûwm H7311 "to exalt" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.

Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)

Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.

בַּ/מַּטֶּה֙ maṭṭeh H4294 "tribe" Prep | N-ms

In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.

Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)

Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.

וַ/יַּ֤ךְ nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

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.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/מַּ֨יִם֙ mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" Art | N-mp

This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: This name means water, refreshment

Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

בַּ/יְאֹ֔ר yᵉʼôr H2975 "stream" Prep | N-proper

A stream or river, like the Nile, is what this word refers to. It can also mean a canal, watercourse, or even a mining shaft, emphasizing the flow of water.

Definition: 1) river, stream, canal, Nile, Nile-canal 1a) stream, river (Nile) 1b) Nile-arms, Nile-canals 1c) watercourses 1d) shafts (mining) 1e) river (in general)

Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream. See also: Genesis 41:1; Psalms 78:44; Isaiah 7:18.

לְ/עֵינֵ֣י ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

פַרְעֹ֔ה Parʻôh H6547 "Pharaoh" N-proper

In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.

Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt

Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.

וּ/לְ/עֵינֵ֖י ʻayin H5869 "eye" Conj | Prep | N-cd

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

עֲבָדָ֑י/ו ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp | Suff

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

וַ/יֵּהָֽפְכ֛וּ hâphak H2015 "to overturn" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp

To overturn means to turn something around or change it completely, often implying a reversal or transformation. This can be seen in the Bible when something is turned upside down or changed radically.

Definition: 1) to turn, overthrow, overturn 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to overturn, overthrow 1a2) to turn, turn about, turn over, turn around 1a3) to change, transform 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, turn, turn back 1b2) to change oneself 1b3) to be perverse 1b4) to be turned, be turned over, be changed, be turned against 1b5) to be reversed 1b6) to be overturned, be overthrown 1b7) to be upturned 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to transform oneself 1c2) to turn this way and that, turn every way 1d) (Hophal) to turn on someone

Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] become, change, come, be converted, give, make (a bed), overthrow (-turn), perverse, retire, tumble, turn (again, aside, back, to the contrary, every way). See also: Genesis 3:24; Job 30:15; Psalms 30:12.

כָּל 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.

הַ/מַּ֥יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" Art | N-mp

Definition: This name means water, refreshment

Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

בַּ/יְאֹ֖ר yᵉʼôr H2975 "stream" Prep | N-proper

A stream or river, like the Nile, is what this word refers to. It can also mean a canal, watercourse, or even a mining shaft, emphasizing the flow of water.

Definition: 1) river, stream, canal, Nile, Nile-canal 1a) stream, river (Nile) 1b) Nile-arms, Nile-canals 1c) watercourses 1d) shafts (mining) 1e) river (in general)

Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream. See also: Genesis 41:1; Psalms 78:44; Isaiah 7:18.

לְ/דָֽם dâm H1818 "blood" Prep | N-ms

Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.

Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.

Study Notes — Exodus 7:20

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Context — The First Plague: Blood

18The fish in the Nile will die, the river will stink, and the Egyptians will be unable to drink its water.’” 19And the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt—over their rivers and canals and ponds and all the reservoirs—that they may become blood.’ There will be blood throughout the land of Egypt, even in the vessels of wood and stone.”

20Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded; in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials, Aaron raised the staff and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was turned to blood.

21The fish in the Nile died, and the river smelled so bad that the Egyptians could not drink its water. And there was blood throughout the land of Egypt. 22But the magicians of Egypt did the same things by their magic arts. So Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 78:44	He turned their rivers to blood, and from their streams they could not drink.
2	Psalms 105:29	He turned their waters to blood and caused their fish to die.
3	Exodus 7:17–18	This is what the LORD says: By this you will know that I am the LORD. Behold, with the staff in my hand I will strike the water of the Nile, and it will turn to blood. The fish in the Nile will die, the river will stink, and the Egyptians will be unable to drink its water.’”
4	John 2:9–11	and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not know where it was from, but the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone serves the fine wine first, and then the cheap wine after the guests are drunk. But you have saved the fine wine until now!” Jesus performed this, the first of His signs, at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.
5	Exodus 17:9–12	So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.” Joshua did as Moses had instructed him and fought against the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side, so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down.
6	Revelation 8:8	Then the second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned to blood,
7	Exodus 17:5–6	And the LORD said to Moses, “Walk on ahead of the people and take some of the elders of Israel with you. Take along in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. And when you strike the rock, water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.
8	Numbers 20:8–12	“Take the staff and assemble the congregation. You and your brother Aaron are to speak to the rock while they watch, and it will pour out its water. You will bring out water from the rock and provide drink for the congregation and their livestock.” So Moses took the staff from the LORD’s presence, just as he had been commanded. Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly in front of the rock, and Moses said to them, “Listen now, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that a great amount of water gushed out, and the congregation and their livestock were able to drink. But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust Me to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”

Exodus 7:20 Summary

[This verse, Exodus 7:20, shows us that God is all-powerful and can do amazing things, like turning water into blood, as a judgment on those who disobey Him, as seen in Revelation 16:4-6. Moses and Aaron obeyed God's command, and God did a mighty miracle through them, demonstrating His power and authority over all creation, as stated in Psalm 104:29. This verse teaches us to trust in God's power and authority, and to obey His commands, just like Moses and Aaron did, as seen in Deuteronomy 11:27. By doing so, we can see God work in our lives and circumstances in amazing ways, just like He did in the life of the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 14:13-14.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God instruct Moses and Aaron to turn the Nile River into blood?

God instructed Moses and Aaron to turn the Nile River into blood as a judgment on the Egyptians for their idolatry and refusal to let the Israelites go, as seen in Exodus 7:20, and to demonstrate His power and authority over all creation, as stated in Psalm 104:29.

What was the significance of Aaron raising his staff and striking the water of the Nile?

Aaron raising his staff and striking the water of the Nile was an act of obedience to God's command, and it symbolized God's power and authority over the natural world, as seen in Exodus 4:2-5 and Numbers 20:11.

How did Pharaoh's officials respond to this miracle?

The Bible does not provide a direct response from Pharaoh's officials in Exodus 7:20, but it is noted in Exodus 7:22 that the magicians of Egypt were able to replicate the miracle through their magic arts, which hardened Pharaoh's heart and led him to refuse Moses and Aaron's demands.

What does this verse reveal about God's character?

This verse reveals that God is a God of judgment and justice, who will not be ignored or disobeyed, as seen in Exodus 7:20, and that He is also a God of power and authority, who can accomplish His will through miraculous means, as stated in Jeremiah 32:17.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and authority, just like Moses and Aaron did in this verse?
How can I apply the principle of obedience to God's commands, as seen in Exodus 7:20, to my own life and circumstances?
What are some ways that I can demonstrate my faith and trust in God's power and authority to those around me, just like Moses and Aaron did before Pharaoh and his officials?
What are some lessons that I can learn from Pharaoh's response to the miracle in this verse, and how can I apply those lessons to my own life and relationship with God?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 7:20

And Moses and Aaron did so, as the Lord commanded,.... Moses delivered the rod to Aaron, who took it and went to the water side: and he lift up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 7:20

And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 7:20

Exodus 7:20 And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that [were] in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that [were] in the river were turned to blood.Ver. 20. Were turned into blood.] To show them, as in a mirror, their blood guiltiness. These bloody and deceitful men had "blood to drink, for they were worthy."

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 7:20

(20) He lifted up the rod.—“He” is, undoubtedly, Aaron. (See Exodus 7:19.) In the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants.—If the occasion was one of a Nile festival, Pharaoh would have “gone out to the water” (Exodus 7:15) accompanied by all the great officers of the Court, by a large body of the priests, and vast numbers of the people. If it was a mere occasion of bodily ablution, he would have had with him a pretty numerous train of attendants. In either case considerable publicity was given to the miracle, which was certainly not “done in a corner.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 7:20

The FIRST plague. The WATERS turned into BLOOD Verse 20. All the waters - were turned to blood.] Not merely in appearance, but in reality; for these changed waters became corrupt and insalubrious, so that even the fish that were in the river died; and the smell became highly offensive, so that the waters could not be drank; Exodus 7:21.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 7:20

19–20a. Before describing how the Nile was smitten, the compiler introduces P’s account of the command given to Moses. According to this, not the water of the Nile only, but all the water in Egypt, is to become blood. 19. Say unto Aaron] as regularly in P (p. 55). thy rod] as v. 9. their rivers] The Nile, and its arms, running through the Delta. their streams] lit. their Niles, i.e. their Nile-canals,—such as were constructed for irrigation purposes, to convey the water of the Nile to the fields. all their ponds of water] Heb. every gathering (Genesis 1:10, Leviticus 11:36) of their water. Probably reservoirs (tanks, cisterns, &c.) are in particular thought of: cf. the fem. in Isaiah 22:11 (‘reservoir’). 20b. and he lifted up] At first sight, in view of v. 19a, the subject seems to be Aaron: Aaron, however, in v. 19, is to stretch out his hand over all the water in Egypt; here the Nile only is smitten, in exact accordance with v. 17. At least therefore in its original context, when the narrative of E was complete, the ‘he’ will have been Moses, who carries the rod in vv. 15b, 17.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 7:20

20, 21. And all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood — Also, by implication, (Exodus 7:19,) all the waters that had been drawn from the river into the ponds, tanks, etc., underwent the change.

Sermons on Exodus 7:20

	Sermon	Description
	Praying and the Commonplace by Samuel Chadwick	Samuel Chadwick preaches about the extraordinary lives of Moses and Elijah, chosen to talk with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration due to their unique tasks and intimate relatio
	I Am the Lord That Healeth Thee by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the promised land and draws parallels to the Christian journey. He emphasizes that the call of G
	Tabernacle Background by Lawrence Chambers	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the role of Jesus as the last Adam and his victory over sin and Satan. He emphasizes that Jesus willingly faced temptation and gave Satan eve
	Satan's Banquet by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four tables in Satan's palace where sinners are enticed to indulge in secret sins. The first table is for the profligate, who initially b
	When God Says "Trust Me," He Means It! by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness throughout history, illustrating how He has met the needs of His people, from providing manna in the wilderness to miraculo
	Commonest Things Blessed by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound promise found in Exodus 23:25, highlighting that serving God brings not only joy but also His blessings upon our everyday provisions. He illus
	(Exodus) Exodus 17:8-12 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the battle between the Israelites and the Amalekites, which represents the conflict between the flesh and the spirit. The Amale