Exodus 8:18
Exodus 8:18 in Multiple Translations
The magicians tried to produce gnats using their magic arts, but they could not. And the gnats remained on man and beast.
And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast.
And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: and there were lice upon man, and upon beast.
And the wonder-workers with their secret arts, attempting to make insects, were unable to do so: and there were insects on man and on beast.
The magicians also tried to make gnats using their magic arts, but they couldn't. The gnats stayed on both people and animals.
Nowe the enchanters assaied likewise with their enchantments to bring forth lyce, but they could not. So the lyce were vpon man and vpon beast.
And the scribes do so with their flashings, to bring out the gnats, and they have not been able, and the gnats are on man and on beast;
The magicians tried with their enchantments to produce lice, but they couldn’t. There were lice on man, and on animal.
And the magicians did so with their inchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man and upon beast.
And the magicians with their enchantments practiced in like manner, to bring forth sciniphs, and they could not and there were sciniphs as well on men as on beasts.
The men who worked magic tried to cause gnats to appear, but they were unable to do it. So the gnats stayed on the Egyptian people and on their animals.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 8:18
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 8:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הִפְלֵיתִי֩
בַ/יּ֨וֹם
הַ/ה֜וּא
אֶת
אֶ֣רֶץ
גֹּ֗שֶׁן
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
עַמִּ/י֙
עֹמֵ֣ד
עָלֶ֔י/הָ
לְ/בִלְתִּ֥י
הֱיֽוֹת
שָׁ֖ם
עָרֹ֑ב
לְמַ֣עַן
תֵּדַ֔ע
כִּ֛י
אֲנִ֥י
יְהוָ֖ה
בְּ/קֶ֥רֶב
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
וְ/הִפְלֵיתִי֩
pâlâh
H6395
be distinguished
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
בַ/יּ֨וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הַ/ה֜וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
גֹּ֗שֶׁן
Gôshen
H1657
Goshen
N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עַמִּ/י֙
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
עֹמֵ֣ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal
עָלֶ֔י/הָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
לְ/בִלְתִּ֥י
biltîy
H1115
lest
Prep | Conj
הֱיֽוֹת
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Inf-a
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
עָרֹ֑ב
ʻârôb
H6157
swarm
N-ms
לְמַ֣עַן
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
תֵּדַ֔ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בְּ/קֶ֥רֶב
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 8:18
וְ/הִפְלֵיתִי֩
pâlâh
H6395
"be distinguished"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
This word means to be distinct or separated from others. It can also mean to be wonderful or set apart. In the Bible, it is used to describe people or things that are unique or special, like a miracle or a wonder.
Definition: 1) to be distinct, marked out, be separated, be distinguished 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be distinct, be separated, be distinguished 1a2) to be wonderful 1b) (Hiphil) to make separate, set apart
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: put a difference, show marvellous, separate, set apart, sever, make wonderfully. See also: Exodus 8:18; Exodus 33:16; Psalms 4:4.
בַ/יּ֨וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/ה֜וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
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.
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
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.
גֹּ֗שֶׁן
Gôshen
H1657
"Goshen"
N-proper
Goshen was a place in Egypt where the Israelites lived, and also a region in Palestine. The name Goshen means drawing near, and it is mentioned in the Bible as a significant location.
Definition: § Goshen = "drawing near" 1) a district in southern Palestine between Gaza and Gibeon
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Goshen. See also: Genesis 45:10; Genesis 47:27; Joshua 15:51.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
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.
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.
עַמִּ/י֙
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
עֹמֵ֣ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
עָלֶ֔י/הָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
לְ/בִלְתִּ֥י
biltîy
H1115
"lest"
Prep | Conj
This Hebrew word means not or except, and is often used with a prepositional prefix. It appears in various forms, such as not, except, or unless, and is used in many biblical passages.
Definition: subst 1) not, except adv 2) not 3) except (after preceding negation) conj 4) except (after an implied or expressed negation) with prep 5) so as not, in order not 6) an account of not, because...not 7) until not
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: because un(satiable), beside, but, [phrase] continual, except, from, lest, neither, no more, none, not, nothing, save, that no, without. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Kings 12:9; Isaiah 10:4.
הֱיֽוֹת
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
עָרֹ֑ב
ʻârôb
H6157
"swarm"
N-ms
This word describes a swarm of insects, like a large group of mosquitoes or flies, often seen as a nuisance. It's used in the Bible to describe a plague of insects, like the one in Exodus. The word is also used to describe a large and overwhelming crowd.
Definition: 1) swarm 1a) probable meaning from 'mixture' and 'incessant or involved motion'
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: divers sorts of flies, swarm. See also: Exodus 8:17; Exodus 8:25; Psalms 78:45.
לְמַ֣עַן
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
תֵּדַ֔ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
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.
יְהוָ֖ה
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.
בְּ/קֶ֥רֶב
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | 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.
Study Notes — Exodus 8:18
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- Exodus 8:18 Summary
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- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 8:18
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- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 8:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 8:18
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- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 8:18
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 8:18
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- Sermons on Exodus 8:18
Context — The Third Plague: Gnats
16Then the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, that it may turn into swarms of gnats throughout the land of Egypt.’”
17This they did, and when Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff and struck the dust of the earth, gnats came upon man and beast. All the dust of the earth turned into gnats throughout the land of Egypt.
18The magicians tried to produce gnats using their magic arts, but they could not. And the gnats remained on man and beast.
19“This is the finger of God,” the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said. 20Then the LORD said to Moses, “Get up early in the morning, and when Pharaoh goes out to the water, stand before him and tell him that this is what the LORD says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may worship Me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 7:11 | But Pharaoh called the wise men and sorcerers and magicians of Egypt, and they also did the same things by their magic arts. |
| 2 | Exodus 9:11 | The magicians could not stand before Moses, because the boils had broken out on them and on all the Egyptians. |
| 3 | Daniel 5:8 | So all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the inscription or interpret it for him. |
| 4 | Luke 10:18 | So He told them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. |
| 5 | Daniel 2:10–11 | The astrologers answered the king, “No one on earth can do what the king requests! No king, however great and powerful, has ever asked anything like this of any magician, enchanter, or astrologer. What the king requests is so difficult that no one can tell it to him except the gods, whose dwelling is not with mortals.” |
| 6 | Daniel 4:7 | When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners came in, I told them the dream, and they could not interpret it for me. |
| 7 | Isaiah 19:12 | Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt. |
| 8 | Genesis 41:8 | In the morning his spirit was troubled, so he summoned all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him. |
| 9 | Isaiah 47:12–13 | So take your stand with your spells and with your many sorceries, with which you have wearied yourself from your youth. Perhaps you will succeed; perhaps you will inspire terror! You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you— your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate. |
| 10 | 2 Timothy 3:8–9 | Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and disqualified from the faith. But they will not advance much further. For just like Jannes and Jambres, their folly will be plain to everyone. |
Exodus 8:18 Summary
[Exodus 8:18 shows us that God's power is beyond human understanding and that He is in control of all things, as seen in Psalm 103:19, which says that God's throne is in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. The magicians tried to imitate God's power, but they were unable to do so, which demonstrates the difference between human power and God's power, as stated in Jeremiah 32:17, which says that God is the one who can do all things. This verse reminds us to trust in God's power and wisdom, rather than our own, and to have faith in His ability to work in our lives, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the magicians unable to produce gnats using their magic arts in Exodus 8:18?
The magicians were unable to produce gnats because the power of God was beyond their abilities, as seen in Exodus 8:18, and it was a demonstration of God's authority over creation, similar to what is described in Psalm 115:3, which says God does whatever He pleases.
What can we learn from the failure of the magicians in Exodus 8:18?
We learn that human power and wisdom are limited, and they cannot compare to God's power, as stated in Isaiah 55:8-9, which highlights the difference between God's thoughts and human thoughts.
How does Exodus 8:18 relate to the rest of the story in Exodus?
Exodus 8:18 is part of the story of the ten plagues, where God demonstrates His power over Pharaoh and the Egyptians, as seen in Exodus 7:1-12:30, and it shows how God's power is beyond human understanding, as mentioned in Romans 11:33-36.
What does the phrase 'the gnats remained on man and beast' mean in Exodus 8:18?
The phrase 'the gnats remained on man and beast' means that the gnats, which were a plague sent by God, continued to afflict both humans and animals in Egypt, as a result of God's judgment, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 28:60, which lists the punishments for disobedience.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to rely on my own power and wisdom, rather than trusting in God's power and wisdom?
- How can I apply the lesson of the magicians' failure in Exodus 8:18 to my own life, and what are some ways I can trust in God's power and authority?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my trust in God's power and authority in my daily life, and how can I show others the power of God?
- What does Exodus 8:18 teach me about the nature of God, and how can I apply this knowledge to my relationship with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 8:18
And the magicians did so with their enchantments, to bring forth lice,.... They made use of their magical art, and juggling tricks they were masters of, to produce the like sort of creatures, or at
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 8:18
And they did so; for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice in man, and in beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 8:18
Did so, i.e. endeavoured to do so. Thus to enter, , is put for striving to enter, . Thus men are said to deliver, ; to fight, ; to return, ; when they only attempted or endeavoured to do so. And therefore when it is said in any of the plagues that the magicians did so, it is not to be understood that they really did the same thing, but that they endeavoured to do so, and that they did something which looked like it. It was as easy for them to produce lice as frogs, but God hindered them, partly to confound them and their devilish arts, and to show that what they did before was only by his permission; and partly to convince Pharaoh and the Egyptians of their vanity in trusting to such impotent magicians, and in opposing that God who could control and confound them when he pleased.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 8:18
Exodus 8:18 And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast.Ver. 18. But they could not.] Though they endeavoured it, as did the magician of Antwerp, who, being required by the English merchants there to play his feats and show his cunning, after much sweating and toil, when he saw that nothing could go forward, but that all his enchantments were void, was compelled openly to confess that there was some man there at supper which disturbed and hindered all his doings. This was Mr Tyndale the martyr, who, hearing of this magician, had desired certain of the merchants that he might be present to see him play, &c. Act. and Mon., fol. 985.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 8:18
(18) The magicians did so—i.e., tried to do so—took moist earth, and dried it, and pulverised it, and tried the effect of their magic charms upon it, but. failed to produce mosquitoes, as Aaron had done. Mosquitoes were things too delicate to be caught, and manipulated, and produced at a given moment by sleight-of-hand. The magicians tried to produce a counterfeit of the miracle, but could not. Then they excused themselves to their master with the words, “This is the finger of a god.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 8:18
Verse 18. The magicians did so] That is, They tried the utmost of their skill, either to produce these insects or to remove this plague; but they could not, no juggling could avail here, because insects must be produced which would stick to and infix themselves in man and beast, which no kind of trick could possibly imitate; and to remove them, as some would translate the passage, was to their power equally impossible. If the magicians even acted by spiritual agents, we find from this case that these agents had assigned limits, beyond which they could not go; for every agent in the universe is acting under the direction or control of the Almighty.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 8:18
18. This wonder the magicians (v. 7) were unable to imitate. to bring forth] viz. from the earth. 19 This is the finger of God] i.e. the finger, or hand, of God is discernible here. The expression (though not in the same application), also, Exodus 31:18, Deuteronomy 9:10, Luke 11:20, and in the plural, Psalms 8:3. The mosquito is so well known as a plague in Egypt, that it will not be necessary to add anything to what has been said about it on v. 16. The ‘gnats’ described here, however, differ from the mosquito in being produced, not from water, but from the dust; and also in their appearing miraculously, like the frogs, at a signal given by Aaron.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 8:18
18. But they could not — Here the magicians are baffled, and they can imitate these signs no further. In this the gradual advance is to be noted, and also in the fact that the stroke is much more severe.
Sermons on Exodus 8:18
| Sermon | Description | |
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2 Timothy - Part 14 by John Hunter | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the presence of con men in the world who deceive people and take their money. He also talks about a proud and arrogant man who believes he is |
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All Miracles and Healings Come From God by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch emphasizes that the ability to perform miracles does not automatically authenticate a ministry, as even false prophets and charlatans can deceive with signs and wonders |
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Overcoming Satan by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinctives of the New Covenant over the Old Covenant. He encourages listeners to meditate on God's Word |
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(The Better Covenant) 5 - Satan Defeated by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not letting anger linger in our hearts. He refers to Ephesians 4:26, which warns that unresolved anger gives Satan power ov |
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The Fall of Lucifer by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fall of Lucifer and the contrasting path taken by Jesus. He highlights how Lucifer's ambition and pride led to his downfall, as described |
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Biblical Eldership - Lesson 2 by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of leadership within the church. He references Hebrews 13:7 and 13:17, which emphasize the need to remember and imitate those |
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The Voice of the Holy Spirit - Aw Tozer by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the transformation of a young man who was just another ordinary person until he encountered God. The preacher emphasizes that although the w |