Exodus 8:19
Exodus 8:19 in Multiple Translations
“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.
Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as Jehovah had spoken.
Then the wonder-workers said to Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: but Pharaoh's heart was hard, and he did not give ear to them, as the Lord had said.
“This is an act of God,” the magicians told Pharaoh. But Pharaoh chose to be stubbornly hard-hearted, and he wouldn't listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had predicted.
Then saide the enchanters vnto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God. But Pharaohs heart remained obstinate, and hee hearkened not vnto them, as the Lord had said.
and the scribes say unto Pharaoh, 'It [is] the finger of God;' and the heart of Pharaoh is strong, and he hath not hearkened unto them, as Jehovah hath spoken.
Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is God’s finger;” but Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he didn’t listen to them, as the LORD had spoken.
Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not to them; as the LORD had said.
And the magicians said to Pharao This is the finger of God. And Pharao heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them, as the Lord had commanded.
The men who worked magic said to the king, “It is God who has done this with his power [MTY]!” But the king continued to be stubborn [IDM], and he would not pay attention to us, just as Yahweh had predicted.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 8:19
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 8:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שַׂמְתִּ֣י
פְדֻ֔ת
בֵּ֥ין
עַמִּ֖/י
וּ/בֵ֣ין
עַמֶּ֑/ךָ
לְ/מָחָ֥ר
יִהְיֶ֖ה
הָ/אֹ֥ת
הַ/זֶּֽה
וְ/שַׂמְתִּ֣י
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
פְדֻ֔ת
pᵉdûwth
H6304
redemption
N-fs
בֵּ֥ין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
עַמִּ֖/י
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
וּ/בֵ֣ין
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
עַמֶּ֑/ךָ
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
לְ/מָחָ֥ר
mâchâr
H4279
tomorrow
Prep | N-ms
יִהְיֶ֖ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
הָ/אֹ֥ת
ʼôwth
H226
sign
Art | N-cs
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 8:19
וְ/שַׂמְתִּ֣י
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
פְדֻ֔ת
pᵉdûwth
H6304
"redemption"
N-fs
Peduth means redemption or ransom, referring to the act of delivering or setting someone free. It is often translated as redemption or division.
Definition: ransom
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: division, redeem, redemption. See also: Exodus 8:19; Psalms 130:7; Psalms 111:9.
בֵּ֥ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
עַמִּ֖/י
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.
וּ/בֵ֣ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
עַמֶּ֑/ךָ
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.
לְ/מָחָ֥ר
mâchâr
H4279
"tomorrow"
Prep | N-ms
This word means tomorrow or a future time. In the Bible, it is used to talk about what will happen next, like in Exodus 13:14 where it refers to the next day.
Definition: 1) tomorrow, in time to come, in the future 1a) tomorrow (as the day following the present day) 1b) in future time
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: time to come, tomorrow. See also: Genesis 30:33; Judges 19:9; Proverbs 3:28.
יִהְיֶ֖ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.
הָ/אֹ֥ת
ʼôwth
H226
"sign"
Art | N-cs
A miraculous sign or wonder, like a beacon or monument. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It means a signal or token of God's power.
Definition: : miraculous 1) sign, signal 1a) a distinguishing mark 1b) banner 1c) remembrance 1d) miraculous sign 1e) omen 1f) warning 2) token, ensign, standard, miracle, proof
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: mark, miracle, (en-) sign, token. See also: Genesis 1:14; Joshua 2:12; Psalms 65:9.
הַ/זֶּֽה
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.
Study Notes — Exodus 8:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 8:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 8:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 8:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 8:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 8:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 8:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 8:19
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 8:19
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 8:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 8:19
- Sermons on Exodus 8:19
Context — The Third Plague: Gnats
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. 21But if you will not let My people go, I will send swarms of flies upon you and your officials and your people and your houses. The houses of the Egyptians and even the ground where they stand will be full of flies.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 11:20 | But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. |
| 2 | Psalms 8:3 | When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place— |
| 3 | Exodus 7:5 | And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out My hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out from among them.” |
| 4 | Matthew 12:28 | But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. |
| 5 | Acts 4:16 | “What shall we do with these men?” they asked. “It is clear to everyone living in Jerusalem that a remarkable miracle has occurred through them, and we cannot deny it. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 6:9 | but keep watching it. If it goes up the road to its homeland, toward Beth-shemesh, it is the LORD who has brought on us this great disaster. But if it does not, then we will know that it was not His hand that punished us and that it happened by chance.” |
| 7 | 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.” |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 6:3 | They replied, “If you return the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it away empty, but by all means return it to Him with a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and you will understand why His hand has not been lifted from you.” |
| 9 | Daniel 2:19 | During the night, the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision, and he blessed the God of heaven |
| 10 | John 11:47 | Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. |
Exodus 8:19 Summary
[This verse shows that even the magicians who worked for Pharaoh could see that the plague of gnats was a miracle from God, and they told Pharaoh that it was 'the finger of God'. However, Pharaoh still refused to listen and his heart became even harder. This teaches us that God is all-powerful and can do things that are beyond our understanding, as seen in Psalm 115:3. It also reminds us that we need to be careful not to harden our hearts to God's warnings and invitations, like Pharaoh did, but instead surrender to His power and authority, as stated in Romans 12:1-2.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the magicians mean when they said 'This is the finger of God'?
The magicians were acknowledging that the plague of gnats was a supernatural act of God, beyond their power to replicate or explain, as seen in Exodus 8:19. This realization should have led Pharaoh to recognize God's power and authority, as stated in Exodus 7:5.
Why did Pharaoh's heart become hardened again, despite the magicians' warning?
Pharaoh's heart was hardened because he refused to listen to the warning and acknowledge God's power, as stated in Exodus 8:19. This is consistent with the pattern seen in Exodus 7:13 and Exodus 7:22, where Pharaoh's heart was hardened in response to previous plagues.
What role did God play in hardening Pharaoh's heart?
According to Exodus 8:19, God had said that Pharaoh's heart would be hardened, suggesting that God was sovereignly orchestrating the events to demonstrate His power and glory, as also seen in Romans 9:17-18.
What can we learn from the magicians' admission of God's power?
The magicians' statement 'This is the finger of God' demonstrates that even those who do not follow God can recognize His power and authority, as seen in Exodus 8:19. This should encourage us to be humble and acknowledge God's sovereignty in all things, as stated in Psalm 115:3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am refusing to acknowledge God's power and authority, and how can I surrender to Him?
- How can I, like the magicians, recognize and admit when God is at work, even if it's beyond my understanding or control?
- What does this verse teach me about the relationship between God's sovereignty and human responsibility, and how can I apply this to my own life?
- In what ways can I, like Pharaoh, be hardened to God's warnings and invitations, and how can I cultivate a soft and receptive heart towards Him?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 8:19
Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, this is the finger of God,.... This is to be ascribed to a power superior to human, to a divine power; so long as they could do something similar, or impose upon
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 8:19
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 8:19
The finger is put either synecdochically for the hand, as it Isaiah 144:1; or metaphorically for the power or virtue, as , compared with . Of God; of that supreme God, whom both the Egyptians and other heathen idolaters acknowledged as superior to all men, and idols, and devils. This they said, lest they should be thought inferior to Moses and Aaron in magical art. But hereby they own the sovereign God to be on Israel’ s side; and yet, like the devils, they proceed to fight against him. He hearkened not unto them; either to his magicians, of whom he last spake; or rather to Moses and Aaron, as the following words show. For relatives oft belong to the remoter antecedents, as .
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 8:19
Exodus 8:19 Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This [is] the finger of God: and Pharaoh’ s heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.Ver. 19. This is the finger of God.] An act of omnipotency, as Luke 11:20 Psalms 8:3. "The heavens are the work of God’ s fingers." Deus disponit membra pulicis et culicis, saith Augustine. And he hearkened not to them.] Neither to Moses, nor to his own magicians, being akin to the catadupes that dwell at the fall of his river Nile, and are deaf.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 8:19
(19) The finger of God.—Rather, of a goal. The magicians meant to say, “This is beyond the power of man: it is supernatural; some god must be helping Moses and Aaron.” They did not mean to profess a belief in One God. Pharaoh’s heart was hardened.—The mosquitoes did not impress Pharaoh as the frogs had done (Exodus 8:8-15). His heart remained hard. He had no need to harden it by an act of his will. Probably the visitation affected him but little, since he would possess mosquito curtains, and could inhabit the loftier parts of his palace, which would be above the height whereto the mosquito ascends (Herod, ii. 95).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 8:19
Verse 19. This is the finger of God] That is, The power and skill of God are here evident. Probably before this the magicians supposed Moses and Aaron to be conjurers, like themselves; but now they are convinced that no man could do these miracles which these holy men did, unless God were with him. God permits evil spirits to manifest themselves in a certain way, that men may see that there is a spiritual world, and be on their guard against seduction. He at the same time shows that all these agents are under his control, that men may have confidence in his goodness and power.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 8:19
16–19. The third plague. The dust of the land turned to gnats. Entirely P.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 8:19
The finger of God - This expression is thoroughly Egyptian; it need not imply that the magicians recognized Yahweh, the God who performed the marvel.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 8:19
19. This is the finger of God — Rather, of the gods; for they did not mean to own Jehovah, but declared that this was a supernatural infliction from their own gods.
Sermons on Exodus 8:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Exodus) Exodus 8:1-15 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the eighth plague that God brought upon the land of Egypt, which was the infestation of frogs. God commanded Moses to go to Pharaoh and deman |
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When God Crashes the Party by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches on the story of Belshazzar in Daniel 5, highlighting the tragic dissipation and revelry at the royal feast, where intemperance, impropriety, impiety, and idolat |
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Don't Demonize the Demonized by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of understanding demonic oppression in his sermon 'Don't Demonize the Demonized.' He discusses the confusion surrounding the topic, addressi |
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Homily 41 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on Jesus' response to the Pharisees' accusation of casting out demons by Beelzebub, highlighting how Jesus refutes their claims by showing the absurdity of |
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Our Evangelical Faith by Harold John Ockenga | Harold John Ockenga preaches about the core beliefs of the National Association of Evangelicals, emphasizing the importance of the Statement of Faith forged in 1942, which includes |
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The Kingdom and the Cross by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the Kingdom of God represents God's sovereign rule, which has existed in three phases: past, present, and future. He explains that while the Old Te |
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Mark 3 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes the arrival of grace through Jesus, who demonstrates God's love by healing on the Sabbath, contrasting it with the Pharisees' rigid adherence to tradit |