Exodus 8:23
Exodus 8:23 in Multiple Translations
I will make a distinction between My people and your people. This sign will take place tomorrow.’”
And I will put a division between my people and thy people: to morrow shall this sign be.
And I will put a division between my people and thy people: by to-morrow shall this sign be.
And I will put a division between my people and your people; tomorrow this sign will be seen.
I will distinguish my people from your people. You will see this sign that confirms it tomorrow.’”
And I will make a deliuerance of my people from thy people: to morowe shall this miracle be.
and I have put a division between My people and thy people: to-morrow is this sign.'
I will put a division between my people and your people. This sign shall happen by tomorrow.”’”
And I will put a division between my people and thy people: to-morrow shall this sign be.
And I will put a division between my people and thy people: tomorrow shall this sign be.
I will distinguish clearly between how I act toward my people and how I act toward your people. And this plague is going to happen tomorrow!”’”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 8:23
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 8:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
דֶּ֚רֶךְ
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
יָמִ֔ים
נֵלֵ֖ךְ
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֑ר
וְ/זָבַ֨חְנוּ֙
לַֽ/יהוָ֣ה
אֱלֹהֵ֔י/נוּ
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר
יֹאמַ֥ר
אֵלֵֽי/נוּ
דֶּ֚רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
יָמִ֔ים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
נֵלֵ֖ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֑ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
וְ/זָבַ֨חְנוּ֙
zâbach
H2076
to sacrifice
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
לַֽ/יהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
אֱלֹהֵ֔י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
יֹאמַ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֵלֵֽי/נוּ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 8:23
דֶּ֚רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
יָמִ֔ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
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.
נֵלֵ֖ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֑ר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
וְ/זָבַ֨חְנוּ֙
zâbach
H2076
"to sacrifice"
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
To sacrifice means to slaughter an animal, usually for a religious offering, as seen in the Bible's instructions for worship. This term is used in many contexts, including sacrifices for eating or in divine judgment. It's often translated as 'kill' or 'offer' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to slaughter, kill, sacrifice, slaughter for sacrifice 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter for sacrifice 1a2) to slaughter for eating 1a3) to slaughter in divine judgment 1b) (Piel) to sacrifice, offer sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: de.vach (דְּבַח "to sacrifice" H1684)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Kings 8:62; Psalms 4:6.
לַֽ/יהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | 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.
אֱלֹהֵ֔י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
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.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר
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.
יֹאמַ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵלֵֽי/נוּ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
Study Notes — Exodus 8:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Fourth Plague: Flies
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.
22But on that day I will give special treatment to the land of Goshen, where My people live; no swarms of flies will be found there. In this way you will know that I, the LORD, am in the land.
23I will make a distinction between My people and your people. This sign will take place tomorrow.’”
24And the LORD did so. Thick swarms of flies poured into Pharaoh’s palace and into the houses of his officials. Throughout Egypt the land was ruined by swarms of flies. 25Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Go, sacrifice to your God within this land.”Exodus 8:23 Summary
[This verse means that God is going to show a clear difference between His people, the Israelites, and the people of Egypt, by protecting them from the swarms of flies, as seen in Exodus 8:22. This is a demonstration of God's power and love for His people, and it's a reminder that He is always with us and cares about our well-being, just like He did for the Israelites. As the Bible says in Jeremiah 29:11, God has a plan to prosper us, not to harm us, and this verse shows that He is able to make a distinction between those who follow Him and those who do not, just like He did in the story of the Exodus.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to make a distinction between His people and the people of Egypt?
This means that God will treat His people, the Israelites, differently from the Egyptians, showing His favor and protection towards them, as seen in Exodus 8:22 and Exodus 19:5.
Why did God give the Egyptians a warning before sending the swarms of flies?
God gave the Egyptians a warning to show His mercy and give them an opportunity to repent, as stated in Exodus 8:21, similar to the warning given to Nineveh in Jonah 3:4.
What is the significance of the sign taking place 'tomorrow'?
The sign taking place 'tomorrow' emphasizes God's power and control over time, showing that He is a God who keeps His promises and fulfills His words, as seen in Isaiah 46:10 and Numbers 23:19.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of the Exodus?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the Exodus story, demonstrating God's power and authority over Pharaoh and the Egyptians, and highlighting His special relationship with the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 2:24 and Deuteronomy 7:6.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to be 'God's people' today, and how can I experience His distinction and favor in my life?
- In what ways can I trust God to make a distinction between good and evil, or between those who follow Him and those who do not, as seen in this verse?
- How can I apply the principle of God's mercy and warning, as seen in this verse, to my own life and relationships?
- What are some ways that God is currently making a distinction in my life, and how can I respond to His work with faith and obedience?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 8:23
And I will put a division between my people and thy people,.... Or, a "redemption" (p); for by distinguishing them in his providence from the Egyptians, he might be said to redeem or deliver them;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 8:23
And I will put a division between my people and thy people: to morrow shall this sign be. I will put a division between my people and thy people.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 8:23
A division; Heb. a redemption or deliverance, i.e. a token or mean of deliverance, by a metonomy; a wall of partition, by which I will preserve the Israelites, whilst I destroy the Egyptians. Tomorrow shall this sign be. This he saith, partly to gain the more belief to himself in what he now did or should timber speak in God’ s name to them; and partly to warn them of their danger, and make their disobedience more inexcusable.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 8:23
Exodus 8:23 And I will put a division between my people and thy people: to morrow shall this sign be.Ver. 23. And I will put a division.] Heb., A redemption; so Luke 1:68. Aristotle reporteth that, when from the hill Etna there ran down a torrent of fire that consumed all the houses thereabouts, in the midst of those fearful flames the river of fire parted itself, and made a kind of lane for those who ventured to rescue their aged parents. This extorted from him an acknowledgment of God’ s good providence for the godly here on earth. Eνθατοτωνευσεβωνμενοςεξοχωςετιμησετοδαιμονιον. Arist., De Mundo., cap. 6.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 8:23
Verse 23. And I will put a division] פדת peduth, a redemption, between my people and thy people; God hereby showing that he had redeemed them from those plagues to which he had abandoned the others.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 8:23
23. set redemption (RVm.) between, &c. A singular expression, interpreted to mean make a distinction by redeeming (‘redemption,’ as Isaiah 50:2, Psalms 111:9; Psalms 130:7†). There is probably some error in the text; perhaps make a severance (pelûth for pedûth) should be read. to-morrow] Cf. Exodus 9:5-6; Exodus 9:18, Exodus 10:4; also Exodus 8:10; Exodus 8:29 (p. 56).