Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 8:24
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.
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.
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This Hebrew word means 'except' or 'only', used to limit or emphasize something, like in Exodus 12:11 where it says to eat the Passover meal in haste, with nothing but your clothes on. It can also mean 'but' or 'nevertheless'.
Definition: 1) only, altogether, surely 1a) only 1b) only, nought but, altogether (in limitation) 1c) save, except (after a negative) 1d) only, altogether, surely (with an affirmative) 1e) if only, provided only (prefixed for emphasis) 1f) only, exclusively (for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: but, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless, nothing but, notwithstanding, only, save, so (that), surely, yet (so), in any wise. See also: Genesis 6:5; Joshua 13:14; Psalms 32:6.
To remove or go far away, as in Genesis 21:16 where Hagar is sent away by Abraham. It means to create distance or separate oneself from something or someone.
Definition: v 1) to be or become far, be or become distant, be removed, go far away 1a) (Qal) to be far, be distant 1b) (Piel) to send far away, extend 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make or exhibit distance, be gone far 1c2) to remove, put far away 2) (Niphal) loose v inf (as adv) 3) at a distance
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (a-, be, cast, drive, get, go, keep (self), put, remove, be too, (wander), withdraw) far (away, off), loose, [idiom] refrain, very, (be) a good way (off). See also: Genesis 21:16; Psalms 119:150; Psalms 22:12.
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
To remove or go far away, as in Genesis 21:16 where Hagar is sent away by Abraham. It means to create distance or separate oneself from something or someone.
Definition: v 1) to be or become far, be or become distant, be removed, go far away 1a) (Qal) to be far, be distant 1b) (Piel) to send far away, extend 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make or exhibit distance, be gone far 1c2) to remove, put far away 2) (Niphal) loose v inf (as adv) 3) at a distance
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (a-, be, cast, drive, get, go, keep (self), put, remove, be too, (wander), withdraw) far (away, off), loose, [idiom] refrain, very, (be) a good way (off). See also: Genesis 21:16; Psalms 119:150; Psalms 22:12.
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.
This word means to pray or make supplication, often involving burning incense in worship. It is used to describe interceding or listening to prayer, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to pray, entreat, supplicate 1a) (Qal) to pray, entreat 1b) (Niphal) to be supplicated, be entreated 1c) (Hiphil) to make supplication, plead
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: intreat, (make) pray(-er). See also: Genesis 25:21; Judges 13:8; Isaiah 19:22.
This word means about, through, or for something, often used to describe location or action. It can be translated as 'about', 'at', 'by', or 'through', depending on the context in which it is used.
Definition: 1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about 1a) through (of action) 1b) behind (with verbs of shutting) 1c) about (with verbs of fencing) 1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within. See also: Genesis 7:16; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Psalms 3:4.
Context — The Fourth Plague: Flies
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Psalms 105:31 |
He spoke, and insects swarmed— gnats throughout their country. |
| 2 |
Psalms 78:45 |
He sent swarms of flies that devoured them, and frogs that devastated them. |
| 3 |
Exodus 8:21 |
But 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. |
Exodus 8:24 Summary
This verse, Exodus 8:24, tells us that God sent a huge swarm of flies to Egypt as a punishment for Pharaoh's disobedience. The flies filled Pharaoh's palace and the homes of his officials, causing great trouble and discomfort, as a demonstration of God's power and authority, as seen in Exodus 7:5. Just as God spared the Israelites in the land of Goshen, as mentioned in Exodus 8:22, He cares for and protects us today, as stated in Psalm 91:4 and Matthew 28:20. We can learn from this story to trust in God's power and care for us, and to seek to obey His will, just as we see in Deuteronomy 6:20-25.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God send swarms of flies to Egypt?
God sent swarms of flies to Egypt as a judgment on Pharaoh and the Egyptians for refusing to let the Israelites go, as seen in Exodus 8:24, and to demonstrate His power and authority, as stated in Exodus 7:5 and Exodus 8:22.
What is the significance of the land of Goshen being spared from the swarms of flies?
The land of Goshen being spared from the swarms of flies, as mentioned in Exodus 8:22, shows God's special care and protection for His people, the Israelites, and serves as a reminder of His covenant with them, as seen in Genesis 17:1-14 and Exodus 2:24-25.
How does this plague of flies relate to the overall story of the Exodus?
The plague of flies is one of the ten plagues God sent upon Egypt to convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 3:19-20 and Exodus 12:31-32, and it ultimately contributes to the Israelites' freedom and the fulfillment of God's promises to them, as stated in Exodus 6:6-8 and Deuteronomy 6:20-25.
What can we learn from Pharaoh's response to the plague of flies?
Pharaoh's response to the plague of flies, as seen in Exodus 8:25-26, shows his continued hardness of heart and refusal to submit to God's will, serving as a warning to us about the dangers of pride and disobedience, as stated in Proverbs 16:18 and Romans 2:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can see God's power and authority at work in my life, just as He demonstrated His power through the plague of flies in Egypt?
- How can I trust in God's special care and protection for me, just as He protected the Israelites in the land of Goshen?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be experiencing 'swarms of flies' or difficulties, and how can I seek God's deliverance and freedom?
- In what ways can I be more obedient to God's will, unlike Pharaoh, and seek to follow His commands and principles in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 8:24
And the Lord did so,.... And this he did immediately of himself without any means; not by the rod of Aaron, to let the Egyptians see that there was nothing in that rod, that it had no magic virtue in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 8:24
And the LORD did so; and there came a grievous swarm of flies into the house of Pharaoh, and into his servants' houses, and into all the land of Egypt: the land was corrupted by reason of the swarm of flies.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 8:24
The Lord did so, immediately by his own word, and not by Moses’ s rod, lest the Egyptians should think it was a magician’ s wand, and. that all Moses’ s works were done by the power of the devil. A grievous swarm of flies; Heb. a heavy mixture of flies. Heavy, i.e. either great, as this Hebrew word is used, , or mischievous and troublesome; or rather, numerous, as it is taken, , compared with . The land, i.e. either the fruits or products of the land; or rather, the inhabitants of the land, as the word land is taken, many of the people were poisoned or stung to death by them, as appears from . See also /APC .
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 8:24
Exodus 8:24 And the LORD did so; and there came a grievous swarm [of flies] into the house of Pharaoh, and [into] his servants’ houses, and into all the land of Egypt: the land was corrupted by reason of the swarm [of flies].Ver. 24. A grievous swarm of flies,] i.e., Numerous and pernicious; yet not so bad as those many noisome thoughts that swarm daily in men’ s hearts. There is that Leviathan; there are also creeping things innumerable. And these many times mar and corrupt our prayers, so as that they stink in the nostrils of God.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 8:24
(24) The land was corrupted.—Rather, as in the margin, destroyed. Kalisch observes, “These insects”—i.e., the kakerlaque (Blatta Orientalis), “really fill the land, and molest men and beasts; they consume all sorts of materials, devastate the country, and are in so far more detrimental than the gnats, as they destroy also the property of the Egyptians.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 8:24
Verse 24. The land was corrupted] Every thing was spoiled, and many of the inhabitants destroyed, being probably stung to death by these venomous insects. This seems to be intimated by the psalmist, "He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which DEVOURED them," Psalms 78:45. In ancient times, when political, domestic, and personal cleanliness was but little attended to, and offal of different kinds permitted to corrupt in the streets and breed vermin, flies multiplied exceedingly, so that we read in ancient authors of whole districts being laid waste by them; hence different people had deities, whose office it was to defend them against flies. Among these we may reckon Baalzebub, the fly-god of Ekron; Hercules, muscarum abactor, Hercules, the expeller of flies, of the Romans; the Muagrus of the Eleans, whom they invoked against pestilential swarms of flies; and hence Jupiter, the supreme god of the heathens, had the epithets of Απομυιος and Μυωδης, because he was supposed to expel flies, and defend his worshippers against them. See Dodd.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 8:24
24. grievous] lit. heavy, combining, as Exodus 10:14, the ideas of both numerous (Exodus 12:38, Genesis 50:9, Heb.), and severe (Exodus 9:3; Exodus 9:18; Exodus 9:24). ‘Grievous’ is an archaism, meaning burdensome (ultimately from Lat. gravis1[124]): see DB. s.v.; and cf. Genesis 12:10 (AV.), Genesis 50:11, 2 Corinthians 12:14 AV. (RV. ‘be a burden to’)2[125]. [124] Cf. to grieve, i.e. originally to be a burden or trouble to, to harass (Genesis 49:23) from gravare. [125] Murray quotes from a writer of 1548, ‘Ye shall be grievous to no man with begging’ (cf. the Glossary in the writer’s Jeremiah, p. 373).and into, &c.] read probably, with LXX. Sam. Pesh., adding only one letter, but improving the sentence, and into his servants’ houses, and into all the land of Egypt; and the land was, &c. corrupted] rather, ruined,—by the suffering inflicted on men and cattle, and the interruption caused to daily occupations, &c. (v. 21).
Sermons on Exodus 8:24
| Sermon | Description |
|
(Exodus) Exodus 8:16-19
by J. Vernon McGee
|
In this sermon, Mr. Bidnail shares his experience in Egypt and connects it to the biblical account of the plague of lice. He describes how he witnessed the ground in Egypt crawling |
|
The Awesome Power of God
by Erlo Stegen
|
Erlo Stegen emphasizes the awesome power of God, illustrating how God performs mighty acts with just His finger, as seen in the plagues of Egypt and the creation of the universe. H |