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Exodus 9:20

Exodus 9:20 in Multiple Translations

Those among Pharaoh’s officials who feared the word of the LORD hurried to bring their servants and livestock to shelter,

He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:

He that feared the word of Jehovah among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:

Then everyone among the servants of Pharaoh who had the fear of the Lord, made his servants and his cattle come quickly into the house:

Those of Pharaoh's officials who took seriously what the Lord said rushed to bring their servants and livestock inside.

Such then as feared the word of the Lord among the seruants of Pharaoh, made his seruants and his cattell flee into the houses:

He who is fearing the word of Jehovah among the servants of Pharaoh hath caused his servants and his cattle to flee unto the houses;

Those who feared the LORD’s word among the servants of Pharaoh made their servants and their livestock flee into the houses.

He that feared the word of the LORD, among the servants of Pharaoh, made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:

He that feared the word of the Lord among Pharao’s servants, made his servants and his cattle flee into houses:

Some of the king’s officials who heard what Yahweh had said became very afraid. So they put all their animals and their slaves under shelters.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 9:20

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 9:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB הַ/יָּרֵא֙ אֶת דְּבַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה מֵֽ/עַבְדֵ֖י פַּרְעֹ֑ה הֵנִ֛יס אֶת עֲבָדָ֥י/ו וְ/אֶת מִקְנֵ֖/הוּ אֶל הַ/בָּתִּֽים
הַ/יָּרֵא֙ yârêʼ H3372 to fear Art | V-Qal
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
דְּבַ֣ר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-ms
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
מֵֽ/עַבְדֵ֖י ʻebed H5650 servant/slave Prep | N-mp
פַּרְעֹ֑ה Parʻôh H6547 Pharaoh N-proper
הֵנִ֛יס nûwç H5127 to flee V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
עֲבָדָ֥י/ו ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp | Suff
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
מִקְנֵ֖/הוּ miqneh H4735 livestock N-ms | Suff
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
הַ/בָּתִּֽים bayith H1004 place Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 9:20

הַ/יָּרֵא֙ yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" Art | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
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.
דְּבַ֣ר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יְהוָ֔ה 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.
מֵֽ/עַבְדֵ֖י ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" Prep | N-mp
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.
פַּרְעֹ֑ה 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.
הֵנִ֛יס nûwç H5127 "to flee" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.
Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.
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.
עֲבָדָ֥י/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.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | 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.
מִקְנֵ֖/הוּ miqneh H4735 "livestock" N-ms | Suff
Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are domestic animals that can be bought and owned, as described in the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham's wealth.
Definition: 1) cattle, livestock 1a) cattle, livestock 1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal 1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance. See also: Genesis 4:20; Numbers 20:19; Psalms 78:48.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
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.
הַ/בָּתִּֽים bayith H1004 "place" Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

Study Notes — Exodus 9:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 13:13 He who despises instruction will pay the penalty, but the one who respects a command will be rewarded.
2 Proverbs 22:3 The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.
3 Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
4 Mark 13:14–16 So when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the housetop go back inside to retrieve anything from his house. And let no one in the field return for his cloak.
5 Jonah 3:5–6 And the Ninevites believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least. When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
6 Proverbs 16:16 How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.
7 Proverbs 22:23 for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them.

Exodus 9:20 Summary

[This verse shows that some of Pharaoh's officials believed God's warning and took action to protect their servants and animals, which is an example of what it means to fear the LORD and obey His word, as also seen in Deuteronomy 10:12-13. By taking shelter, they were able to save their livestock and servants from the hail that God sent. This teaches us that when we listen to and obey God's word, we can avoid harm and find protection. It's like when we read in Psalm 91:4 that God will cover us with His feathers and under His wings we will find refuge.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What motivated some of Pharaoh's officials to take action and bring their servants and livestock to shelter?

Those officials who feared the word of the LORD took action, as seen in Exodus 9:20, demonstrating that reverence for God's word can lead to wise decisions, as also encouraged in Proverbs 1:7.

How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and obedience?

This verse illustrates that true faith is accompanied by obedience, as those who feared the LORD took action to protect their servants and livestock, much like the faith demonstrated by Abraham in Genesis 22:1-14.

What can we learn from the contrast between the officials who feared the LORD and those who disregarded His word?

The contrast highlights the importance of taking God's warnings seriously, as seen in Exodus 9:20-21, and responding in faith, rather than ignoring or disobeying them, as warned in Romans 2:5-8.

How does this verse fit into the larger narrative of God's relationship with Pharaoh and the Israelites?

This verse is part of the larger story of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as seen in the book of Exodus, and demonstrates God's patience and desire for all people to come to know Him, as expressed in 2 Peter 3:9.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to take action in response to God's word, just like the officials who feared the LORD?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper reverence for God's word, so that I am motivated to obey Him in all aspects of my life?
  3. What are some potential consequences of disregarding God's warnings, as seen in the example of the officials who did not fear the LORD?
  4. In what ways can I demonstrate my faith and trust in God's sovereignty, even in the face of uncertainty or challenges?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 9:20

He that feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Pharaoh,.... Who, if they had not the true fear of God, and were not sincere proselytes, yet had a servile fear of him, and dreaded his word,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 9:20

He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses: He that feared ... regarded not ... Due premonition, it appears, had been

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 9:20

Exodus 9:20 He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:Ver. 20. He that feared the word of the Lord.] As few will do till they feel his hand. But they that tremble not in hearing shall be crushed to pieces in feeling, said that martyr. Bradford.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 9:20

(20, 21) He that feared . . . —Some impression, we see, had been made by the preceding plagues, and the warning was taken to some extent; but it was otherwise with many. So in Gospel times, “Some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not” (Acts 28:24). The result was death, both to the cattle and their keepers (Exodus 9:19). (Comp. Joshua 10:11.)

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 9:20

13–35. The seventh plague. The hail. From J, with short passages, probably, from E. 13, 17–18. The announcement of the plague: cf. Exodus 8:1-3; Exodus 8:20-23, Exodus 9:1-4.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 9:20

SEVENTH PLAGUE — THE HAIL, Exodus 9:13-35. The third triad of judgments is introduced with unusual formality and solemnity. Pharaoh was now a “vessel of wrath,” fit only for destruction. See note on Exodus 9:12.

Sermons on Exodus 9:20

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Michael Koulianos Following the Voice of Jesus by Michael Koulianos Michael Koulianos emphasizes the importance of discerning and following the voice of Jesus, urging believers to seek wisdom and guidance from Scripture while being open to correcti
Thomas Watson Knowing and Doing Good by Thomas Watson Thomas Watson preaches about the importance of knowing and doing good, emphasizing that sinning knowingly and presumptuously is a heinous offense before God. He explains that to si
R.A. Torrey John the Baptist's Last Message to Our Lord Luke 7:18-35 by R.A. Torrey R.A. Torrey explores John the Baptist's moment of doubt while imprisoned, questioning whether Jesus is truly the Messiah. Despite his earlier confidence, John's circumstances led h
Carter Conlon The Covering by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker begins by asking the audience if they have enough strength to face the challenges and temptations of the world. He emphasizes the importance of counting
Carter Conlon I Am the Lord That Heals You by Carter Conlon This sermon emphasizes the importance of getting right with God, addressing areas of sin and disobedience in our lives. It highlights the need to surrender to God, seek forgiveness
Ian Robson The Stumbling Block of Viewing Things From a Human Point of View by Ian Robson This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning the times we live in spiritually, urging listeners to recognize the signs of the times and not be blind or short-sighted. It hig
Shane Idleman Purity - Your Past Doesn't Scare God by Shane Idleman Shane Idleman emphasizes that our past does not intimidate God, encouraging believers to rise above discouragement and defeat. He highlights the destructive nature of sexual sin, p

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