Exodus 9:4
Exodus 9:4 in Multiple Translations
But the LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt, so that no animal belonging to the Israelites will die.’”
And the LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that is the children’s of Israel.
And Jehovah shall make a distinction between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt; and there shall nothing die of all that belongeth to the children of Israel.
And the Lord will make a division between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt; there will be no loss of any of the cattle of Israel.
But the Lord will distinguish between the livestock of the Israelites and the Egyptians, so that none of those belonging to the Israelites will die.
And the Lord shall doe wonderfully betweene the beastes of Israel, and the beastes of Egypt: so that there shall nothing dye of all, that pertaineth to the children of Israel.
'And Jehovah hath separated between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt, and there doth not die a thing of all the sons of Israel's;
The LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt; and nothing shall die of all that belongs to the children of Israel.”’”
And the LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel, and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that belongs to the children of Israel.
And the Lord will make a wonderful difference between the possessions of Israel and the possessions of the Egyptians, that nothing at all shall die of those things that belong to the children of Israel.
But I, Yahweh, will distinguish between what I do to the animals that belong to the Israeli people and what I do to your animals. The result will be that no animal that belongs to the Israeli people will die.”’
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 9:4
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 9:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הִפְלָ֣ה
יְהוָ֔ה
בֵּ֚ין
מִקְנֵ֣ה
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
וּ/בֵ֖ין
מִקְנֵ֣ה
מִצְרָ֑יִם
וְ/לֹ֥א
יָמ֛וּת
מִ/כָּל
לִ/בְנֵ֥י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
דָּבָֽר
וְ/הִפְלָ֣ה
pâlâh
H6395
be distinguished
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בֵּ֚ין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
מִקְנֵ֣ה
miqneh
H4735
livestock
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וּ/בֵ֖ין
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
מִקְנֵ֣ה
miqneh
H4735
livestock
N-ms
מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יָמ֛וּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
לִ/בְנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
דָּבָֽר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 9:4
וְ/הִפְלָ֣ה
pâlâh
H6395
"be distinguished"
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
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.
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.
בֵּ֚ין
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.
מִקְנֵ֣ה
miqneh
H4735
"livestock"
N-ms
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וּ/בֵ֖ין
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.
מִקְנֵ֣ה
miqneh
H4735
"livestock"
N-ms
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.
מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
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.
יָמ֛וּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
לִ/בְנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
דָּבָֽר
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.
Study Notes — Exodus 9:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 9:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 9:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 9:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 9:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 9:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 9:4
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 9:4
- Sermons on Exodus 9:4
Context — The Fifth Plague: Livestock
2But if you continue to restrain them and refuse to let them go,
3then the hand of the LORD will bring a severe plague on your livestock in the field—on your horses, donkeys, camels, herds, and flocks.
4But the LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt, so that no animal belonging to the Israelites will die.’”
5The LORD set a time, saying, “Tomorrow the LORD will do this in the land.” 6And the next day the LORD did just that. All the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one animal belonging to the Israelites died.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 8:22 | But 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. |
| 2 | Exodus 10:23 | No one could see anyone else, and for three days no one left his place. Yet all the Israelites had light in their dwellings. |
| 3 | Malachi 3:18 | So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.” |
| 4 | Exodus 12:13 | The blood on the houses where you are staying will distinguish them; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. |
| 5 | Isaiah 65:13–14 | Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: “My servants will eat, but you will go hungry; My servants will drink, but you will go thirsty; My servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame. My servants will shout for joy with a glad heart, but you will cry out with a heavy heart and wail with a broken spirit. |
Exodus 9:4 Summary
This verse means that God will protect the animals of the Israelites from the plague that will kill the animals of the Egyptians, showing His love and care for His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:6-8. This is a demonstration of God's power and sovereignty, as written in Psalm 103:19. Just like God spared the animals of the Israelites, He also wants to protect and care for us, as stated in Matthew 6:26. We can trust in God's goodness and provision, knowing that He will always distinguish between those who are His and those who are not, as seen in Malachi 3:18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and Egypt?
This means that God will miraculously spare the animals of the Israelites from the plague that will kill the livestock of the Egyptians, as seen in Exodus 9:6, demonstrating His power and care for His people, similar to what is written in Psalm 91:7-8 where God protects His faithful ones.
Why did God want to make this distinction?
God wanted to show the difference between His people, the Israelites, and the Egyptians, to demonstrate His presence and power among the Israelites, as stated in Exodus 8:22, and to bring glory to Himself, as seen in Isaiah 43:7.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of the Exodus?
This verse is part of the narrative of the ten plagues that God sent upon Egypt to convince Pharaoh to let the Israelites go, as seen in Exodus 3:19-20, and it highlights God's sovereignty and mercy towards His people, as written in Romans 9:15-16.
What can we learn from God's actions in this verse?
We can learn about God's character, including His holiness, justice, and love, as demonstrated in Exodus 34:6-7, and we can see the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's power and provision in my own life?
- What are some ways that God makes a distinction between His people and the world, and how can I reflect this in my daily life?
- How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty and His ability to distinguish between good and evil, as seen in Genesis 1:4 and Matthew 13:49?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my gratitude for God's care and protection, as seen in this verse and in Psalm 100:4-5?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 9:4
And the Lord shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt,.... Make such a difference and distinction between them, that the murrain should not be on the one, when it was on the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 9:4
And the LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that is the children's of Israel. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 9:4
Exodus 9:4 And the LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all [that is] the children’ s of Israel.Ver. 4. And there shall nothing die.] It is fair weather oft with the saints when it is foulest with the wicked. God hideth his in the hollow of his hand, till the indignation be overpast. He gives the like charge of them as David did of Absalom.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 9:4
(4) The Lord shall sever.—Comp. Exodus 8:22. Apparently Israel had been subjected to the first, second, and third plagues, which caused annoyance only, and not loss. Their exemption began with the fourth plague, and then probably continued without intermission, though it is not always mentioned.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 9:4
Verse 4. The Lord shall sever] See Clarke on Exodus 8:22.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 9:4
4. The land of Goshen is again, as in the case of the plague of flies (Exodus 8:22 f.), to be immune from the visitation.
Sermons on Exodus 9:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Our Daily Homily - Exodus by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that the affliction of the Hebrews in Egypt led to their multiplication, illustrating that God's people often thrive under persecution. He draws parallels bet |
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The Last Day Return to Discernment - Part 2 by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unity and agreement among believers. He quotes from Psalm 50:22, warning those who forget God that they will face conseque |
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Redeemed From the Curse of the Law by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead emphasizes the profound truth that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by being made a curse for us. He recounts his personal journey of understanding h |
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(Exodus) Exodus 12:3-4 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the Passover and its significance for both the individual and the family. The Passover is a family celebration where the bl |
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(Exodus) Exodus 12:9-13 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of law enforcement and the consequences of sin. He emphasizes that in God's universe, the law is inexorable and sin leads to d |
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The Power of the Blood by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine burden for prayer and seeking God's presence. He shares personal experiences of feeling convicted of his l |
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Pray for Protection by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having the whole world on our hearts. He mentions that God's love extends to every person and that we should strive to have |