Exodus 9:8

Exodus 9:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Take handfuls of soot from the furnace; in the sight of Pharaoh, Moses is to toss it into the air.

King James Version KJV

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh.

American Standard Version ASV

And Jehovah said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward heaven in the sight of Pharaoh.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the Lord said to Moses and to Aaron, Take in your hand a little dust from the fire and let Moses send it in a shower up to heaven before the eyes of Pharaoh.

Free Bible Version FBV

The Lord told Moses and Aaron, “Go and get some handfuls of soot from a furnace. Then have Moses throw it into the air in front of Pharaoh.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the Lord said to Moses and to Aaron, Take your handfull of ashes of the fornace, and Moses shall sprinkle them towarde the heauen in the sight of Pharaoh,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jehovah saith unto Moses and unto Aaron, 'Take to you the fulness of your hands [of] soot of a furnace, and Moses hath sprinkled it towards the heavens, before the eyes of Pharaoh,

World English Bible WEB

The LORD said to Moses and to Aaron, “Take handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the sky in the sight of Pharaoh.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the LORD said to Moses and to Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it towards heaven in the sight of Pharaoh.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron: Take to you handfuls of ashes out of the chimney, and let Moses sprinkle it in the air in the presence of Pharao.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Yahweh said to Aaron and Moses/me, “Take a few handfuls of ashes/soot from ◄a furnace/an oven where they burn lime►, and let Moses throw them up into the air, in front of the king.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 9:8

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 9:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָה֮ אֶל מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְ/אֶֽל אַהֲרֹן֒ קְח֤וּ לָ/כֶם֙ מְלֹ֣א חָפְנֵי/כֶ֔ם פִּ֖יחַ כִּבְשָׁ֑ן וּ/זְרָק֥/וֹ מֹשֶׁ֛ה הַ/שָּׁמַ֖יְמָ/ה לְ/עֵינֵ֥י פַרְעֹֽה

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוָה֮ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

מֹשֶׁ֣ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

וְ/אֶֽל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Conj | Prep

אַהֲרֹן֒ ʼAhărôwn H175 Aaron N-proper

קְח֤וּ lâqach H3947 to take V-Qal-Impv-2mp

לָ/כֶם֙ Prep | Suff

מְלֹ֣א mᵉlôʼ H4393 fullness N-ms

חָפְנֵי/כֶ֔ם chôphen H2651 palm N-md | Suff

פִּ֖יחַ pîyach H6368 soot N-ms

כִּבְשָׁ֑ן kibshân H3536 kiln N-ms

וּ/זְרָק֥/וֹ zâraq H2236 to scatter Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff

מֹשֶׁ֛ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

הַ/שָּׁמַ֖יְמָ/ה shâmayim H8064 heaven Art | N-mp | Suff

לְ/עֵינֵ֥י ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd

פַרְעֹֽה Parʻôh H6547 Pharaoh N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 9:8

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.

יְהוָה֮ 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.

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.

מֹשֶׁ֣ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

וְ/אֶֽל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Conj | Prep

אַהֲרֹן֒ ʼAhărôwn H175 "Aaron" N-proper

Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest

Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.

קְח֤וּ lâqach H3947 "to take" V-Qal-Impv-2mp

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

לָ/כֶם֙ "" Prep | Suff

מְלֹ֣א mᵉlôʼ H4393 "fullness" N-ms

Fullness means having everything that is needed, like a full container or a complete amount. It can also mean a large quantity, like a multitude of things.

Definition: 1) fulness, that which fills 1a) fulness, handful 1b) mass, multitude 1c) fulness, that which fills, entire contents 1d) full length, full line

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] all along, [idiom] all that is (there-) in, fill, ([idiom] that whereof...was) full, fulness, (hand-) full, multitude. See also: Genesis 48:19; Psalms 89:12; Psalms 24:1.

חָפְנֵי/כֶ֔ם chôphen H2651 "palm" N-md | Suff

This word refers to the palm or hollow of the hand, often used to describe handfuls of something. It appears in the Bible when talking about measurements or quantities held in one's hands. The KJV translates it as 'fists', 'hands', or 'handful'.

Definition: handfuls, hollow of the hand

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: fists, (both) hands, hand(-ful). See also: Exodus 9:8; Ecclesiastes 4:6; Proverbs 30:4.

פִּ֖יחַ pîyach H6368 "soot" N-ms

This word means soot or ashes, describing a powder that can be easily blown away. It is used in KJV translations as ashes.

Definition: soot, ashes

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: ashes. See also: Exodus 9:8; Exodus 9:10.

כִּבְשָׁ֑ן kibshân H3536 "kiln" N-ms

A kiln is a hot oven used to melt metals or make pottery, like in Ezekiel 22:20-22 where God describes a furnace for refining silver. It's also used in 1 Kings 8:51 to describe the furnace of affliction.

Definition: kiln (pottery or lime), smelting forge, furnace

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: furnace. See also: Genesis 19:28; Exodus 9:10; Exodus 19:18.

וּ/זְרָק֥/וֹ zâraq H2236 "to scatter" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff

To scatter or sprinkle something, like in Leviticus 16:14 where the priest scatters blood on the altar. This act symbolizes purification and cleansing.

Definition: 1) to scatter, sprinkle, toss, throw, scatter abundantly, strew 1a) (Qal) to scatter, sprinkle, toss 1b) (Pual) to be sprinkled

Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: be here and there, scatter, sprinkle, strew. See also: Exodus 9:8; Leviticus 9:18; Isaiah 28:25.

מֹשֶׁ֛ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

הַ/שָּׁמַ֖יְמָ/ה shâmayim H8064 "heaven" Art | N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.

Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)

Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.

לְ/עֵינֵ֥י ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

פַרְעֹֽה 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.

Study Notes — Exodus 9:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 9:8 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 9:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 9:8
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 9:8
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 9:8
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 9:8
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 9:8
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 9:8
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 9:8
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 9:8
Sermons on Exodus 9:8

Context — The Sixth Plague: Boils

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. 7Pharaoh sent officials and found that none of the livestock of the Israelites had died. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not let the people go.

8Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Take handfuls of soot from the furnace; in the sight of Pharaoh, Moses is to toss it into the air.

9It will become fine dust over all the land of Egypt, and festering boils will break out on man and beast throughout the land.” 10So they took soot from the furnace and stood before Pharaoh. Moses tossed it into the air, and festering boils broke out on man and beast.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 8:16	Then the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, that it may turn into swarms of gnats throughout the land of Egypt.’”

Exodus 9:8 Summary

In Exodus 9:8, God tells Moses to take soot from a furnace and toss it into the air, which will cause a plague of boils to come upon the Egyptians. This shows that God is powerful and will judge those who disobey Him, as seen in Psalm 96:13. Moses' obedience to God's instructions demonstrates the importance of trusting and following God's will, even when it's hard, and we can learn from his example to trust God in our own lives, as taught in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God instruct Moses to take soot from the furnace and toss it into the air?

God instructed Moses to take soot from the furnace and toss it into the air as a sign of the plague of boils that would come upon the Egyptians, as seen in Exodus 9:8-10, demonstrating His power and judgment, similar to the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:13-31.

What is the significance of the soot from the furnace in this verse?

The soot from the furnace represents the judgment and punishment that God would bring upon the Egyptians for their disobedience, as seen in Exodus 9:8, and is similar to the ashes used in ritual cleansing in Numbers 19:1-10.

How does this verse relate to the hardening of Pharaoh's heart?

This verse shows that despite the previous plagues, Pharaoh's heart was still hardened, and God would continue to send more plagues, including the plague of boils, to demonstrate His power and to bring Pharaoh to repentance, as seen in Exodus 7:3 and Romans 9:17-18.

What can we learn from Moses' obedience to God's instructions in this verse?

Moses' obedience to God's instructions, as seen in Exodus 9:8, demonstrates the importance of trusting and following God's will, even when it seems difficult or unclear, as taught in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Hebrews 11:6.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to trust and obey God, even when it's difficult?
How can I apply the lesson of Moses' obedience to my own life and relationships?
What are some ways that I can demonstrate my faith and trust in God, like Moses did in this verse?
How can I use this verse to share the Gospel with others and demonstrate God's power and judgment?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 9:8

And the Lord said unto Moses and unto Aaron,.... This very probably was the day following, on the third day of the month Abib, about the eighteenth of March, that orders were given to bring on the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 9:8

And the LORD said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 9:8

Take to you handfuls of ashes, to mind them of their cruel usage of the Israelites in their furnace, of which see . Both were to take them up, but Moses only to sprinkle them, as at other times Aaron only did the work, to show that they were but instruments, which God could use as he pleased, and God was the principal author of it.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 9:8

Exodus 9:8 And the LORD said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh.Ver. 8. Sprinkle it toward the heaven.] In token that this plague should, in a special manner, be inflicted from heaven. The Philistines, by their golden emerods, acknowledged that the emerods in their flesh were from God. Hippocrates called the pestilence τοθειον, the divine disease, as we call the spots thereof God’ s marks. The falling sickness was anciently called morbus sacer as an immediate hand of God. And what can we conceive less of the sweating sickness, with which no stranger in England was touched? And yet the English were chased therewith, not only in England, but in other countries abroad; which made them, like tyrants, both feared and avoided wherever they came. Life of King Edward VI, by Sir John Heywood, p. 127.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 9:8

THE SIXTH PLAGUE.(8-10) Here, again, there is little question of what the plague was. Doubts may be entertained as to its exact character, and its proper medical designation, but all agree, and cannot but agree, that it was a visitation of the bodies of men with a severe cutaneous disorder, accompanied by pustules or ulcers. It was not announced beforehand to the Egyptians, nor were they allowed the opportunity of escaping it. Like the third plague, it was altogether of the nature of a judgment; and the judgment was a severe one. Now, for the first time, was acute suffering inflicted on the persons of men; now, for the first time, was it shown how Jehovah could smite with a terrible disease; and if with a disease, why not with death? No doubt those stricken suffered unequally; but with some the affliction may have resembled the final affliction of Job, when he was smitten with “sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown” (Job 2:7). Its severity is marked by the statement that “the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils” (Exodus 9:11). And it was universal, or quasi-universal (Exodus 9:11). Moreover, it was not confined to men; it was also “upon the beasts”—i.e., upon such of the domesticated animals as had escaped the preceding plague. It does not, however, seem to have been fatal; and it wrought no change upon the Pharaoh, whose heart God is now, for the first time, said to have hardened (Exodus 9:12), as He had declared to Moses (Exodus 4:21; Exodus 7:3).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 9:8

The SIXTH plague - the BOILS and BLAINS Verse 8. Handfuls of ashes of the furnace] As one part of the oppression of the Israelites consisted In their labour in the brick-kilns, some have observed a congruity between the crime and the punishment. The furnaces, in the labour of which they oppressed the Hebrews, now yielded the instruments of their punishment; for every particle of those ashes, formed by unjust and oppressive labour, seemed to be a boil or a blain on the tyrannic king and his cruel and hard-hearted people.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 9:8

8–12. The sixth plague. The boils on men and cattle. Entirely P.

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 9:8

This marks a distinct advance and change in the character of the visitations. Hitherto, the Egyptians had not been attacked directly in their persons.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 9:8

SIXTH PLAGUE — BOILS, Exodus 9:8-12. 8. Ashes of the furnace — Not the oven, but the smelting furnace, or the lime-kiln. — Kimchi.

Sermons on Exodus 9:8

	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

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