Psalms 135:8
Psalms 135:8 in Multiple Translations
He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, of both man and beast.
Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.
Who smote the first-born of Egypt, Both of man and beast;
He put to death the first-fruits of Egypt, of man and of beast.
He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, both human and animal.
He smote the first borne of Egypt both of man and beast.
Who smote the first-born of Egypt, From man unto beast.
He struck the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and animal.
Who smote the first-born of Egypt, both of man and beast.
The sun to rule over the day: for his mercy endureth for ever.
He is the one who killed all the firstborn males in Egypt, the firstborn of people and of animals.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 135:8
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.
Psalms 135:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שֶֽׁ֭/הִכָּה
בְּכוֹרֵ֣י
מִצְרָ֑יִם
מֵ֝/אָדָ֗ם
עַד
בְּהֵמָֽה
שֶֽׁ֭/הִכָּה
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Rel | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
בְּכוֹרֵ֣י
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
N-mp
מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
מֵ֝/אָדָ֗ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Prep | N-ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
בְּהֵמָֽה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
animal
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 135:8
שֶֽׁ֭/הִכָּה
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Rel | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
בְּכוֹרֵ֣י
bᵉkôwr
H1060
"firstborn"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
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.
מֵ֝/אָדָ֗ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Prep | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
בְּהֵמָֽה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
"animal"
N-fs
This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.
Definition: 1) beast, cattle, animal 1a) beasts (coll of all animals) 1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals) 1c) wild beasts
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 1:24; Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalms 8:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 135:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 135:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 135:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 135:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 135:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 135:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 135:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 135:8
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 135:8
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 135:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 135:8
- Sermons on Psalms 135:8
Context — Give Praise, O Servants of the LORD
6The LORD does all that pleases Him in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and in all their depths.
7He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He generates the lightning with the rain and brings forth the wind from His storehouses.
8He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, of both man and beast.
9He sent signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants. 10He struck down many nations and slaughtered mighty kings:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 78:51 | He struck all the firstborn of Egypt, the virility in the tents of Ham. |
| 2 | Psalms 105:36 | Then He struck all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their vigor. |
| 3 | Exodus 12:12 | On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. |
| 4 | Exodus 13:15 | And when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both of man and beast. This is why I sacrifice to the LORD the firstborn male of every womb, but I redeem all the firstborn of my sons.’ |
| 5 | Psalms 136:10 | He struck down the firstborn of Egypt His loving devotion endures forever. |
| 6 | Exodus 12:29–30 | Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as all the firstborn among the livestock. During the night Pharaoh got up—he and all his officials and all the Egyptians—and there was loud wailing in Egypt; for there was no house without someone dead. |
Psalms 135:8 Summary
This verse tells us that God struck down the firstborn of Egypt, including both people and animals, as a judgment for their sins. This shows us that God is a powerful and holy God who desires to be worshiped and obeyed, as seen in Psalms 96:4 and other parts of the Bible. Just like the Egyptians, we all need to acknowledge God's authority and power in our lives, and turn to Him in humility and obedience, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7. By doing so, we can experience His love, mercy, and kindness, as promised in Psalm 103:8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God strike down the firstborn of Egypt?
God struck down the firstborn of Egypt as a judgment for their sins and to demonstrate His power and authority, as seen in Exodus 11:5 and Exodus 12:12, where the Lord says He will pass through and strike down every firstborn in Egypt.
What is the significance of 'both man and beast' in this verse?
The phrase 'both man and beast' emphasizes the totality of God's judgment, affecting all of Egypt, just as He had previously warned in Exodus 9:25, where the Lord sent a hail storm that struck down people and animals alike.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse showcases God's holiness, justice, and power, as He executes judgment on those who oppose Him, much like in Romans 11:22, where the Apostle Paul warns of God's kindness and severity.
What can we learn from God's actions in this verse?
We can learn about God's righteous judgment and His desire for people to acknowledge and worship Him, as seen in Psalms 100:3, where we are reminded that the Lord is God and we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's power and authority in my life?
- How can I apply the lesson of God's judgment on Egypt to my own walk with God, especially in times of disobedience?
- In what ways can I acknowledge and worship God as the one true God, as seen in this verse and throughout Scripture?
- How does the concept of God's judgment impact my understanding of His love and mercy, as expressed in John 3:16 and other verses?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 135:8
Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast. Which was the last of the plagues inflicted on the Egyptians; and is particularly mentioned, because, by means of it, they were made willing
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 135:8
Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast. Who smote the first-born of Egypt, both of man and beast.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 135:8
From the general works of nature, he comes to God’ s special works of providence towards his people.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 135:8
Psalms 135:8 Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.Ver. 8. Who smote the firstborn of Egypt] And thereby roused up that sturdy rebel Pharaoh, who began now to open his eyes, as they say the blind mole doth when the pangs of death are upon him; and to stretch out himself, as the crooked serpent doth when deadly wounded.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 135:8
(8) Egypt.—This abrupt change from the miracles of nature to the marvels of history is apparently copied from the next psalm, where see Note, Psalms 135:10.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 135:8
Verse 8. Who smote the first-born of Egypt] See the parallel passages.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 135:8
8–12. Jehovah’s sovereignty exhibited in the deliverance of His people from Egypt and their establishment in the land of Canaan.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 135:8
Who smote the firstborn of Egypt - As the last and the greatest of the plagues brought upon the Egyptians; the chief and crowning judgment under which they were made willing that the children of
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 135:8
8, 9. These verses present an illustration of the greatness and majesty of God (see Psalms 135:5) in the redemption of his people from Egypt. See notes on Psalms 78:43-53; Psalms 105:26-38.
Sermons on Psalms 135:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Exodus) Exodus 11:10 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the gods of Egypt claiming the firstborn of both man and beast. However, God intervenes and takes what belongs to Him. The spea |
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Dagon Was Fallen Upon His Face to the Earth by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the confrontation between the Ark of the Lord and the idol Dagon, illustrating the supremacy of Jehovah over false gods. The fall of Dagon symbolizes the inev |
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The Blood of the Lamb Exodus 12 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of the Passover in Exodus 12, illustrating how the blood of the lamb served as a protective sign for the Israelites during God's judgm |
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Bible Survey - Exodus by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the Book of Exodus, highlighting God's almighty power, sovereignty, holiness, faithfulness, and His acts of redemption, judgment, and provision for His pe |
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(Exodus) Exodus 13:1-13 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving God first place in our lives. He draws a parallel between the children of Israel being delivered from slavery in Eg |
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(Exodus) Exodus 12:29-38 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the last judgment and the final plague that was coming upon the land of Egypt. The land of Goshen had previously escaped the last three plagu |
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Fast for Prayer in the Square – Day 3 by Carter Conlon | The video shown in the sermon is a two-minute preview of what God is expected to do in the future. The pastors will distribute this video to their congregations to give them an ide |