Psalms 136:10
Psalms 136:10 in Multiple Translations
He struck down the firstborn of Egypt His loving devotion endures forever.
To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:
To him that smote Egypt in their first-born; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever;
To him who put to death the first-fruits of Egypt: for his mercy is unchanging for ever:
To him who struck down the firstborn in Egypt. For his trustworthy love lasts forever.
Which smote Egypt with their first borne, (for his mercie endureth for euer)
To Him smiting Egypt in their first-born, For to the age [is] His kindness.
to him who struck down the Egyptian firstborn, for his loving kindness endures forever;
To him that smote Egypt in their first-born: for his mercy endureth for ever:
He is the one who killed the firstborn males in Egypt; his faithful love for us endures forever.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 136:10
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 136:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְ/מַכֵּ֣ה
מִ֭צְרַיִם
בִּ/בְכוֹרֵי/הֶ֑ם
כִּ֖י
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
לְ/מַכֵּ֣ה
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Prep | V-Hiphil
מִ֭צְרַיִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
בִּ/בְכוֹרֵי/הֶ֑ם
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
Prep | N-mp | Suff
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 136:10
לְ/מַכֵּ֣ה
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Prep | V-Hiphil
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.
מִ֭צְרַיִם
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.
בִּ/בְכוֹרֵי/הֶ֑ם
bᵉkôwr
H1060
"firstborn"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
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.
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 136:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 136:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 136:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 136:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 136:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 136:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 136:10
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 136:10
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 136:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 136:10
- Sermons on Psalms 136:10
Context — His Loving Devotion Endures Forever
8the sun to rule the day, His loving devotion endures forever.
9the moon and stars to govern the night. His loving devotion endures forever.
10He struck down the firstborn of Egypt His loving devotion endures forever.
11and brought Israel out from among them His loving devotion endures forever. 12with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. His loving devotion endures forever.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 78:51 | He struck all the firstborn of Egypt, the virility in the tents of Ham. |
| 2 | Exodus 12:29 | 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. |
| 3 | Psalms 135:8 | He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, of both man and beast. |
| 4 | Psalms 105:36 | Then He struck all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their vigor. |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | Exodus 11:5–6 | and every firstborn son in the land of Egypt will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, to the firstborn of the servant girl behind the hand mill, as well as the firstborn of all the cattle. Then a great cry will go out over all the land of Egypt. Such an outcry has never been heard before and will never be heard again. |
| 7 | Hebrews 11:28 | By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch Israel’s own firstborn. |
Psalms 136:10 Summary
This verse reminds us that God is a powerful and just God who will not be ignored or disobeyed, as seen in the striking down of the firstborn of Egypt. At the same time, it highlights God's enduring love and faithfulness to His people, which is a theme throughout the Bible, including in Jeremiah 31:3 and Genesis 17:7. This means that we can trust God to always be with us and to always keep His promises, just like He did for the Israelites in the Exodus. As we reflect on God's character and actions, we can have confidence in His love and faithfulness, as seen in Psalms 23:4 and Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God strike down the firstborn of Egypt?
God struck down the firstborn of Egypt as a judgment for their refusal to let the Israelites go, as seen in Exodus 11:1-10, demonstrating His power and authority over all nations, as stated in Psalms 135:6.
What does it mean that God's loving devotion endures forever?
God's loving devotion, or steadfast love, is a central theme in the Bible, and it means that His love and faithfulness to His people will never end, as promised in Jeremiah 31:3 and seen in His covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17:7.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Psalm?
This verse is part of a larger section in Psalms 136:1-12 that recounts God's mighty acts in history, including creation and the Exodus, and it highlights God's loving devotion and faithfulness in all that He does, as seen in Psalms 136:4 and Psalms 136:12.
What can we learn about God's character from this verse?
From this verse, we can learn that God is a God of justice and judgment, as seen in His striking down the firstborn of Egypt, but also a God of love and faithfulness, as seen in His enduring devotion to His people, as stated in Deuteronomy 7:9-10.
Reflection Questions
- How does the concept of God's loving devotion enduring forever bring you comfort and peace in times of uncertainty?
- In what ways have you experienced God's judgment and justice in your own life, and how has that shaped your understanding of His character?
- How does the story of the Exodus, including the striking down of the firstborn, point to the ultimate redemption and salvation found in Jesus Christ, as seen in 1 Corinthians 5:7-8?
- What are some ways that you can reflect God's loving devotion and faithfulness in your own relationships and interactions with others, as commanded in Ephesians 5:1-2?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 136:10
To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn,.... In a tender part, in the dear part of themselves, in their sons and heirs, and who were to inherit their lands and estates, and perpetuate their names;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 136:10
To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever: To him that smote Egypt in their first-born - i:e., in respect to, or in the person of, their first-born.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 136:10
Psalms 136:10 To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:Ver. 10. To him that smote Egypt] See Psalms 135:8.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 136:10
(10) For his mercy.—Here the refrain, after the mention of the destruction of the Egyptian first-born, and subsequently after that of war and slaughter, sounds harsh to Christian ears. But the word mercy (khesed) in the Hebrew motto implies distinctly covenant grace, that special favour of Jehovah in which the heathen did not share, and which was often most signally shown in their destruction.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 136:10
Verse 10. Smote Egypt in their first-born] This was one of the heaviest of strokes: a great part of the rising generation was cut off; few but old persons and children left remaining.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 136:10
10–15. Jehovah the Deliverer of Israel. Cp. Psalms 135:8 ff.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 136:10
To him that smote Egypt in their first-born - Exodus 12:29. That is, he struck them down, or destroyed them, by his own direct power. For his mercy ... - It was in mercy to his people.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 136:10
10-15 are a rehearsal of the exodus from Egypt. Compare Psalms 136:10 and Psalms 135:8. See, also, notes on Psalms 78, 105. Overthrew Pharaoh—Hebrew, Shook out, or tossed “Pharaoh” into the sea.
Sermons on Psalms 136:10
| 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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(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 |
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The Reluctant God - Part 3 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Moses and his initial reluctance to answer God's call. Despite Moses' objections, God became angry with him and Moses ultimatel |
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The Lamb by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph and Moses in Egypt as a way to illustrate how God prepares for his people. He emphasizes that everything in the world bel |
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God's Passover Lamb (Part 2) by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the significance of Jesus as the Passover Lamb, drawing parallels between the Old Testament Passover and Christ's sacrifice. He highlights the importance of |
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No Less Than Our All by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that true resignation to God's will requires a genuine act of faith, not just empty words. He illustrates that many people only surrender when they are a |