King James Version

What Does Exodus 10:12 Mean?

Exodus 10:12 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up upon ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail hath left.”

Exodus 10:12 · KJV

Context

10

And he said unto them, Let the LORD be so with you, as I will let you go, and your little ones: look to it; for evil is before you.

11

Not so: go now ye that are men, and serve the LORD; for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence.

12

And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail hath left.

13

And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the LORD brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.

14

And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such.

Read Exodus 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 12 describes the locust plague, targeting Osiris (agriculture god) and Isis (grain goddess). Moses warns locusts will 'cover the face of the earth' and devour everything the hail left. Pharaoh's servants beg him to relent, recognizing Egypt's destruction.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Osiris ruled agriculture and resurrection, while Isis protected crops. Locusts were ancient Near Eastern terror, but this swarm's density exceeded natural plague. The total devastation left Egypt economically ruined.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God demonstrate His power through natural means taken to supernatural extremes?
  2. What does Pharaoh's servants' fear teach about recognizing God's hand in judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 24

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֜ה2 of 24

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֗ה4 of 24

“unto Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

נְטֵ֨ה5 of 24

“Stretch out”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

יָֽדְךָ֜6 of 24

“thine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עַל7 of 24
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָאָ֔רֶץ8 of 24

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָ֑יִם9 of 24

“of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

בָּֽאַרְבֶּ֔ה10 of 24

“for the locusts”

H697

a locust (from its rapid increase)

וְיַ֖עַל11 of 24

“that they may come up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עַל12 of 24
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָאָ֔רֶץ13 of 24

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָ֑יִם14 of 24

“of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וְיֹאכַל֙15 of 24

“and eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶת16 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל17 of 24
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֵ֣שֶׂב18 of 24

“every herb”

H6212

grass (or any tender shoot)

הָאָ֔רֶץ19 of 24

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֵ֛ת20 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל21 of 24
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר22 of 24
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הִשְׁאִ֖יר23 of 24

“hath left”

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

הַבָּרָֽד׃24 of 24

“even all that the hail”

H1259

hail

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 10:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 10:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 7:19Exodus 10:4-5

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Exodus 10 →

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Exodus 10 with CommentaryAll Exodus ChaptersComplete Exodus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes