King James Version

What Does Exodus 10:14 Mean?

Exodus 10:14 in the King James Version says “And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous were they; befo... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 10:14 · KJV


Context

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.

15

For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt.

16

Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you. called: Heb. hastened to call


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 14 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 · 22 words
וַיַּ֣עַל1 of 22

went up

H5927

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

אַרְבֶּה֙2 of 22

And the locusts

H697

a locust (from its rapid increase)

עַ֚ל3 of 22
H5921

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

כָּל4 of 22
H3605

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

אֶ֣רֶץ5 of 22

over all the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָ֑יִם6 of 22

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וַיָּ֕נַח7 of 22

and rested

H5117

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

בְּכֹ֖ל8 of 22
H3605

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

גְּב֣וּל9 of 22

in all the coasts

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

מִצְרָ֑יִם10 of 22

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

כָּבֵ֣ד11 of 22

grievous

H3515

heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)

מְאֹ֔ד12 of 22

very

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

לְ֠פָנָיו13 of 22

were they before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

לֹא14 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָ֨יָה15 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כֵּֽן׃16 of 22

them there were no such

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אַרְבֶּה֙17 of 22

And the locusts

H697

a locust (from its rapid increase)

כָּמֹ֔הוּ18 of 22
H3644

as, thus, so

וְאַֽחֲרָ֖יו19 of 22

as they neither after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

לֹ֥א20 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִֽהְיֶה21 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כֵּֽן׃22 of 22

them there were no such

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner


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 10:14 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 10:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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