King James Version

What Does Exodus 10:15 Mean?

Exodus 10:15 in the King James Version says “For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, an... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 10:15 · KJV


Context

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

17

Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the LORD your God, that he may take away from me this death only.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 15 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 · 29 words
וַיְכַ֞ס1 of 29

For they covered

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

אֶת2 of 29
H853

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

עֵ֣ין3 of 29

the face

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

כָּל4 of 29
H3605

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

אֶ֥רֶץ5 of 29

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַתֶּחְשַׁ֣ךְ6 of 29

was darkened

H2821

to be dark (as withholding light); transitively, to darken

אֶ֥רֶץ7 of 29

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַיֹּ֜אכַל8 of 29

and they did eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶת9 of 29
H853

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

כָּל10 of 29
H3605

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

וּבְעֵ֥שֶׂב11 of 29

every herb

H6212

grass (or any tender shoot)

אֶ֥רֶץ12 of 29

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְאֵת֙13 of 29
H853

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

כָּל14 of 29
H3605

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

פְּרִ֣י15 of 29

and all the fruit

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

בָּעֵ֛ץ16 of 29

in the trees

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 29
H834

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

נוֹתַ֨ר18 of 29

and there remained

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

הַבָּרָ֑ד19 of 29

which the hail

H1259

hail

וְלֹֽא20 of 29
H3808

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

נוֹתַ֨ר21 of 29

and there remained

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

כָּל22 of 29
H3605

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

יֶ֧רֶק23 of 29

not any green thing

H3418

properly, pallor, i.e., hence, the yellowish green of young and sickly vegetation; concretely, verdure, i.e., grass or vegetation

בָּעֵ֛ץ24 of 29

in the trees

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

וּבְעֵ֥שֶׂב25 of 29

every herb

H6212

grass (or any tender shoot)

הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה26 of 29

of the field

H7704

a field (as flat)

בְּכָל27 of 29
H3605

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

אֶ֥רֶץ28 of 29

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָֽיִם׃29 of 29

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt


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 10:15 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 10:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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