King James Version

What Does Exodus 10:16 Mean?

Exodus 10:16 in the King James Version says “Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you....” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Exodus 10:16 · KJV

Context

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.

18

And he went out from Pharaoh, and intreated the LORD.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 16 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 · 10 words
וַיְמַהֵ֣ר1 of 10

“in haste”

H4116

properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)

פַּרְעֹ֔ה2 of 10

“Then Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

לִקְרֹ֖א3 of 10

“called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לְמֹשֶׁ֣ה4 of 10

“for Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וּֽלְאַהֲרֹ֑ן5 of 10

“and Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר6 of 10

“and he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חָטָ֛אתִי7 of 10

“I have sinned”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

לַֽיהוָ֥ה8 of 10

“against the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם9 of 10

“your God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְלָכֶֽם׃10 of 10
H0

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 10:16 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 10:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 9:27Job 34:31-321 Samuel 26:21Matthew 27:4Numbers 22:342 Samuel 19:20

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