King James Version

What Does Exodus 10:19 Mean?

Exodus 10:19 in the King James Version says “And the LORD turned a mighty strong west wind, which took away the locusts, and cast them into the Red sea; there remain... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD turned a mighty strong west wind, which took away the locusts, and cast them into the Red sea; there remained not one locust in all the coasts of Egypt. cast: Heb. fastened

Exodus 10:19 · KJV


Context

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.

19

And the LORD turned a mighty strong west wind, which took away the locusts, and cast them into the Red sea; there remained not one locust in all the coasts of Egypt. cast: Heb. fastened

20

But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.

21

And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt. even: Heb. that one may feel darkness


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 19 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 · 19 words
וַיַּֽהֲפֹ֨ךְ1 of 19

turned

H2015

to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert

יְהוָ֤ה2 of 19

And the LORD

H3068

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

רֽוּחַ3 of 19

wind

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

יָ֣מָּה4 of 19

sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

חָזָ֣ק5 of 19

strong

H2389

strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)

מְאֹ֔ד6 of 19

a mighty

H3966

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

וַיִּשָּׂא֙7 of 19

which took away

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת8 of 19
H853

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

אַרְבֶּ֣ה9 of 19

locust

H697

a locust (from its rapid increase)

וַיִּתְקָעֵ֖הוּ10 of 19

and cast

H8628

to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become

יָ֣מָּה11 of 19

sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

סּ֑וּף12 of 19

them into the Red

H5488

a reed, especially the papyrus

לֹ֤א13 of 19
H3808

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

נִשְׁאַר֙14 of 19

there remained

H7604

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

אַרְבֶּ֣ה15 of 19

locust

H697

a locust (from its rapid increase)

אֶחָ֔ד16 of 19

not one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

בְּכֹ֖ל17 of 19
H3605

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

גְּב֥וּל18 of 19

in all the coasts

H1366

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

מִצְרָֽיִם׃19 of 19

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 10:19 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 10:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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