King James Version

What Does Exodus 10:2 Mean?

Exodus 10:2 in the King James Version says “And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my sign... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the LORD.

Exodus 10:2 · KJV


Context

1

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him:

2

And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the LORD.

3

And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.

4

Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, to morrow will I bring the locusts into thy coast:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 2 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
וּלְמַ֡עַן1 of 19
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

תְּסַפֵּר֩2 of 19

And that thou mayest tell

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

בְּאָזְנֵ֨י3 of 19

in the ears

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

בִּנְךָ֗4 of 19

and of thy son's

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בִּנְךָ֗5 of 19

and of thy son's

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בִּנְךָ֗6 of 19

and of thy son's

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֵ֣ת7 of 19
H853

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

אֲשֶׁ֤ר8 of 19
H834

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

הִתְעַלַּ֙לְתִּי֙9 of 19

what things I have wrought

H5953

to effect thoroughly; by implication (in a bad sense) to overdo, i.e., maltreat, be saucy to, pain, impose (also literal)

בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם10 of 19

in Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וְאֶת11 of 19
H853

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

אֹֽתֹתַ֖י12 of 19

and my signs

H226

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

אֲשֶׁר13 of 19
H834

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

שַׂ֣מְתִּי14 of 19

which I have done

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

בָ֑ם15 of 19
H0
וִֽידַעְתֶּ֖ם16 of 19

among them that ye may know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי17 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֥י18 of 19
H589

i

יְהוָֽה׃19 of 19

how that I am the LORD

H3068

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


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 10:2 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 10:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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