King James Version

What Does Exodus 10:25 Mean?

Exodus 10:25 in the King James Version says “And Moses said, Thou must give us also sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice unto the LORD our God. us: ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses said, Thou must give us also sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice unto the LORD our God. us: Heb. into our hands

Exodus 10:25 · KJV


Context

23

They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.

24

And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve the LORD; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you.

25

And Moses said, Thou must give us also sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice unto the LORD our God. us: Heb. into our hands

26

Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the LORD our God; and we know not with what we must serve the LORD, until we come thither.

27

But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 25 introduces the plague of darkness, directly targeting Ra, Egypt's supreme sun god. Darkness covered Egypt for three days—'darkness which may be felt' (v.21)—while Israel had light in Goshen. This penultimate plague strikes at Egypt's chief deity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ra, the sun god, was Pharaoh's divine father and Egypt's supreme deity. His daily journey across sky sustained cosmic order (ma'at). Three days of darkness demonstrated Ra's impotence and YHWH's absolute supremacy over Egypt's highest god.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this plague reveal the ultimate showdown between YHWH and Egypt's gods?
  2. What does the light in Goshen symbolize about God's people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 11

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מֹשֶׁ֔ה2 of 11

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

גַּם3 of 11
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אַתָּ֛ה4 of 11
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִּתֵּ֥ן5 of 11

Thou must give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּיָדֵ֖נוּ6 of 11

us

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

זְבָחִ֣ים7 of 11

also sacrifices

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

וְעֹלֹ֑ת8 of 11

and burnt offerings

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וְעָשִׂ֖ינוּ9 of 11

that we may sacrifice

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לַֽיהוָ֥ה10 of 11

unto the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃11 of 11

our 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


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 10:25 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 10:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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