King James Version

What Does Exodus 10:5 Mean?

Exodus 10:5 in the King James Version says “And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remaineth unto you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field: face: Heb. eye”

Exodus 10:5 · KJV

Context

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:

5

And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remaineth unto you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field: face: Heb. eye

6

And they shall fill thy houses, and the houses of all thy servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians; which neither thy fathers, nor thy fathers' fathers have seen, since the day that they were upon the earth unto this day. And he turned himself, and went out from Pharaoh.

7

And Pharaoh's servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 5 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.

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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 · 25 words
וְכִסָּה֙1 of 25

“And they shall cover”

H3680

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

אֶת2 of 25
H853

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

עֵ֣ין3 of 25

“the face”

H5869

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

הָאָ֑רֶץ4 of 25

“of the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְלֹ֥א5 of 25
H3808

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

יוּכַ֖ל6 of 25

“that one cannot be able”

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לִרְאֹ֣ת7 of 25

“to see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת8 of 25
H853

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

הָאָ֑רֶץ9 of 25

“of the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְאָכַל֙10 of 25

“and shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶת11 of 25
H853

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

יֶ֣תֶר12 of 25

“the residue”

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

הַפְּלֵטָ֗ה13 of 25

“of that which is escaped”

H6413

deliverance; concretely, an escaped portion

הַנִּשְׁאֶ֤רֶת14 of 25

“which remaineth”

H7604

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

לָכֶם֙15 of 25
H0
מִן16 of 25
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַבָּרָ֔ד17 of 25

“unto you from the hail”

H1259

hail

וְאָכַל֙18 of 25

“and shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶת19 of 25
H853

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

כָּל20 of 25
H3605

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

הָעֵ֔ץ21 of 25

“every tree”

H6086

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

הַצֹּמֵ֥חַ22 of 25

“which groweth”

H6779

to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

לָכֶ֖ם23 of 25
H0
מִן24 of 25
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַשָּׂדֶֽה׃25 of 25

“for you out of the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

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 10:5 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 10:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 9:32Joel 1:4Joel 2:25

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