King James Version

What Does Exodus 10:8 Mean?

Exodus 10:8 in the King James Version says “And Moses and Aaron were brought again unto Pharaoh: and he said unto them, Go, serve the LORD your God: but who are the... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses and Aaron were brought again unto Pharaoh: and he said unto them, Go, serve the LORD your God: but who are they that shall go? who: Heb. who and who, etc

Exodus 10:8 · KJV


Context

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?

8

And Moses and Aaron were brought again unto Pharaoh: and he said unto them, Go, serve the LORD your God: but who are they that shall go? who: Heb. who and who, etc

9

And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast unto the LORD.

10

And he said unto them, Let the LORD be so with you, as I will let you go, and your little ones: look to it; for evil is before you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 8 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 · 17 words
וַיּוּשַׁ֞ב1 of 17

were brought again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶת2 of 17
H853

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

מֹשֶׁ֤ה3 of 17

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאֶֽת4 of 17
H853

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

אַהֲרֹן֙5 of 17

and Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

אֶל6 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פַּרְעֹ֔ה7 of 17

unto Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר8 of 17

and he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֔ם9 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַהֹֽלְכִֽים׃10 of 17

but who are they that shall go

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

עִבְד֖וּ11 of 17

serve

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

אֶת12 of 17
H853

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

יְהוָ֣ה13 of 17

the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם14 of 17

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

מִ֥י15 of 17
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

וָמִ֖י16 of 17
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

הַהֹֽלְכִֽים׃17 of 17

but who are they that shall go

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)


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 10:8 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 10:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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