King James Version

What Does Exodus 10:9 Mean?

Exodus 10:9 in the King James Version says “And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and wi...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 10:9 · KJV

Context

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.

11

Not so: go now ye that are men, and serve the LORD; for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence.

Read Exodus 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 9 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 · 14 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 14

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מֹשֶׁ֔ה2 of 14

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

בִּנְעָרֵ֥ינוּ3 of 14

“with our young”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

וּבִזְקֵנֵ֖ינוּ4 of 14

“and with our old”

H2205

old

נֵלֵ֑ךְ5 of 14
H1980

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

בְּבָנֵ֨ינוּ6 of 14

“with our sons”

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

וּבִבְנוֹתֵ֜נוּ7 of 14

“and with our daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

בְּצֹאנֵ֤נוּ8 of 14

“with our flocks”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

וּבִבְקָרֵ֙נוּ֙9 of 14

“and with our herds”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

נֵלֵ֔ךְ10 of 14
H1980

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

כִּ֥י11 of 14
H3588

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

חַג12 of 14

“for we must hold a feast”

H2282

a festival, or a victim therefor

יְהוָ֖ה13 of 14

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

לָֽנוּ׃14 of 14
H0

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 10:9 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 10:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 5:7-8Exodus 5:1Deuteronomy 31:12-13Exodus 3:18Ecclesiastes 12:1Ephesians 6:4

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