King James Version

What Does Exodus 11:4 Mean?

Exodus 11:4 in the King James Version says “And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt: — study this verse from Exodus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:

Exodus 11:4 · KJV


Context

2

Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.

3

And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants, and in the sight of the people.

4

And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:

5

And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.

6

And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 4 describes Moses's final warning about midnight judgment. God Himself will pass through Egypt, striking every firstborn from Pharaoh's throne to the prisoner in the dungeon, and even livestock firstborn. This universal judgment spares none, revealing sin's comprehensive curse.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The midnight hour emphasizes God's sovereign timing and judgment coming in darkness. The scope—from royal palace to prison to barn—demonstrates no earthly status protects from divine judgment. Only the Passover blood will shield.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the universality of this judgment foreshadow universal human sinfulness?
  2. What does the need for blood protection teach about the coming gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אָמַ֣ר1 of 11

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מֹשֶׁ֔ה2 of 11

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

כֹּ֖ה3 of 11
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר4 of 11

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֑ה5 of 11

the LORD

H3068

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

כַּֽחֲצֹ֣ת6 of 11
H2676

the middle (of the night)

הַלַּ֔יְלָה7 of 11

About midnight

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

אֲנִ֥י8 of 11
H589

i

יוֹצֵ֖א9 of 11

will I go out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

בְּת֥וֹךְ10 of 11

into the midst

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

מִצְרָֽיִם׃11 of 11

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt


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 11:4 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 11:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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