King James Version

What Does Exodus 11:5 Mean?

Exodus 11:5 in the King James Version says “And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even u... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 11:5 · KJV


Context

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.

7

But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 5 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 · 19 words
וּמֵ֣ת1 of 19

shall die

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

כָּל2 of 19
H3605

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

בְּכ֥וֹר3 of 19

And all the firstborn

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ4 of 19

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַיִם֒5 of 19

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

בְּכ֥וֹר6 of 19

And all the firstborn

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

פַּרְעֹה֙7 of 19

of Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

הַיֹּשֵׁ֣ב8 of 19

that sitteth

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עַל9 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כִּסְא֔וֹ10 of 19

upon his throne

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

עַ֚ד11 of 19
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

בְּכ֥וֹר12 of 19

And all the firstborn

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

הַשִּׁפְחָ֔ה13 of 19

of the maidservant

H8198

a female slave (as a member of the household)

אֲשֶׁ֖ר14 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אַחַ֣ר15 of 19

that is behind

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הָֽרֵחָ֑יִם16 of 19

the mill

H7347

a mill-stone

וְכֹ֖ל17 of 19
H3605

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

בְּכ֥וֹר18 of 19

And all the firstborn

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

בְּהֵמָֽה׃19 of 19

of beasts

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)


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 11:5 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 11:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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