King James Version

What Does Exodus 11:6 Mean?

Exodus 11:6 in the King James Version says “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 an... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 11:6 · KJV


Context

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.

8

And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger. that follow: Heb. that is at thy feet a great: Heb. heat of anger


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 6 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 · 13 words
נִֽהְיָ֔תָה1 of 13

And there shall be

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

צְעָקָ֥ה2 of 13

cry

H6818

a shriek

גְדֹלָ֖ה3 of 13

a great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

בְּכָל4 of 13
H3605

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

אֶ֣רֶץ5 of 13

throughout all the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָ֑יִם6 of 13

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

אֲשֶׁ֤ר7 of 13
H834

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

כָּמֹ֙הוּ֙8 of 13
H3644

as, thus, so

לֹ֥א9 of 13

like it nor

H3808

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

נִֽהְיָ֔תָה10 of 13

And there shall be

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וְכָמֹ֖הוּ11 of 13
H3644

as, thus, so

לֹ֥א12 of 13

like it nor

H3808

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

תֹסִֽף׃13 of 13

shall be like it any more

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)


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 11:6 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 11:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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