King James Version

What Does Exodus 11:7 Mean?

Exodus 11:7 in the King James Version says “But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how th... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 11:7 · KJV


Context

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

9

And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 7 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
וּלְכֹ֣ל׀1 of 19
H3605

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

בְּנֵ֣י2 of 19

But against any of the children

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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃3 of 19

and Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לֹ֤א4 of 19
H3808

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

יֶֽחֱרַץ5 of 19

move

H2782

properly, to point sharply, i.e., (literally) to wound; figuratively, to be alert, to decide

כֶּ֙לֶב֙6 of 19

shall not a dog

H3611

a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute

לְשֹׁנ֔וֹ7 of 19

his tongue

H3956

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

לְמֵאִ֖ישׁ8 of 19

against man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וְעַד9 of 19
H5704

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

בְּהֵמָ֑ה10 of 19

or beast

H929

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

לְמַ֙עַן֙11 of 19
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

תֵּֽדְע֔וּן12 of 19

that ye may know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֲשֶׁר֙13 of 19
H834

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

יַפְלֶ֣ה14 of 19

doth put a difference

H6395

to distinguish (literally or figuratively)

יְהוָ֔ה15 of 19

how that the LORD

H3068

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

בֵּ֥ין16 of 19
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

מִצְרַ֖יִם17 of 19

between the Egyptians

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וּבֵ֥ין18 of 19
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃19 of 19

and Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


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 11:7 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 11:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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