King James Version

What Does Exodus 11:8 Mean?

Exodus 11:8 in the King James Version says “And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the p... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 11:8 · KJV


Context

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.

10

And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 8 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 · 22 words
וְיָֽרְד֣וּ1 of 22

shall come down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

כָל2 of 22
H3605

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

עֲבָדֶיךָ֩3 of 22

And all these thy servants

H5650

a servant

אֵ֨לֶּה4 of 22
H428

these or those

אֵלַ֜י5 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְהִשְׁתַּֽחֲוּוּ6 of 22

unto me and bow down

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לִ֣י7 of 22
H0
לֵאמֹ֗ר8 of 22

themselves unto me saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וַיֵּצֵ֥א9 of 22

And he went out

H3318

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

אַתָּה֙10 of 22
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וְכָל11 of 22
H3605

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

הָעָ֣ם12 of 22

and all the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲשֶׁר13 of 22
H834

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

בְּרַגְלֶ֔יךָ14 of 22

that follow

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

וְאַֽחֲרֵי15 of 22

thee and after

H310

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

כֵ֖ן16 of 22
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

וַיֵּצֵ֥א17 of 22

And he went out

H3318

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

וַיֵּצֵ֥א18 of 22

And he went out

H3318

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

מֵֽעִם19 of 22
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

פַּרְעֹ֖ה20 of 22

from Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

בָּֽחֳרִי21 of 22

in a great

H2750

a burning (i.e., intense) anger

אָֽף׃22 of 22

anger

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire


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 11:8 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 11:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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