King James Version

What Does Exodus 12:30 Mean?

Exodus 12:30 in the King James Version says “And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; f... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.

Exodus 12:30 · KJV


Context

28

And the children of Israel went away, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.

29

And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon ; and all the firstborn of cattle. dungeon: Heb. house of the pit

30

And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.

31

And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said.

32

Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Pharaoh's rising 'in the night' shows the immediacy and universality of disaster—he could not wait for morning. 'All his servants, and all the Egyptians' includes everyone; 'there was not a house where there was not one dead' indicates comprehensive judgment touched every dwelling. The 'great cry in Egypt' contrasts sharply with Israel's silent protection. This vindicates God's word and breaks Egypt's resistance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This cry of mourning fulfilled Moses' prophecy (Exodus 11:6). Egyptian grief would have been intense and public, with professional mourners and elaborate funeral customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Egypt's 'great cry' contrast with the silence in blood-marked Israelite homes demonstrate salvation's dividing line?
  2. What does universal Egyptian loss teach about the inescapability of divine judgment when it finally comes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיָּ֨קָם1 of 19

rose up

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

פַּרְעֹ֜ה2 of 19

And Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

לַ֗יְלָה3 of 19

in the night

H3915

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

ה֤וּא4 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וְכָל5 of 19
H3605

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

עֲבָדָיו֙6 of 19

he and all his servants

H5650

a servant

וְכָל7 of 19
H3605

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

בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם8 of 19

and all the Egyptians

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וַתְּהִ֛י9 of 19
H1961

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

צְעָקָ֥ה10 of 19

cry

H6818

a shriek

גְדֹלָ֖ה11 of 19

and there was a great

H1419

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

בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם12 of 19

and all the Egyptians

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

כִּֽי13 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֵ֣ין14 of 19
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

בַּ֔יִת15 of 19

for there was not a house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר16 of 19
H834

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

אֵֽין17 of 19
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

שָׁ֖ם18 of 19
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

מֵֽת׃19 of 19

where there was not one dead

H4191

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


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 12:30 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 12:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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