King James Version

What Does Exodus 15:9 Mean?

Exodus 15:9 in the King James Version says “The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will dr...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them. destroy: or, repossess”

Exodus 15:9 · KJV

Context

7

And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.

8

And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.

9

The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them. destroy: or, repossess

10

Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.

11

Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? gods: or, mighty ones?

Read Exodus 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse quotes the enemy's boast: 'I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil.' Six boastful 'I wills' reveal human pride opposing God's purposes. The enemy's plan included recapturing Israel and 'my lust shall be satisfied upon them.' The statement 'I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them' shows confidence in military might. Pharaoh's arrogance blinds him to divine opposition. Pride precedes destruction.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This recounting of enemy boasting highlights the dramatic reversal—Egypt's confident plans met God's superior purposes. Quoting enemy intentions shows God's awareness and ultimate control.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'I will' declarations are you making in opposition to or independent of God's revealed will?
  2. How does pride in your abilities or plans blind you to the possibility that God might oppose them?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
אָמַ֥ר1 of 12

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אוֹיֵ֛ב2 of 12

“The enemy”

H341

hating; an adversary

אֶרְדֹּ֥ף3 of 12

“I will pursue”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

אַשִּׂ֖יג4 of 12

“I will overtake”

H5381

to reach (literally or figuratively)

אֲחַלֵּ֣ק5 of 12

“I will divide”

H2505

to be smooth (figuratively)

שָׁלָ֑ל6 of 12

“the spoil”

H7998

booty

תִּמְלָאֵ֣מוֹ7 of 12

“shall be satisfied”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

נַפְשִׁ֔י8 of 12

“my lust”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אָרִ֣יק9 of 12

“upon them I will draw”

H7324

to pour out (literally or figuratively), i.e., empty

חַרְבִּ֔י10 of 12

“my sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

תּֽוֹרִישֵׁ֖מוֹ11 of 12

“shall destroy”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

יָדִֽי׃12 of 12

“my hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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 15:9 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 15:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 5:30Exodus 14:5Luke 11:22Isaiah 53:12Habakkuk 3:14Genesis 49:27

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