King James Version

What Does Exodus 7:16 Mean?

Exodus 7:16 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear.

Exodus 7:16 · KJV


Context

14

And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.

15

Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river's brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand.

16

And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear.

17

Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.

18

And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 16 in the first plague narrative describes the Nile turning to blood. This targets Hapi, Egyptian god of the Nile, demonstrating YHWH's supremacy over Egypt's life source. The water that sustains Egypt becomes death, reversing the blessing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Nile was Egypt's lifeline, worshipped as divine. Hapi's annual flood determined Egypt's prosperity. The plague striking Egypt's water supply while Goshen remained unaffected (8:22-23) demonstrates selective judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this plague reveal God's sovereignty over creation and false gods?
  2. What modern 'life sources' do people trust instead of God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
לֵאמֹ֔ר1 of 18

And thou shalt say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֗יו2 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֞ה3 of 18

unto him The LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֤י4 of 18

God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הָֽעִבְרִים֙5 of 18

of the Hebrews

H5680

an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber

שַׁלַּח֙6 of 18

go

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֵלֶ֙יךָ֙7 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֵאמֹ֔ר8 of 18

And thou shalt say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שַׁלַּח֙9 of 18

go

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶת10 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַמִּ֔י11 of 18

Let my people

H5971

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

וְיַֽעַבְדֻ֖נִי12 of 18

that they may serve

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר13 of 18

me in the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

וְהִנֵּ֥ה14 of 18
H2009

lo!

לֹֽא15 of 18
H3808

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

שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ16 of 18

thou wouldest not hear

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

עַד17 of 18
H5704

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

כֹּֽה׃18 of 18

and behold hitherto

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now


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 7:16 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 7:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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