King James Version

What Does Exodus 7:20 Mean?

Exodus 7:20 in the King James Version says “And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.

Exodus 7:20 · KJV


Context

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.

19

And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone. pools: Heb. gathering of their waters

20

And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.

21

And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.

22

And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 20 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 · 24 words
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ1 of 24

did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כֵן֩2 of 24
H3651

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

מֹשֶׁ֨ה3 of 24

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאַֽהֲרֹ֜ן4 of 24

and Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר׀5 of 24
H834

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

צִוָּ֣ה6 of 24

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֗ה7 of 24

so as the LORD

H3068

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

וַיָּ֤רֶם8 of 24

and he lifted up

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

בַּמַּטֶּה֙9 of 24

the rod

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

וַיַּ֤ךְ10 of 24

and smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת11 of 24
H853

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

הַמַּ֥יִם12 of 24

and all the waters

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

אֲשֶׁ֣ר13 of 24
H834

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

בַּיְאֹ֖ר14 of 24

that were in the river

H2975

a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m

וּלְעֵינֵ֖י15 of 24

and in the sight

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

פַרְעֹ֔ה16 of 24

of Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וּלְעֵינֵ֖י17 of 24

and in the sight

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

עֲבָדָ֑יו18 of 24

of his servants

H5650

a servant

וַיֵּהָֽפְכ֛וּ19 of 24

were turned

H2015

to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert

כָּל20 of 24
H3605

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

הַמַּ֥יִם21 of 24

and all the waters

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

אֲשֶׁר22 of 24
H834

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

בַּיְאֹ֖ר23 of 24

that were in the river

H2975

a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m

לְדָֽם׃24 of 24

to blood

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe


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 7:20 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 7:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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