King James Version

What Does Exodus 7:21 Mean?

Exodus 7:21 in the King James Version says “And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the rive... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 7:21 · KJV


Context

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.

23

And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 21 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
וְהַדָּגָ֨ה1 of 18

And the fish

H1710

fish

אֲשֶׁר2 of 18
H834

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

הַיְאֹ֑ר3 of 18

and 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

מֵ֙תָה֙4 of 18

died

H4191

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

וַיִּבְאַ֣שׁ5 of 18

stank

H887

to smell bad; figuratively, to be offensive morally

הַיְאֹ֑ר6 of 18

and 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

וְלֹֽא7 of 18
H3808

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

יָכְל֣וּ8 of 18

could

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

מִצְרָֽיִם׃9 of 18

and the Egyptians

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לִשְׁתּ֥וֹת10 of 18

not drink

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

מַ֖יִם11 of 18

of the water

H4325

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

מִן12 of 18
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַיְאֹ֑ר13 of 18

and 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

וַיְהִ֥י14 of 18
H1961

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

הַדָּ֖ם15 of 18

and there was 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

בְּכָל16 of 18
H3605

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

אֶ֥רֶץ17 of 18

throughout all the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָֽיִם׃18 of 18

and the Egyptians

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt


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 7:21 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 7:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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