King James Version

What Does Exodus 7:25 Mean?

Exodus 7:25 in the King James Version says “And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river.

Exodus 7:25 · KJV


Context

23

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

24

And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river.

25

And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 25 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.

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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 · 8 words
וַיִּמָּלֵ֖א1 of 8

were fulfilled

H4390

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

שִׁבְעַ֣ת2 of 8

And seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

יָמִ֑ים3 of 8

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אַֽחֲרֵ֥י4 of 8

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הַכּוֹת5 of 8

had smitten

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

יְהוָ֖ה6 of 8

that the LORD

H3068

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

אֶת7 of 8
H853

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

הַיְאֹֽר׃8 of 8

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


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 7:25 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 7:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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