King James Version

What Does Exodus 8:1 Mean?

Exodus 8:1 in the King James Version says “And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may s...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.”

Exodus 8:1 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

2

And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs:

3

And the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up and come into thine house, and into thy bedchamber , and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thine ovens, and into thy kneadingtroughs: kneadingtroughs: or, dough

Read Exodus 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 1 describes the plague of frogs, targeting Heqet, Egyptian goddess of fertility portrayed as frog-headed. Frogs filled houses, bedrooms, ovens, and kneading bowls—contaminating private and sacred spaces. What Egypt worshipped became its torment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Heqet assisted in childbirth and symbolized life and fertility. Frogs were sacred, making them untouchable. The plague forced Egyptians to encounter their goddess everywhere, yet powerless and disgusting.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God expose the impotence of idols you've trusted?
  2. What happens when blessings become curses through misplaced worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
אָמַ֣ר1 of 16

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה2 of 16

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶל3 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֔ה4 of 16

“unto Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

בֹּ֖א5 of 16

“Go”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל6 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פַּרְעֹ֑ה7 of 16

“unto Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

אָמַ֣ר8 of 16

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֗יו9 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֹּ֚ה10 of 16
H3541

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

אָמַ֣ר11 of 16

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה12 of 16

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

שַׁלַּ֥ח13 of 16

“go”

H7971

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

אֶת14 of 16
H853

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

עַמִּ֖י15 of 16

“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

וְיַֽעַבְדֻֽנִי׃16 of 16

“that they may serve”

H5647

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

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 8:1 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 8:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 3:18Exodus 3:12Exodus 5:1Jeremiah 1:17-19Exodus 4:23Ezekiel 2:6-7

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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