King James Version
What Does Exodus 8:11 Mean?
“And the frogs shall depart from thee, and from thy houses, and from thy servants, and from thy people; they shall remain in the river only.”
Exodus 8:11 · KJV
Context
9
And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only? Glory: or, Have this honour over me, etc when: or, against when to destroy: Heb. to cut off
10
And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God. To morrow: or, Against to morrow
11
And the frogs shall depart from thee, and from thy houses, and from thy servants, and from thy people; they shall remain in the river only.
12
And Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh: and Moses cried unto the LORD because of the frogs which he had brought against Pharaoh.
13
And the LORD did according to the word of Moses; and the frogs died out of the houses, out of the villages, and out of the fields.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryVerse 11 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
- How does God expose the impotence of idols you've trusted?
- What happens when blessings become curses through misplaced worship?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsוּמִבָּ֣תֶּ֔יךָ4 of 9
“from thee and from thy houses”
H1004a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וּמֵֽעַמֶּ֑ךָ6 of 9
“and from thy people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
רַ֥ק7 of 9
H7535properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
בַּיְאֹ֖ר8 of 9
“in the river”
H2975a 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
תִּשָּׁאַֽרְנָה׃9 of 9
“they shall remain”
H7604properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant
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 8:11 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 8:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge