King James Version

What Does Exodus 8:16 Mean?

Exodus 8:16 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become li... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.

Exodus 8:16 · KJV


Context

14

And they gathered them together upon heaps: and the land stank.

15

But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

16

And the LORD said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.

17

And they did so; for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice in man, and in beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt.

18

And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 16 introduces the plague of lice or gnats (כִּנִּם, kinnim), targeting Geb, earth god. Aaron struck the dust of the earth, and it became lice throughout Egypt. This plague attacks Egypt's very ground, showing YHWH's power over the earth itself.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Geb was Egyptian god of the earth, portrayed lying beneath sky goddess Nut. The magicians could not replicate this plague, admitting 'This is the finger of God' (v.19)—recognizing power beyond human manipulation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the magicians' failure teach about the limits of human power?
  2. How does this plague demonstrate God's authority over creation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
אֱמֹר֙1 of 19

Say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֮2 of 19

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל3 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁה֒4 of 19

unto Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֱמֹר֙5 of 19

Say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶֽל6 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַהֲרֹ֔ן7 of 19

unto Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

נְטֵ֣ה8 of 19

Stretch out

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

אֶֽת9 of 19
H853

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

מַטְּךָ֔10 of 19

thy rod

H4294

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

וְהַ֖ךְ11 of 19

and smite

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת12 of 19
H853

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

עֲפַ֣ר13 of 19

the dust

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

אֶ֥רֶץ14 of 19

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְהָיָ֥ה15 of 19
H1961

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

לְכִנִּ֖ם16 of 19

that it may become lice

H3654

a gnat

בְּכָל17 of 19
H3605

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

אֶ֥רֶץ18 of 19

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָֽיִם׃19 of 19

of Egypt

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 8:16 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 8:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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