King James Version

What Does Exodus 8:17 Mean?

Exodus 8:17 in the King James Version says “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 m... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 8:17 · KJV


Context

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.

19

Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 17 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 · 23 words
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ1 of 23

And they did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כֵ֗ן2 of 23
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

וַיֵּט֩3 of 23

stretched out

H5186

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

אַֽהֲרֹ֨ן4 of 23

so for Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

אֶת5 of 23
H853

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

יָד֤וֹ6 of 23

his hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בְמַטֵּ֙הוּ֙7 of 23

with his rod

H4294

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

וַיַּךְ֙8 of 23

and smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת9 of 23
H853

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

עֲפַ֥ר10 of 23

all the dust

H6083

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

אֶ֥רֶץ11 of 23

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַתְּהִי֙12 of 23
H1961

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

כִנִּ֖ים13 of 23

and it became lice

H3654

a gnat

בָּֽאָדָ֖ם14 of 23

in man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

וּבַבְּהֵמָ֑ה15 of 23

and in beast

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

כָּל16 of 23
H3605

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

עֲפַ֥ר17 of 23

all the dust

H6083

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

אֶ֥רֶץ18 of 23

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הָיָ֥ה19 of 23
H1961

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

כִנִּ֖ים20 of 23

and it became lice

H3654

a gnat

בְּכָל21 of 23
H3605

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

אֶ֥רֶץ22 of 23

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָֽיִם׃23 of 23

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 8:17 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 8:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study