King James Version

What Does Exodus 8:21 Mean?

Exodus 8:21 in the King James Version says “Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground whereon they are. swarms: or, a mixture of noisome beasts, etc

Exodus 8:21 · KJV


Context

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.

20

And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; lo, he cometh forth to the water; and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

21

Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground whereon they are. swarms: or, a mixture of noisome beasts, etc

22

And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth.

23

And I will put a division between my people and thy people: to morrow shall this sign be. a division: Heb. a redemption to morrow: or, by to morrow


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 21 describes the plague of flies (עָרֹב, arov—swarms), with crucial distinction: Goshen is protected. God says 'I will sever... the land of Goshen' (v.22), demonstrating selective judgment. This plague may target Khepri, scarab beetle god representing resurrection and transformation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Khepri, the scarab-headed god, symbolized the rising sun and transformation. The distinction between Egypt and Goshen shows this is not natural disaster but divine judgment. God's protection of His people proves His sovereignty.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's protection of His people encourage you in judgment?
  2. What does the Egypt-Goshen distinction teach about being 'in the world but not of it'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
כִּ֣י1 of 24
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם2 of 24
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אֵֽינְךָ֮3 of 24
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מַשְׁלִ֨יחַ4 of 24

behold I will send

H7971

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

אֶת5 of 24
H853

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

וּֽבְעַמְּךָ֛6 of 24

Else if thou wilt not 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

הִנְנִי֩7 of 24
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

מַשְׁלִ֨יחַ8 of 24

behold I will send

H7971

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

בְּךָ֜9 of 24
H0
וּבַֽעֲבָדֶ֧יךָ10 of 24

of flies upon thee and upon thy servants

H5650

a servant

וּֽבְעַמְּךָ֛11 of 24

Else if thou wilt not 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

בָּתֵּ֤י12 of 24

and into thy houses

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֶת13 of 24
H853

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

הֶ֣עָרֹ֔ב14 of 24

of swarms

H6157

a mosquito (from its swarming)

וּמָ֨לְא֜וּ15 of 24

shall be full

H4390

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

בָּתֵּ֤י16 of 24

and into thy houses

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

מִצְרַ֙יִם֙17 of 24

of the Egyptians

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

אֶת18 of 24
H853

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

הֶ֣עָרֹ֔ב19 of 24

of swarms

H6157

a mosquito (from its swarming)

וְגַ֥ם20 of 24
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הָֽאֲדָמָ֖ה21 of 24

of flies and also the ground

H127

soil (from its general redness)

אֲשֶׁר22 of 24
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֵ֥ם23 of 24
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

עָלֶֽיהָ׃24 of 24
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications


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 8:21 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 8:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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