King James Version

What Does Exodus 8:3 Mean?

Exodus 8:3 in the King James Version says “And the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up and come into thine house, and into thy bedchamber ,...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Exodus 8:3 · King James Version

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

4

And the frogs shall come up both on thee, and upon thy people, and upon all thy servants.

5

And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt.

Read Exodus 8 full chapter

Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Verse 3 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?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְשָׁרַ֣ץ1 of 15

“abundantly”

H8317

to wriggle, i.e., (by implication) swarm or abound

הַיְאֹר֮2 of 15

“And the river”

H2975

a 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

צְפַרְדְּעִים֒3 of 15

“frogs”

H6854

a marsh-leaper, i.e., frog

וְעָלוּ֙4 of 15

“which shall go up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

וּבָ֣אוּ5 of 15

“and come”

H935

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

וּבְבֵ֤ית6 of 15

“and into the house”

H1004

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

וּבַֽחֲדַ֥ר7 of 15

“and into thy bedchamber”

H2315

an apartment (usually literal)

מִשְׁכָּֽבְךָ֖8 of 15
H4904

a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse

וְעַל9 of 15
H5921

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

מִטָּתֶ֑ךָ10 of 15

“and upon thy bed”

H4296

a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier

וּבְבֵ֤ית11 of 15

“and into the house”

H1004

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

עֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙12 of 15

“of thy servants”

H5650

a servant

וּבְעַמֶּ֔ךָ13 of 15

“and upon thy people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וּבְתַנּוּרֶ֖יךָ14 of 15

“and into thine ovens”

H8574

a fire-pot

וּבְמִשְׁאֲרוֹתֶֽיךָ׃15 of 15

“and into thy kneadingtroughs”

H4863

a kneading-trough (in which the dough rises)

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 8:3 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 8:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 105:30Exodus 12:34

Places in This Verse

NileRiver · Modern: Nile River · 31.47°N, 30.37°E45 verses across 9 books
View all places in Exodus 8 →

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