King James Version

What Does Exodus 8:31 Mean?

Exodus 8:31 in the King James Version says “And the LORD did according to the word of Moses; and he removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants, and...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD did according to the word of Moses; and he removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people; there remained not one.”

Exodus 8:31 · KJV

Context

29

And Moses said, Behold, I go out from thee, and I will intreat the LORD that the swarms of flies may depart from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people, to morrow: but let not Pharaoh deal deceitfully any more in not letting the people go to sacrifice to the LORD.

30

And Moses went out from Pharaoh, and intreated the LORD.

31

And the LORD did according to the word of Moses; and he removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people; there remained not one.

32

And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 31 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.

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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 · 12 words
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ1 of 12

“did”

H6213

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

יְהוָה֙2 of 12

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

כִּדְבַ֣ר3 of 12

“according to the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

מֹשֶׁ֔ה4 of 12

“of Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וַיָּ֙סַר֙5 of 12

“and he removed”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

הֶֽעָרֹ֔ב6 of 12

“the swarms”

H6157

a mosquito (from its swarming)

מִפַּרְעֹ֖ה7 of 12

“of flies from Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

מֵֽעֲבָדָ֣יו8 of 12

“from his servants”

H5650

a servant

וּמֵֽעַמּ֑וֹ9 of 12

“and from his people”

H5971

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

לֹ֥א10 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִשְׁאַ֖ר11 of 12

“there remained”

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

אֶחָֽד׃12 of 12

“not one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

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 8:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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