King James Version

What Does Exodus 8:7 Mean?

Exodus 8:7 in the King James Version says “And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt.

Exodus 8:7 · KJV


Context

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.

6

And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt.

7

And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt.

8

Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD.

9

And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only? Glory: or, Have this honour over me, etc when: or, against when to destroy: Heb. to cut off


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 7 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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ1 of 10

did

H6213

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

כֵ֥ן2 of 10
H3651

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

הַֽחֲרְטֻמִּ֖ים3 of 10

And the magicians

H2748

a horoscopist (as drawing magical lines or circles)

בְּלָֽטֵיהֶ֑ם4 of 10

so with their enchantments

H3909

properly, covered, i.e., secret; by implication, incantation; also secrecy or (adverb) covertly

וַיַּֽעֲל֥וּ5 of 10

and brought up

H5927

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

אֶת6 of 10
H853

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

הַֽצְפַרְדְּעִ֖ים7 of 10

frogs

H6854

a marsh-leaper, i.e., frog

עַל8 of 10
H5921

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

אֶ֥רֶץ9 of 10

upon the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָֽיִם׃10 of 10

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 8:7 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 8:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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