King James Version

What Does Exodus 9:13 Mean?

Exodus 9:13 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the L... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Exodus 9:13 · KJV


Context

11

And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boil was upon the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians.

12

And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses.

13

And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

14

For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth.

15

For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 13 describes the plague of hail with fire, targeting Nut (sky goddess) and Seth (storm god). This unprecedented storm combines hail and fire, destroying crops and livestock left in fields. God reveals 'there is none like me in all the earth' (v.14).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Nut, sky goddess, arched over earth as protective dome. Seth controlled storms and chaos. The storm's supernatural nature—fire and ice together—proves divine origin. Only those who 'feared the word of the LORD' (v.20) saved their livestock.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use creation to reveal His power?
  2. What does the response of God-fearing Egyptians (v.20) teach about individual faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
אָמַ֤ר1 of 20

and say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙2 of 20

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל3 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֔ה4 of 20

unto Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

הַשְׁכֵּ֣ם5 of 20

Rise up early

H7925

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

בַּבֹּ֔קֶר6 of 20

in the morning

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וְהִתְיַצֵּ֖ב7 of 20

and stand

H3320

to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue

לִפְנֵ֣י8 of 20

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

פַרְעֹ֑ה9 of 20

Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

אָמַ֤ר10 of 20

and say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֗יו11 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֹּֽה12 of 20
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֤ר13 of 20

and say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙14 of 20

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֣י15 of 20

God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הָֽעִבְרִ֔ים16 of 20

of the Hebrews

H5680

an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber

שַׁלַּ֥ח17 of 20

go

H7971

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

אֶת18 of 20
H853

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

עַמִּ֖י19 of 20

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

וְיַֽעַבְדֻֽנִי׃20 of 20

that they may serve

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc


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 9:13 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 9:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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