King James Version

What Does Exodus 9:16 Mean?

Exodus 9:16 in the King James Version says “And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared th... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth. raised: Heb. made thee stand

Exodus 9:16 · KJV


Context

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.

16

And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth. raised: Heb. made thee stand

17

As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?

18

Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 16 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 · 13 words
וְאוּלָ֗ם1 of 13

And in very

H199

however or on the contrary

בַּֽעֲב֖וּר2 of 13

deed

H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

זֹאת֙3 of 13
H2063

this (often used adverb)

הֶֽעֱמַדְתִּ֔יךָ4 of 13

for this cause have I raised thee up

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

בַּֽעֲב֖וּר5 of 13

deed

H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

הַרְאֹֽתְךָ֣6 of 13

for to shew

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת7 of 13
H853

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

כֹּחִ֑י8 of 13

in thee my power

H3581

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

וּלְמַ֛עַן9 of 13
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

סַפֵּ֥ר10 of 13

may be declared

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

שְׁמִ֖י11 of 13

and that my name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

בְּכָל12 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָאָֽרֶץ׃13 of 13

throughout all the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


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 9:16 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 9:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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