King James Version

What Does Exodus 9:18 Mean?

Exodus 9:18 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 9:18 · KJV


Context

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.

19

Send therefore now, and gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; for upon every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die.

20

He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 18 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 · 17 words
הִנְנִ֤י1 of 17
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

מַמְטִיר֙2 of 17

I will cause it to rain

H4305

to rain

כָּעֵ֣ת3 of 17

about this time

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

מָחָ֔ר4 of 17

Behold to morrow

H4279

properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter

בָּרָ֖ד5 of 17

hail

H1259

hail

כָּבֵ֣ד6 of 17

grievous

H3515

heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)

מְאֹ֑ד7 of 17

a very

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

אֲשֶׁ֨ר8 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא9 of 17
H3808

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

הָיָ֤ה10 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כָמֹ֙הוּ֙11 of 17

such as hath not been

H3644

as, thus, so

בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם12 of 17

in Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לְמִן13 of 17
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַיּ֥וֹם14 of 17

the foundation

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הִוָּֽסְדָ֖ה15 of 17
H3245

to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult

וְעַד16 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עָֽתָּה׃17 of 17
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive


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 9:18 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 9:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study