King James Version

What Does Exodus 9:25 Mean?

Exodus 9:25 in the King James Version says “And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote ev... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field.

Exodus 9:25 · KJV


Context

23

And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt.

24

So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.

25

And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field.

26

Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail.

27

And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 25 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 · 23 words
הִכָּ֣ה1 of 23

smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

הַבָּרָ֔ד2 of 23

And the hail

H1259

hail

בְּכָל3 of 23
H3605

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

אֶ֣רֶץ4 of 23

throughout all the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֗יִם5 of 23

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

אֵ֚ת6 of 23
H853

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

כָּל7 of 23
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 23
H834

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

הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה9 of 23

all that was in the field

H7704

a field (as flat)

מֵֽאָדָ֖ם10 of 23

both man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

וְעַד11 of 23
H5704

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

בְּהֵמָ֑ה12 of 23

and beast

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

וְאֵ֨ת13 of 23
H853

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

כָּל14 of 23
H3605

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

עֵ֤שֶׂב15 of 23

every herb

H6212

grass (or any tender shoot)

הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה16 of 23

all that was in the field

H7704

a field (as flat)

הִכָּ֣ה17 of 23

smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

הַבָּרָ֔ד18 of 23

And the hail

H1259

hail

וְאֶת19 of 23
H853

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

כָּל20 of 23
H3605

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

עֵ֥ץ21 of 23

every tree

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה22 of 23

all that was in the field

H7704

a field (as flat)

שִׁבֵּֽר׃23 of 23

and brake

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)


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 9:25 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 9:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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