King James Version

What Does Exodus 9:3 Mean?

Exodus 9:3 in the King James Version says “Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels,...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain.”

Exodus 9:3 · KJV

Context

1

Then the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

2

For if thou refuse to let them go, and wilt hold them still,

3

Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain.

4

And the LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that is the children's of Israel.

5

And the LORD appointed a set time, saying, To morrow the LORD shall do this thing in the land.

Read Exodus 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 3 describes the plague on livestock, targeting Apis bull cult and Hathor cow goddess. God strikes Egyptian livestock while Israelite animals remain healthy. The 'set time' (מוֹעֵד, moed—appointed time) emphasizes God's sovereignty over timing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Apis bull represented Ptah's fertility and strength. Hathor, cow goddess, symbolized motherhood and music. Egyptians worshipped cattle as sacred; their death struck at core religious identity while demonstrating YHWH's power over life.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's precise timing demonstrate His sovereignty?
  2. What idols masquerading as 'life-givers' has God exposed in your experience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
הִנֵּ֨ה1 of 15
H2009

lo!

יַד2 of 15

“Behold the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

יְהוָ֜ה3 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

הוֹיָ֗ה4 of 15

“is”

H1961

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

בְּמִקְנְךָ֙5 of 15

“upon thy cattle”

H4735

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 15
H834

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

בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה7 of 15

“which is in the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

בַּסּוּסִ֤ים8 of 15

“upon the horses”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

בַּֽחֲמֹרִים֙9 of 15

“upon the asses”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

בַּגְּמַלִּ֔ים10 of 15

“upon the camels”

H1581

a camel

בַּבָּקָ֖ר11 of 15

“upon the oxen”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

וּבַצֹּ֑אן12 of 15

“and upon the sheep”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

דֶּ֖בֶר13 of 15

“murrain”

H1698

a pestilence

כָּבֵ֥ד14 of 15

“grievous”

H3515

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

מְאֹֽד׃15 of 15

“there shall be 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

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 9:3 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 9:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 7:4Acts 13:11Exodus 5:31 Samuel 5:6-111 Samuel 6:9Exodus 8:19

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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