King James Version
What Does Exodus 9:31 Mean?
“And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled.”
Context
29
And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S.
30
But as for thee and thy servants, I know that ye will not yet fear the LORD God.
31
And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled.
32
But the wheat and the rie were not smitten: for they were not grown up. not grown: Heb. hidden or, dark
33
And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the LORD: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(31) **The flax and the barley was smitten.**—Flax was grown largely in Egypt, since linen garments were very generally worn by the people, and were the necessary attire of the priests (Herod. ii. 37). Mummies also were swathed in linen bandages (Herod. ii. 86); and soldiers wore linen corselets (Herod. ii. 182, 3:47). Barley was grown as food for horses, as an element in the manufacture of beer, and as a material for an inferior kind of bread. The flax is “bolled”—i.e., forms its seed-vessel—towards the end of January or beginning of February, and the barley comes into ear about the same time. These facts fix the date of this plague, and help to fix the dates both of the earlier and the later ones.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 9:31 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 9:31
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge