King James Version

What Does Exodus 9:33 Mean?

Exodus 9:33 in the King James Version says “And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the LORD: and the thunders and hail ceased...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 9:33 · KJV

Context

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.

34

And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.

35

And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, neither would he let the children of Israel go; as the LORD had spoken by Moses. by Moses: Heb. by the hand of Moses

Read Exodus 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 33 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
וַיֵּצֵ֨א1 of 17

“went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מֹשֶׁ֜ה2 of 17

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

מֵעִ֤ם3 of 17
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

פַּרְעֹה֙4 of 17

“from Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

אֶת5 of 17
H853

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

הָעִ֔יר6 of 17

“of the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַיִּפְרֹ֥שׂ7 of 17

“and spread abroad”

H6566

to break apart, disperse, etc

כַּפָּ֖יו8 of 17

“his hands”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

אֶל9 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֑ה10 of 17

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

וַֽיַּחְדְּל֤וּ11 of 17

“ceased”

H2308

properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle

הַקֹּלוֹת֙12 of 17

“and the thunders”

H6963

a voice or sound

וְהַבָּרָ֔ד13 of 17

“and hail”

H1259

hail

וּמָטָ֖ר14 of 17

“and the rain”

H4306

rain

לֹֽא15 of 17
H3808

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

נִתַּ֥ךְ16 of 17

“was not poured”

H5413

to flow forth (literally or figuratively); by implication, to liquify

אָֽרְצָה׃17 of 17

“upon 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 9:33 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 9:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 9:29Exodus 8:12James 5:17-18Exodus 10:18-19

Test Your Knowledge

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

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