King James Version

What Does Exodus 9:7 Mean?

Exodus 9:7 in the King James Version says “And Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. And the heart of Pharaoh was hard... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go.

Exodus 9:7 · KJV


Context

5

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

6

And the LORD did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one.

7

And Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go.

8

And the LORD said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh.

9

And it shall become small dust in all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast, throughout all the land of Egypt.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 7 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 · 16 words
שִׁלַּ֖ח1 of 16

go

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

פַּרְעֹ֔ה2 of 16

And Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וְהִנֵּ֗ה3 of 16
H2009

lo!

לֹא4 of 16
H3808

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

מֵ֛ת5 of 16

dead

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

מִמִּקְנֵ֥ה6 of 16

of the cattle

H4735

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל7 of 16

of the Israelites

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

עַד8 of 16
H5704

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

אֶחָ֑ד9 of 16

and behold there was not one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וַיִּכְבַּד֙10 of 16

was hardened

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

לֵ֣ב11 of 16

And the heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

פַּרְעֹ֔ה12 of 16

And Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וְלֹ֥א13 of 16
H3808

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

שִׁלַּ֖ח14 of 16

go

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶת15 of 16
H853

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

הָעָֽם׃16 of 16

and he did not let the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock


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 9:7 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 9:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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