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Exodus 10:22

Exodus 10:22 in Multiple Translations

So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and total darkness covered all the land of Egypt for three days.

And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:

And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days;

And when Moses' hand was stretched out, dark night came over all the land of Egypt for three days;

Moses lifted up his hand toward heaven, and the whole of Egypt went completely dark for three days.

Then Moses stretched forth his hande towarde heauen, and there was a blacke darkenesse in all the land of Egypt three daies.

And Moses stretcheth out his hand towards the heavens, and there is darkness — thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days;

Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt for three days.

And Moses stretched forth his hand towards heaven: and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:

And Moses stretch forth his hand towards heaven: and there came horrible darkness in all the land of Egypt for three days.

So Moses/I reached his/my hand toward the sky, and it became totally dark all over Egypt for three days and nights.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 10:22

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 10:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֵּ֥ט מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶת יָד֖/וֹ עַל הַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם וַ/יְהִ֧י חֹֽשֶׁךְ אֲפֵלָ֛ה בְּ/כָל אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרַ֖יִם שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת יָמִֽים
וַ/יֵּ֥ט nâṭâh H5186 to stretch Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁ֛ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
יָד֖/וֹ yâd H3027 hand N-cs | Suff
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
הַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם shâmayim H8064 heaven Art | N-mp
וַ/יְהִ֧י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
חֹֽשֶׁךְ chôshek H2822 darkness N-ms
אֲפֵלָ֛ה ʼăphêlâh H653 darkness N-fs
בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
אֶ֥רֶץ ʼerets H776 land N-cs
מִצְרַ֖יִם Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt N-proper
שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj
יָמִֽים yôwm H3117 day N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 10:22

וַ/יֵּ֥ט nâṭâh H5186 "to stretch" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
מֹשֶׁ֛ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יָד֖/וֹ yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם shâmayim H8064 "heaven" Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
וַ/יְהִ֧י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
חֹֽשֶׁךְ chôshek H2822 "darkness" N-ms
This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.
Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.
אֲפֵלָ֛ה ʼăphêlâh H653 "darkness" N-fs
This Hebrew word describes a state of darkness or gloom, often used to describe a difficult or trying time. In the book of Isaiah, it is used to describe a time of sadness and despair.
Definition: 1) darkness, gloominess, calamity 2) wickedness (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: dark, darkness, gloominess, [idiom] thick. See also: Exodus 10:22; Isaiah 58:10; Proverbs 4:19.
בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֶ֥רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מִצְרַ֖יִם Mitsrayim H4714 "Egypt" N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
יָמִֽים yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

Study Notes — Exodus 10:22

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 105:28 He sent darkness, and it became dark— yet they defied His words.
2 Revelation 16:10 And the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness, and men began to gnaw their tongues in anguish
3 Exodus 20:21 And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.
4 Deuteronomy 5:22 The LORD spoke these commandments in a loud voice to your whole assembly out of the fire, the cloud, and the deep darkness on the mountain; He added nothing more. And He wrote them on two tablets of stone and gave them to me.
5 Amos 4:13 For behold, He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind and reveals His thoughts to man, who turns the dawn to darkness and strides on the heights of the earth— the LORD, the God of Hosts, is His name.”
6 Joel 2:2 a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like the dawn overspreading the mountains a great and strong army appears, such as never was of old, nor will ever be in ages to come.
7 Joel 2:31 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD.
8 Deuteronomy 4:11 You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness.

Exodus 10:22 Summary

[This verse, Exodus 10:22, shows us how God used Moses to bring total darkness over the land of Egypt for three days, demonstrating His power and judgment over Pharaoh and the Egyptians. This event was a fulfillment of God's instruction to Moses in Exodus 10:21, and it shows us the importance of obedience to God's instructions, as seen in Moses' actions. Just as the Israelites had light in their dwellings, as stated in Exodus 10:23, we can have spiritual light and guidance in our lives when we trust in God, as seen in Psalm 119:105. By trusting in God and obeying His instructions, we can experience His protection and care, just as the Israelites did in Exodus 10:23.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the total darkness in Exodus 10:22?

The purpose of the total darkness was to demonstrate God's power and judgment over Pharaoh and the Egyptians, as seen in Exodus 10:21, where God instructs Moses to stretch out his hand toward heaven to bring about the darkness.

How long did the darkness last in Exodus 10:22?

The darkness lasted for three days, as stated in Exodus 10:22, and it was so severe that no one could see anyone else, and no one left their place, as seen in Exodus 10:23.

Was the darkness only over the Egyptians or did it affect the Israelites as well?

The darkness was only over the Egyptians, as the Israelites had light in their dwellings, as stated in Exodus 10:23, demonstrating God's protection and care for His people, similar to what is seen in Exodus 8:22, where God protects the Israelites from the plague of flies.

What can we learn from the obedience of Moses in Exodus 10:22?

We can learn the importance of obedience to God's instructions, as seen in Moses' actions in Exodus 10:22, where he stretched out his hand toward heaven as instructed by God in Exodus 10:21, demonstrating trust and faith in God's plan, similar to what is seen in Genesis 6:22, where Noah obeys God's instructions to build the ark.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and judgment, just as Moses did in Exodus 10:22?
  2. How can I demonstrate obedience to God's instructions in my daily life, just as Moses did in Exodus 10:22?
  3. What are some ways that God has demonstrated His protection and care for me, just as He did for the Israelites in Exodus 10:23?
  4. How can I share with others the message of God's power and judgment, as seen in Exodus 10:22, and the importance of obedience to His instructions?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 10:22

And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven, and there was a thick darkness over all the land of Egypt three days.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 10:22

And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: No JFB commentary on this verse.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 10:22

Exodus 10:22 And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:Ver. 22. Thick darkness.] It was thick indeed, that might be felt: so thick and foggy were the vapours that caused it. ψηλαφητονακοτος. - Sept.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 10:22

THE NINTH PLAGUE.(21-23) The ninth plague, like the third and sixth, was sent without any previous warning. It consisted in a “thick darkness,” which may have been brought about by means of the Khamsin, or “Wind of the Desert,” which frequently blows about the time of the vernal equinox, and brings with it such clouds of a fine impalpable sand that the light of the sun is obscured, and an effect produced which some travellers have compared to “the most gloomy night.” Or it may have been a shutting out of the sun’s rays by dense fog and cloud of a more ordinary character; though in that case there must have been something in the visitation very much exceeding any known instance of such darkness. “They saw not one another,” we are told, “for three days” (Exodus 10:23). The darkness was one which “might be felt” (Exodus 10:21). Such a preternatural continuance of absolutely impenetrable “blackness of darkness” would cause to any man a feeling of intense alarm and horror. To the Egyptians it would be peculiarly painful and terrible. Ra, the sun-god, was among the principal objects of their worship, especially in the Delta, where Heliopolis and Pithoni were cities dedicated to him. Darkness was a creation of Set—the Evil Principle, the destroyer of Osiris—and of Apophis, the Great Serpent, the impeder of souls in the lower world. It would have seemed to the Egyptians that Ra was dead, that Set had triumphed over his brother, that Apophis had encircled the world with his dark folds, and plunged it in eternal night. Hence Pharaoh’s early call for Moses, and permission that the people should depart, with their families (Exodus 10:24): a concession which, however, was marred by the proviso, “Only let your flocks and herds be stayed.”

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 10:22

21–27. The ninth plague. The darkness. From E and J.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 10:22

22. And there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days — As all the plagues seem in some way connected with natural causes, this preternatural darkness is by many assigned to a

Sermons on Exodus 10:22

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 10:21-29 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the darkness that fell upon the land of Egypt during the time of Moses. He highlights the miraculous nature of this darkness and how it affect
Paris Reidhead Will the Church Go Through the Tribulation by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the speaker discusses the idea that as a person goes through life and achieves certain milestones, they become increasingly ready to go home. These milestones inclu
J.C. Hibbard The Armageddon Count Down by J.C. Hibbard In this sermon, the speaker discusses the signs and events that Jesus foretold would happen before the coming of the kingdom of God. These signs include perplexities of nations, wa
Thomas Watson The Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson Thomas Watson preaches on the Doctrine of Repentance, emphasizing the essential nature of repentance as a grace of God's Spirit that humbles and reforms sinners. He highlights the
Harry Ironside They Repented Not by Harry Ironside Harry Ironside emphasizes that while God's creation and goodness should lead humanity to repentance, many remain unresponsive, drifting further into sin despite experiencing His bl
John F. Walvoord The Vials of the Wrath of God by John F. Walvoord John F. Walvoord preaches on the pouring out of the vials of God's wrath upon the earth by the seven angels, symbolizing divine judgment. The vial judgments, subsequent to the trum
George Fox Epistle 22 by George Fox George Fox emphasizes the importance of staying close to the inner light and the power of God's words, urging believers to avoid distractions from vain thoughts and to focus on the

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