Exodus 7:12
Exodus 7:12 in Multiple Translations
Each one threw down his staff, and it became a serpent. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up the other staffs.
For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.
For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.
For every one of them put down his rod on the earth, and they became snakes: but Aaron's rod made a meal of their rods.
Each of them threw down their walking sticks and they also turned into snakes, but Aaron's walking stick swallowed up all their walking sticks.
For they cast downe euery man his rod, and they were turned into serpents: but Aarons rodde deuoured their rods.
and they cast down each his rod, and they become monsters, and the rod of Aaron swalloweth their rods;
For they each cast down their rods, and they became serpents; but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.
For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.
And they every one cast down their rods, and they were turned into serpents: but Aaron’s rod devoured their rods.
They all threw down their sticks, and they became snakes. But Aaron’s stick, which had become a snake, swallowed up all their sticks!
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 7:12
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 7:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּשְׁלִ֨יכוּ֙
אִ֣ישׁ
מַטֵּ֔/הוּ
וַ/יִּהְי֖וּ
לְ/תַנִּינִ֑ם
וַ/יִּבְלַ֥ע
מַטֵּֽה
אַהֲרֹ֖ן
אֶת
מַטֹּתָֽ/ם
וַ/יַּשְׁלִ֨יכוּ֙
shâlak
H7993
to throw
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מַטֵּ֔/הוּ
maṭṭeh
H4294
tribe
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יִּהְי֖וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לְ/תַנִּינִ֑ם
tannîyn
H8577
jackal
Prep | N-mp
וַ/יִּבְלַ֥ע
bâlaʻ
H1104
to swallow up
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מַטֵּֽה
maṭṭeh
H4294
tribe
N-ms
אַהֲרֹ֖ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מַטֹּתָֽ/ם
maṭṭeh
H4294
tribe
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 7:12
וַ/יַּשְׁלִ֨יכוּ֙
shâlak
H7993
"to throw"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To throw or cast away is the meaning of this Hebrew verb. It is used in various contexts, including throwing lots or casting out something unwanted. The word appears in stories like Jonah being thrown into the sea.
Definition: 1) to throw, cast, hurl, fling 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to throw, cast, throw away, cast off, shed, cast down 1a2) to cast (lots) (fig) 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be thrown, be cast 1b2) to be cast forth or out 1b3) to be cast down 1b4) to be cast (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: adventure, cast (away, down, forth, off, out), hurl, pluck, throw. See also: Genesis 21:15; Nehemiah 9:11; Psalms 2:3.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מַטֵּ֔/הוּ
maṭṭeh
H4294
"tribe"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
וַ/יִּהְי֖וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
לְ/תַנִּינִ֑ם
tannîyn
H8577
"jackal"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a monster or serpent, like a sea-serpent or dragon, as described in Psalm 74:13 and Isaiah 27:1. It can also mean a venomous snake or a whale, symbolizing powerful creatures.
Definition: jackal Also means: tan.nah (תַּנָּה "dragon" H8568)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: dragon, sea-monster, serpent, whale. See also: Genesis 1:21; Isaiah 27:1; Psalms 44:20.
וַ/יִּבְלַ֥ע
bâlaʻ
H1104
"to swallow up"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to swallow or destroy something completely. It can be used to describe something being eaten up or destroyed, like in a natural disaster or a strong storm. The Bible uses it to convey total destruction.
Definition: 1) to swallow down, swallow up, engulf, eat up 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to swallow down 1a2) to swallow up, engulf 1b) (Niphal) to be swallowed up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to swallow 1c2) to swallow up, engulf 1c3) squandering (fig.) 1d) (Pual) to be swallowed up 1e) (Hithpael) to be ended
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: cover, destroy, devour, eat up, be at end, spend up, swallow down (up). See also: Genesis 41:7; Psalms 106:17; Psalms 21:10.
מַטֵּֽה
maṭṭeh
H4294
"tribe"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
אַהֲרֹ֖ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
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.
מַטֹּתָֽ/ם
maṭṭeh
H4294
"tribe"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
Study Notes — Exodus 7:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 7:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 7:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 7:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 7:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 7:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 7:12
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 7:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 7:12
- Sermons on Exodus 7:12
Context — Aaron’s Staff
10So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD had commanded. Aaron threw his staff down before Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a serpent.
11But Pharaoh called the wise men and sorcerers and magicians of Egypt, and they also did the same things by their magic arts.
12Each one threw down his staff, and it became a serpent. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up the other staffs.
13Still, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said. 14Then the LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is unyielding; he refuses to let the people go.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 John 4:4 | You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. |
| 2 | Exodus 9:11 | The magicians could not stand before Moses, because the boils had broken out on them and on all the Egyptians. |
| 3 | Exodus 8:18–19 | The magicians tried to produce gnats using their magic arts, but they could not. And the gnats remained on man and beast. “This is the finger of God,” the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said. |
| 4 | Acts 8:9–13 | Prior to that time, a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and astounded the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great, and all the people, from the least to the greatest, heeded his words and said, “This man is the divine power called the Great Power.” They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery. But when they believed Philip as he preached the gospel of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed and was baptized. He followed Philip closely and was astounded by the great signs and miracles he observed. |
| 5 | Acts 19:19–20 | And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books and burned them in front of everyone. When the value of the books was calculated, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. So the word of the Lord powerfully continued to spread and prevail. |
| 6 | Acts 13:8–11 | But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked directly at Elymas and said, “O child of the devil and enemy of all righteousness, you are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery! Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord? Now look, the hand of the Lord is against you, and for a time you will be blind and unable to see the light of the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. |
Exodus 7:12 Summary
In Exodus 7:12, we see a powerful demonstration of God's authority and power as Aaron's staff swallows up the staffs of the Egyptian magicians. This miracle shows that God is the one true God, and that His power is superior to any other power or authority (as seen in Psalm 95:3 and Isaiah 40:25-26). This verse reminds us to trust in God's power and authority, rather than our own, and to faithfully obey His commands, even when the outcome is uncertain. By doing so, we can demonstrate God's power and authority in our own lives, just like Moses and Aaron did.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the staffs turning into serpents in Exodus 7:12?
The staffs turning into serpents represent a demonstration of power and authority, with Aaron's staff swallowing up the others, showing God's supremacy over the magicians' tricks, as seen in Exodus 4:2-5 and Numbers 17:8
Were the Egyptian magicians able to perform real miracles or just illusions?
The Bible does not explicitly state whether the Egyptian magicians performed real miracles or illusions, but it is clear that their power was limited and ultimately inferior to God's power, as seen in Exodus 7:12 and Isaiah 47:13-14
Why did Aaron's staff swallow up the other staffs?
Aaron's staff swallowed up the other staffs to demonstrate God's power and authority over the magicians' tricks, and to show that God is the one true God, as stated in Deuteronomy 4:35 and Isaiah 45:5-6
What can we learn from the fact that Pharaoh's heart was hardened despite this miracle?
The fact that Pharaoh's heart was hardened despite this miracle shows that God's sovereignty and man's free will are complex and intertwined, and that sometimes, even in the face of clear evidence, people may still choose to rebel against God, as seen in Romans 9:17-18 and Hebrews 3:8
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to rely on my own power and strength, rather than trusting in God's power and authority?
- How can I, like Aaron, trust in God's power and authority, even when faced with opposition and skepticism from others?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate God's power and authority in my own life, and what are some obstacles that may be hindering me from doing so?
- How can I, like Moses and Aaron, faithfully obey God's commands, even when the outcome is uncertain or difficult to understand?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 7:12
For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents,.... That is, they seemed to be so, as Josephus (z) expresses it, but not really, in which he is followed by many; though some think
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 7:12
For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 7:12
They became serpents; either, 1. In appearance. For the Scripture oft speaks of things otherwise than they are, because they seem to be so. And therefore as the devil appearing to Saul in the likeness of Samuel is called Samuel; so may these rods upon the same account be called serpents, because through diabolical illusion they seemed to be so. Or, 2. Really, in manner expressed, . Aaron’ s rod swallowed up their rods; by which it was evident, either that Aaron’ s rod was turned into a real serpent, because it had the real properties and effects of a serpent, viz. to devour; or, at least, that the God of Israel was infinitely more powerful than the Egyptian idols or devils.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 7:12
Exodus 7:12 For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’ s rod swallowed up their rods.Ver. 12. And they became serpents.] Not really such, but in appearance only. The devil’ s miracles are mere impostures, phantasms, delusions. And this was the first plague that God inflicted upon Pharaoh. Swallowed up their rods.] That is, their dragons. So hath Christ, who is life essential, swallowed up death in victory.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 7:12
Verse 12. Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.] As Egypt was remarkably addicted to magic, sorcery, c., it was necessary that God should permit Pharaoh's wise men to act to the utmost of their skill in order to imitate the work of God, that his superiority might be clearly seen, and his powerful working incontestably ascertained and this was fully done when Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. We have already seen that the names of two of the chief of these magicians were Jannes and Jambres; See Clarke on Exodus 2:10, and 2 Timothy 3:8. Many traditions and fables concerning these may be seen in the eastern writers.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 7:12
12. swallowed up their rods] and so gave proof of Aaron’s superiority to the magicians.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 7:12
12. They cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents — Crocodiles, as above.
Sermons on Exodus 7:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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No Stopping the Holy Spirit by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on the word of God to understand the future and not being uncertain about it. He believes that the power of the Ho |
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A Prophetic Message by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher warns of fearful times ahead and the calamities that will come upon the nation. However, he encourages the listeners not to fear but to run to God in t |
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Anaheim Talk by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that war in the Middle East is inevitable and that the stage is set for it. He believes that the word of God is more up to date than tomorro |
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A Target of Satan's Envy by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by encouraging the congregation to seek strength and guidance from God in their spiritual battles. He acknowledges that despite hearing numerous |
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The Way to Overcome by Smith Wigglesworth | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith in Jesus. He highlights that those who believe in Jesus are definite in their faith and can trust that wh |
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How You Can Walk in the Spirit by Bill Bright | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of saving his son from falling and relates it to how God saves us from spiritual falls. He emphasizes the importance of let |
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The Call of God - Fellowship by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the initial close bond that often forms when people come together in a church or fellowship. He emphasizes the importance of believing in th |