Exodus 7:18
Exodus 7:18 in Multiple Translations
The fish in the Nile will die, the river will stink, and the Egyptians will be unable to drink its water.’”
And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river.
And the fish that are in the river shall die, and the river shall become foul; and the Egyptians shall loathe to drink water from the river.
And the fish in the Nile will come to destruction, and the river will send up a bad smell, and the Egyptians will not be able, for disgust, to make use of the water of the Nile for drinking.
The fish in the Nile will die, the river will smell, and the Egyptians won't be able to drink any of its water.”
And the fish that is in the riuer shall dye, and the riuer shall stinke, and it shall grieue the Egyptians to drinke of the water of the riuer.
and the fish that [are] in the River die, and the River hath stank, and the Egyptians have been wearied of drinking waters from the River.'
The fish that are in the river will die and the river will become foul. The Egyptians will loathe to drink water from the river.”’”
And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall be offensive in smell; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river.
And the fishes that are in the river shall die, and the waters shall be corrupted, and the Egyptians shall be afflicted when they drink the water of the river.
Then the fish in the Nile River will die, and the water in the river will stink, and the Egyptians will not be able to drink water from the Nile River.”’”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 7:18
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 7:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַ/דָּגָ֧ה
אֲשֶׁר
בַּ/יְאֹ֛ר
תָּמ֖וּת
וּ/בָאַ֣שׁ
הַ/יְאֹ֑ר
וְ/נִלְא֣וּ
מִצְרַ֔יִם
לִ/שְׁתּ֥וֹת
מַ֖יִם
מִן
הַ/יְאֹֽר
וְ/הַ/דָּגָ֧ה
dâgâh
H1710
fish
Conj | Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בַּ/יְאֹ֛ר
yᵉʼôr
H2975
stream
Prep | N-proper
תָּמ֖וּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
וּ/בָאַ֣שׁ
bâʼash
H887
to stink
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
הַ/יְאֹ֑ר
yᵉʼôr
H2975
stream
Art | N-proper
וְ/נִלְא֣וּ
lâʼâh
H3811
be weary
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
מִצְרַ֔יִם
Mitsrîy
H4713
Egyptian
N-proper
לִ/שְׁתּ֥וֹת
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מַ֖יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הַ/יְאֹֽר
yᵉʼôr
H2975
stream
Art | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 7:18
וְ/הַ/דָּגָ֧ה
dâgâh
H1710
"fish"
Conj | Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word also means fish, similar to H1709, and is used to describe fish in the Bible, often in stories about fishing and the sea.
Definition: fish
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: fish. See also: Genesis 1:26; Psalms 105:29; Isaiah 50:2.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בַּ/יְאֹ֛ר
yᵉʼôr
H2975
"stream"
Prep | N-proper
A stream or river, like the Nile, is what this word refers to. It can also mean a canal, watercourse, or even a mining shaft, emphasizing the flow of water.
Definition: 1) river, stream, canal, Nile, Nile-canal 1a) stream, river (Nile) 1b) Nile-arms, Nile-canals 1c) watercourses 1d) shafts (mining) 1e) river (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream. See also: Genesis 41:1; Psalms 78:44; Isaiah 7:18.
תָּמ֖וּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וּ/בָאַ֣שׁ
bâʼash
H887
"to stink"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This Hebrew word means to smell bad or stink, and can also mean to be morally offensive. It is used to describe something or someone that is disgusting or wicked.
Definition: 1) to have a bad smell, stink, smell bad 1a) (Qal) to stink, smell bad 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to become odious 1b2) to make oneself odious 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stink, emit a stinking odour 1c2) to cause to stink 1c3) of wickedness (fig.) 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself odious 2) (TWOT) to abhor
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: (make to) be abhorred (had in abomination, loathsome, odious), (cause a, make to) stink(-ing savour), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Samuel 27:12; Psalms 38:6.
הַ/יְאֹ֑ר
yᵉʼôr
H2975
"stream"
Art | N-proper
A stream or river, like the Nile, is what this word refers to. It can also mean a canal, watercourse, or even a mining shaft, emphasizing the flow of water.
Definition: 1) river, stream, canal, Nile, Nile-canal 1a) stream, river (Nile) 1b) Nile-arms, Nile-canals 1c) watercourses 1d) shafts (mining) 1e) river (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream. See also: Genesis 41:1; Psalms 78:44; Isaiah 7:18.
וְ/נִלְא֣וּ
lâʼâh
H3811
"be weary"
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
Means to be or make weary, disgusted, or tired, like in Psalm 6:8 where David is weary of crying. It can also mean to be impatient or grieved.
Definition: 1) to be weary, be impatient, be grieved, be offended 1a) (Qal) to be weary, be impatient 1b) (Niphal) to be tired of something, weary oneself 1c) (Hiphil) to weary, make weary, exhaust
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: faint, grieve, lothe, (be, make) weary (selves). See also: Genesis 19:11; Isaiah 16:12; Psalms 68:10.
מִצְרַ֔יִם
Mitsrîy
H4713
"Egyptian"
N-proper
In the Bible, this word refers to an Egyptian, someone from the country of Egypt. It appears in the Old Testament, describing people from this northeastern African nation. Egyptians are mentioned in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: Group of mits.ra.yim (מִצְרַ֫יִם "Egypt" H4714G) § Egyptian, of Egypt "double straits" Egyptian-an inhabitant or citizen of Egypt an Egyptian
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: Egyptian, of Egypt. See also: Genesis 12:12; Exodus 8:17; Ezra 9:1.
לִ/שְׁתּ֥וֹת
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
מַ֖יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ/יְאֹֽר
yᵉʼôr
H2975
"stream"
Art | N-proper
A stream or river, like the Nile, is what this word refers to. It can also mean a canal, watercourse, or even a mining shaft, emphasizing the flow of water.
Definition: 1) river, stream, canal, Nile, Nile-canal 1a) stream, river (Nile) 1b) Nile-arms, Nile-canals 1c) watercourses 1d) shafts (mining) 1e) river (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream. See also: Genesis 41:1; Psalms 78:44; Isaiah 7:18.
Study Notes — Exodus 7:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 7:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 7:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 7:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 7:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 7:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 7:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 7:18
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 7:18
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 7:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 7:18
- Sermons on Exodus 7:18
Context — The First Plague: Blood
16Then say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to tell you: Let My people go, so that they may worship Me in the wilderness. But until now you have not listened.
17This is what the LORD says: By this you will know that I am the LORD. Behold, with the staff in my hand I will strike the water of the Nile, and it will turn to blood.
18The fish in the Nile will die, the river will stink, and the Egyptians will be unable to drink its water.’”
19And the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt—over their rivers and canals and ponds and all the reservoirs—that they may become blood.’ There will be blood throughout the land of Egypt, even in the vessels of wood and stone.” 20Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded; in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials, Aaron raised the staff and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was turned to blood.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 7:24 | So all the Egyptians dug around the Nile for water to drink, because they could not drink the water from the river. |
| 2 | Exodus 7:21 | The fish in the Nile died, and the river smelled so bad that the Egyptians could not drink its water. And there was blood throughout the land of Egypt. |
| 3 | Numbers 11:20 | but for a whole month—until it comes out of your nostrils and makes you nauseous—because you have rejected the LORD, who is among you, and have cried out before Him, saying, ‘Why did we ever leave Egypt?’” |
| 4 | Numbers 21:5 | and spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you led us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread or water, and we detest this wretched food!” |
Exodus 7:18 Summary
[Exodus 7:18 tells us that God will cause the fish in the Nile River to die, the river to stink, and the Egyptians to be unable to drink its water. This is a powerful demonstration of God's authority and a warning to Pharaoh to let God's people go, as seen in Exodus 7:16. Just as the Nile River was essential for the Egyptians' physical survival, we need spiritual nourishment to survive, which can only be found in God, as stated in John 4:14. By turning to God, we can experience spiritual refreshment and redemption, just as the Israelites were redeemed from slavery in Egypt.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the fish dying in the Nile in Exodus 7:18?
The death of the fish in the Nile signifies the severity of God's judgment on Egypt, as seen in Exodus 7:18, and serves as a warning to Pharaoh to let God's people go, as commanded in Exodus 7:16.
Why did God choose to turn the Nile River to blood in Exodus 7:17-18?
God chose to turn the Nile River to blood to demonstrate His power and authority over creation, as stated in Psalm 104:29, and to show Pharaoh that He is the LORD, as declared in Exodus 7:17.
How does the inability of the Egyptians to drink the Nile's water relate to their spiritual condition?
The inability of the Egyptians to drink the Nile's water, as stated in Exodus 7:18, can be seen as a physical representation of their spiritual thirst and separation from God, as described in Isaiah 55:1, emphasizing their need for spiritual redemption.
What is the connection between the Nile River and the Egyptian's daily life?
The Nile River was the lifeblood of ancient Egypt, providing water for drinking, irrigation, and other essential needs, as seen in Exodus 7:18-19, and its pollution would have significant consequences for the Egyptian people, much like the spiritual pollution of sin separates us from God, as stated in Romans 3:23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God's judgment can impact our daily lives, just as the polluted Nile River affected the Egyptians?
- How can we, like the Egyptians, become so accustomed to our sinful ways that we fail to recognize our need for spiritual redemption, and what can we do to stay aware of our spiritual condition?
- In what ways can we apply the lesson of the Nile River to our own lives, recognizing the importance of spiritual purity and our need for God's redemption, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:1?
- What are some modern-day 'Nile Rivers' that we may be relying on for sustenance, but are actually polluting our spirits, and how can we turn to God for refreshment, as promised in Matthew 11:28?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 7:18
And the fish that is in the river shall die,.... Their element being changed, and they not able to live in any other but water: and the river shall stink; with the blood, into which it should be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 7:18
And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 7:18
Therefore the Israelites were free from this plague, and those branches of Nilus which they used were uncorrupted, when all others were turned into blood. Shall lothe, or, shall weary themselves, in running hither and thither in hopes of finding water in some parts or branches of the river.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 7:18
Exodus 7:18 And the fish that [is] in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river.Ver. 18. Shall loathe to drink of the river.] Nile. God will confute them in their confidences. The Egyptians used to brag of their river, and in mockery to tell the Grecians that if God should forget to rain, they might chance to perish for it. The rain, they thought, was of God, but not the river. He therefore threateneth to dry it up, and here to bereave them of all comfortable use of it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 7:18
(18) The fish that is in the river shall die.—The natural discoloration of the Nile, whether by red earth or by Cryptogams and Infusoriæ, has no pernicious effect at all upon the fish, nor is the water rendered by these discolorations at all unfit for use. The Nile naturally abounds with fish of various kinds; and though to Europeans they have, most of them, an insipid taste, yet, both in ancient and in modern times, the subsistence of the natives has been largely drawn from this source. It was a severe punishment to the Egyptians to be deprived of their fish supply. It was also implied contempt in regard of their religious worship, since at least three species of the Nile fish were sacred—the oxyrhineus, the lepidotus, and the phagrus, or eel. (Herod. ii. 72; Plut. De Ibid. et Osir. vii. 18, 22.) The river shall stink.—The Nile is said to have sometimes an offensive odour naturally; but the phenomenon is not marked, and can scarcely be that which is here alluded to, when the blood-like waters, laden with the bodies of putrid fish, caused a disgust and horror that were unspeakable.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 7:18
Verse 18. The Egyptians shall loathe to drink of the water] The force of this expression cannot be well felt without taking into consideration the peculiar pleasantness and great salubrity of the waters of the Nile. "The water of Egypt," says the Abbe Mascrier, "is so delicious, that one would not wish the heat to be less, or to be delivered from the sensation of thirst. The Turks find it so exquisite that they excite themselves to drink of it by eating salt. It is a common saying among them, that if Mohammed had drank of it he would have besought God that he might never die, in order to have had this continual gratification. When the Egyptians undertake the pilgrimage of Mecca, or go out of their country on any other account, they speak of nothing but the pleasure they shall have at their return in drinking of the waters of the Nile. There is no gratification to be compared to this; it surpasses, in their esteem, that of seeing their relations and families. All those who have tasted of this water allow that they never met with the like in any other place. When a person drinks of it for the first time he can scarcely be persuaded that it is not a water prepared by art; for it has something in it inexpressibly agreeable and pleasing to the taste; and it should have the same rank among waters that champaign has among wines. But its most valuable quality is, that it is exceedingly salutary.
It never incommodes, let it be drank in what quantity it may: this is so true that it is no uncommon thing to see some persons drink three buckets of it in a day without the least inconvenience! When I pass such encomiums on the water of Egypt it is right to observe that I speak only of that of the Nile, which indeed is the only water drinkable, for their well water is detestable and unwholesome. Fountains are so rare that they are a kind of prodigy in that country; and as to rain water, that is out of the question, as scarcely any falls in Egypt." "A person," says Mr. Harmer, "who never before heard of the deliciousness of the Nile water, and of the large quantities which on that account are drank of it, will, I am sure, find an energy in those words of Moses to Pharaoh, The Egyptians shall loathe to drink of the water of the river, which he never observed before. They will loathe to drink of that water which they used to prefer to all the waters of the universe; loathe to drink of that for which they had been accustomed to long, and will rather choose to drink of well water, which in their country is detestable!" - Observations, vol. iii., p. 564.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 7:18
18. Fish was one of the principal articles of food in ancient Egypt (Erman, p. 239), so that the death of the fish in the Nile would be serious calamity. loathe] weary themselves (Genesis 19:11 al.) in the vain effort to obtain drinkable water.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 7:18
Shall lothe - The water of the Nile has always been regarded by the Egyptians as a blessing unique to their land.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 7:18
FIRST PLAGUE — BLOOD, Exodus 7:14-25. 15. Lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river’s brink — Some think that this was the time of the commencement of the annual rise of the
Sermons on Exodus 7:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Christ—the Way God Makes Man Righteous) 8. Saving Faith by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing in and resting in the word of God. He highlights that God's current message to the world is one of mercy, but wa |
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Numbers 21:5 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the sin of complaining among the Israelites, emphasizing that while they had valid reasons to complain about their monotonous diet of manna, they also had muc |
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The Serpent, the Curse: Jesus Lifted Up by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the connection between the serpent lifted by Moses in the wilderness and Jesus being lifted up on the cross, illustrating how Christ bore the curse and |
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The New Birth as Set Forth in John 3:2-21 by R.A. Torrey | R.A. Torrey emphasizes the critical doctrine of the New Birth as outlined in John 3:2-21, asserting its universal necessity for all individuals, regardless of their moral or religi |