Exodus 9:15
Exodus 9:15 in Multiple Translations
For by this time I could have stretched out My hand and struck you and your people with a plague to wipe you off the earth.
For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth.
For now I had put forth my hand, and smitten thee and thy people with pestilence, and thou hadst been cut off from the earth:
For if I had put the full weight of my hand on you and your people, you would have been cut off from the earth:
By now I could have reached out to strike you and your people with a plague that would have completely destroyed you.
For nowe I will stretch out mine hande, that I may smite thee and thy people with the pestilence: and thou shalt perish from the earth.
for now I have put forth My hand, and I smite thee, and thy people, with pestilence, and thou art hidden from the earth.
For now I would have stretched out my hand, and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth;
For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth.
For now I will stretch out my hand to strike thee, and thy people with pestilence, and thou shalt perish from the earth.
By this time I could have used my power [MTY] to strike you and your people with terrible diseases that would have wiped you all from the earth.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 9:15
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 9:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
עַתָּה֙
שָׁלַ֣חְתִּי
אֶת
יָדִ֔/י
וָ/אַ֥ךְ
אוֹתְ/ךָ֛
וְ/אֶֽת
עַמְּ/ךָ֖
בַּ/דָּ֑בֶר
וַ/תִּכָּחֵ֖ד
מִן
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עַתָּה֙
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Adv
שָׁלַ֣חְתִּי
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יָדִ֔/י
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
וָ/אַ֥ךְ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs
אוֹתְ/ךָ֛
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וְ/אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
עַמְּ/ךָ֖
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
בַּ/דָּ֑בֶר
deber
H1698
pestilence
Prep | N-ms
וַ/תִּכָּחֵ֖ד
kâchad
H3582
to hide
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-2ms
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 9:15
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עַתָּה֙
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
שָׁלַ֣חְתִּי
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
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.
יָדִ֔/י
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.
וָ/אַ֥ךְ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
אוֹתְ/ךָ֛
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
וְ/אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
עַמְּ/ךָ֖
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
בַּ/דָּ֑בֶר
deber
H1698
"pestilence"
Prep | N-ms
A plague or pestilence, like a disease that affects people or animals, as seen in Exodus 9:3 where God sends a pestilence on the Egyptians.
Definition: 1) pestilence, plague 2) murrain, cattle disease, cattle-plague
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: murrain, pestilence, plague. See also: Exodus 5:3; Jeremiah 28:8; Psalms 78:50.
וַ/תִּכָּחֵ֖ד
kâchad
H3582
"to hide"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-2ms
Kachad means to hide or conceal, and can also mean to destroy or cut off. It is used to describe being hidden or effaced.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal, cut off, cut down, make desolate, kick 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be hidden 1a2) to be effaced, be destroyed, be cut off 1b) (Piel) to cover, hide 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to hide 1c2) to efface, annihilate
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: conceal, cut down (off), desolate, hide. See also: Genesis 47:18; Job 22:20; Psalms 40:11.
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.
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | 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.
Study Notes — Exodus 9:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 9:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 9:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 9:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 9:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 9:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 9:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 9:15
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 9:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 9:15
- Sermons on Exodus 9:15
Context — The Seventh Plague: Hail
13Then the LORD said to Moses, “Get up early in the morning, stand before Pharaoh, and tell him that this is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may worship Me.
14Otherwise, I will send all My plagues against you and your officials and your people, so you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth.
15For by this time I could have stretched out My hand and struck you and your people with a plague to wipe you off the earth.
16But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power to you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth. 17Still, you lord it over My people and do not allow them to go.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 3:20 | So I will stretch out My hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders I will perform among them. And after that, he will release you. |
| 2 | Exodus 9:3 | then the hand of the LORD will bring a severe plague on your livestock in the field—on your horses, donkeys, camels, herds, and flocks. |
| 3 | Exodus 9:16 | But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power to you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth. |
| 4 | Exodus 14:28 | The waters flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had chased the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived. |
| 5 | Proverbs 2:22 | but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be uprooted. |
| 6 | Exodus 11:4–6 | So Moses declared, “This is what the LORD says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt, and every firstborn son in the land of Egypt will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, to the firstborn of the servant girl behind the hand mill, as well as the firstborn of all the cattle. Then a great cry will go out over all the land of Egypt. Such an outcry has never been heard before and will never be heard again. |
| 7 | Exodus 12:29–30 | Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as all the firstborn among the livestock. During the night Pharaoh got up—he and all his officials and all the Egyptians—and there was loud wailing in Egypt; for there was no house without someone dead. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 13:34 | And this was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its extermination and destruction from the face of the earth. |
| 9 | Exodus 9:6 | And the next day the LORD did just that. All the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one animal belonging to the Israelites died. |
Exodus 9:15 Summary
In Exodus 9:15, God tells Pharaoh that He could have destroyed him and his people with a plague, but chose not to. This shows that God is patient and wants people to turn to Him, as seen in 2 Peter 3:9. God's power and authority are on full display in this verse, reminding us that He is the Creator of the universe and we are accountable to Him (Psalm 103:19). By understanding God's character and sovereignty, we can have a deeper appreciation for His mercy and love, and live our lives in a way that honors Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God could have wiped out Pharaoh and his people by this time?
This statement emphasizes God's power and patience, as seen in Exodus 9:15, reminding us that God's timing is perfect, and His ways are not our ways, as stated in Isaiah 55:8-9.
Why did God not destroy Pharaoh and his people immediately?
According to Exodus 9:15, God chose not to destroy them immediately, instead, He gave them opportunities to repent and obey Him, demonstrating His mercy and longsuffering, as seen in Romans 2:4.
What is the significance of God's statement in Exodus 9:15?
God's statement highlights His sovereignty and authority over all creation, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Exodus 9:14, where God says He will send all His plagues against Pharaoh if he refuses to let the Israelites go.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse showcases God's holiness, justice, and mercy, as He chooses to spare Pharaoh and his people, giving them a chance to turn to Him, as seen in Exodus 9:16, where God says He raised Pharaoh up to display His power and proclaim His name in all the earth.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am testing God's patience, and how can I surrender them to Him?
- How can I balance the fear of God's judgment with the knowledge of His mercy and love, as seen in Exodus 9:15 and other verses like Psalm 103:8-10?
- In what ways can I proclaim God's name and display His power in my own life, as God intended to do through Pharaoh, according to Exodus 9:16?
- What are some plagues or challenges in my life that God may be using to draw me closer to Him, and how can I respond to them in faith?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 9:15
For now will I stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence,.... Which yet we never find was done; for though this by many is referred to the slaying of the firstborn,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 9:15
For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth. For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 9:15
Pestilence; not properly so called, but largely, as the word is used , meaning with an utter and irrecoverable destruction. This relates partly to the killing of the first-born, which plague did more immediately and nearly concern both him and his people, and principally to their destruction in the Red Sea.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 9:15
Exodus 9:15 For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth.Ver. 15. For now I will stretch out.] His former preservation was but a reservation: and he hath hitherto escaped with his life; not for any love that God bare to him, but "to show his power on him." Wicked men may have common mercies and deliverances, but "the Lord Ioveth the righteous."
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 9:15
(15) For now I will stretch out my hand.—The words admit of this translation, but the context will not allow it. Translate—And now I might have stretched out mine hand, and smitten both thee and thy people with pestilence; and then thou hadst been cut off from the earth; but, &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 9:15
Verse 15. For now I will stretch out my hand] In the Hebrew the verbs are in the past tense, and not in the future, as our translation improperly expresses them, by which means a contradiction appears in the text: for neither Pharaoh nor his people were smitten by a pestilence, nor was he by any kind of mortality cut off from the earth. It is true the first-born were slain by a destroying angel, and Pharaoh himself was drowned in the Red Sea; but these judgments do not appear to be referred to in this place. If the words be translated, as they ought, in the subjunctive mood, or in the past instead of the future, this seeming contradiction to facts, as well as all ambiguity, will be avoided: For if now I HAD STRETCHED OUT (שלהתי shalachti, had set forth) my hand, and had smitten thee (ואך אותך vaach otheca) and thy people with the pestilence, thou SHOULDST HAVE BEEN cut off (תכחד ticcached) from the earth.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 9:15
15. For now, &c.] ‘had put forth’ is hypothetical: For else (i.e. except for the motive just stated) I should now have put forth, &c., would express the sense more clearly. hadst] i.e. wouldest have been.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 9:15
15. For now I will stretch out my hand — The verb (ùׁ ?ìçúé) is here to be rendered as conditional past, (Ewald, Lehrb., § 358, a.; Nordh., Gram., § 991, 3, a.,) thus, For now I would have stretched out my hand and smitten.
Sermons on Exodus 9:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Life of David Brainerd - Part. 2 by Jonathan Edwards | In this sermon transcript, the preacher reflects on their own feelings of unworthiness and insufficiency. They express a desire for a close and constant devotion to God and a fear |
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(Exodus) Exodus 3:14-22 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the procedure that Moses is instructed to follow in order to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. Moses is to gather the elders of Israel and in |
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Npg Radio 1980 #7 - Radio Interview by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, Norman Grubb discusses the concept of faith and how it operates in our daily lives. He explains that faith is the inner understanding and relationship we have with |
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The Third Pennsylvania Sermon by Count Zinzendorf | Count Zinzendorf preaches about the importance of being clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ to avoid the judgment of rejection. He emphasizes the danger of spiritual arrog |
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Exodus for All the Earth by John Piper | John Piper preaches on God's purpose in creating humanity in His image, to reflect His glory and fill the earth with His praise. Despite the entrance of sin through Adam, God initi |
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God Accomplishes Your Surrender by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes that absolute surrender to God does not rely on our own strength but is a work that God accomplishes within us. He reassures those who fear the trials of s |
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Judaism by Judah Etinger | Judah Etinger delves into the origin of Judaism as depicted in the Tanakh, focusing on the story of Abraham, the father of the Jews, who was declared righteous by God due to his fa |