Psalms 105:31
Psalms 105:31 in Multiple Translations
He spoke, and insects swarmed— gnats throughout their country.
He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts.
He spake, and there came swarms of flies, And lice in all their borders.
He gave the word, and there came the dog-fly, and insects over all the land.
He gave the command, and flies spread throughout their land; mosquitoes were everywhere.
He spake, and there came swarmes of flies and lice in all their quarters.
He hath said, and the beetle cometh, Lice into all their border.
He spoke, and swarms of flies came, and lice in all their borders.
He spoke, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their borders.
And it was reputed to him unto justice, to generation and generation for evermore.
Then Yahweh commanded that flies come, and swarms of them descended on the people of Egypt, and gnats also swarmed across the whole country.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 105:31
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.
Psalms 105:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָ֭מַר
וַ/יָּבֹ֣א
עָרֹ֑ב
כִּ֝נִּ֗ים
בְּ/כָל
גְּבוּלָֽ/ם
אָ֭מַר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וַ/יָּבֹ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עָרֹ֑ב
ʻârôb
H6157
swarm
N-ms
כִּ֝נִּ֗ים
kên
H3654
gnat
N-mp
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
גְּבוּלָֽ/ם
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 105:31
אָ֭מַר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
וַ/יָּבֹ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
עָרֹ֑ב
ʻârôb
H6157
"swarm"
N-ms
This word describes a swarm of insects, like a large group of mosquitoes or flies, often seen as a nuisance. It's used in the Bible to describe a plague of insects, like the one in Exodus. The word is also used to describe a large and overwhelming crowd.
Definition: 1) swarm 1a) probable meaning from 'mixture' and 'incessant or involved motion'
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: divers sorts of flies, swarm. See also: Exodus 8:17; Exodus 8:25; Psalms 78:45.
כִּ֝נִּ֗ים
kên
H3654
"gnat"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a small flying insect, like a gnat or a mosquito. It appears in the Bible as a plague, like in the book of Exodus. It is often translated as 'lice' in English Bibles.
Definition: gnat, gnats, gnat-swarm
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: lice, [idiom] manner. See also: Exodus 8:12; Exodus 8:14; Psalms 105:31.
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.
גְּבוּלָֽ/ם
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
Study Notes — Psalms 105:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 105:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 105:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 105:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 105:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 105:31
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 105:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 105:31
- Sermons on Psalms 105:31
Context — Tell of His Wonders
29He turned their waters to blood and caused their fish to die.
30Their land teemed with frogs, even in their royal chambers.
31He spoke, and insects swarmed— gnats throughout their country.
32He gave them hail for rain, with lightning throughout their land. 33He struck their vines and fig trees and shattered the trees of their country.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 8:16–18 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, that it may turn into swarms of gnats throughout the land of Egypt.’” This they did, and when Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff and struck the dust of the earth, gnats came upon man and beast. All the dust of the earth turned into gnats throughout the land of Egypt. The magicians tried to produce gnats using their magic arts, but they could not. And the gnats remained on man and beast. |
| 2 | Exodus 8:21–24 | But if you will not let My people go, I will send swarms of flies upon you and your officials and your people and your houses. The houses of the Egyptians and even the ground where they stand will be full of flies. But on that day I will give special treatment to the land of Goshen, where My people live; no swarms of flies will be found there. In this way you will know that I, the LORD, am in the land. I will make a distinction between My people and your people. This sign will take place tomorrow.’” And the LORD did so. Thick swarms of flies poured into Pharaoh’s palace and into the houses of his officials. Throughout Egypt the land was ruined by swarms of flies. |
| 3 | Isaiah 7:18 | On that day the LORD will whistle to the flies at the farthest streams of the Nile and to the bees in the land of Assyria. |
| 4 | Psalms 78:45 | He sent swarms of flies that devoured them, and frogs that devastated them. |
Psalms 105:31 Summary
This verse is saying that God spoke and suddenly there were lots of insects everywhere in the country of Egypt, which was a judgment upon the Egyptians for their disobedience. This shows us that God is all-powerful and can use even the smallest creatures to accomplish His purposes, as seen in Psalms 104:24-30. Just like God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness, as seen in Exodus 16:1-36, He can provide for us and take care of us in difficult circumstances. We can trust in God's sovereignty and provision, knowing that He is in control of all things, as stated in Jeremiah 32:17.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of insects is the Bible referring to in Psalms 105:31?
The Bible doesn't specifically identify the type of insects, but based on the context and other translations, it is believed to be gnats or mosquitoes, which were a plague upon the Egyptians, as seen in Exodus 8:16-32.
Why did God send the insects upon the Egyptians?
God sent the insects as a judgment upon the Egyptians for their refusal to let the Israelites go, as seen in Exodus 5:1-4, and to demonstrate His power and authority over all creation, as stated in Psalms 104:24-30.
Is this event also recorded in other parts of the Bible?
Yes, this event is also recorded in Exodus 8:16-32, where it is described as one of the ten plagues that God sent upon the Egyptians, and in Psalms 78:45, where it is mentioned as part of the list of God's judgments upon the Egyptians.
What can we learn from this verse about God's power and authority?
This verse teaches us that God is all-powerful and has authority over all creation, as seen in Jeremiah 32:17, and that He can use even the smallest creatures to accomplish His purposes, as stated in Proverbs 30:24-28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has demonstrated His power and authority in my life, and how can I be more mindful of His presence and activity?
- How can I trust God's sovereignty and provision, even in difficult circumstances, like the Israelites did in the wilderness?
- What are some 'insects' or challenges in my life that God may be using to teach me or refine me, and how can I respond to them with faith and obedience?
- How can I use this verse to share the gospel with others and tell them about God's power and love?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 105:31
He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies,.... Or a "mixture" (z) of various insects, and, as some interpret it, of wild beasts; and so Kimchi says evil beasts are meant, which were raised up to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 105:31
He turned their waters into blood, and slew their fish. -The three plagues omitted out of the ten are the murrain of the cattle and the boils, the fifth and the sixth, and the darkness, the ninth;
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 105:31
Or, borders, i.e. in all their land, even to the utmost ends or borders of it.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 105:31
Psalms 105:31 He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, [and] lice in all their coasts.Ver. 31. He stake, and there came divers sorts of flies] Heb. a mixture, sc. of wasps, hornets, dog flies (the most troublesome of all other κυνομυιαι), all sorts of insects. And lice in all their coasts] This the magicians could not do, Quid ciniphe vilius, &c.? saith Philo, What is baser than a louse? yet hereby God can tame the sturdiest of his rebels. Some kings and other nobles have died of the lousy disease; as Herod, Philip of Spain, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 105:31
31. He spake, and there came swarms of flies (R.V.): the fourth plague, Exodus 8:20 ff., cp. Psalms 78:45 : and lice (or sand-flies or fleas) in all their borders: the third plague, Exodus 8:16 ff., not mentioned in Psalms 78. their coasts] I.e. their borders.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 105:31
29-36. For an explanation of these verses see notes on Psalms 78:44-51
Sermons on Psalms 105:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Exodus) Exodus 8:16-19 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, Mr. Bidnail shares his experience in Egypt and connects it to the biblical account of the plague of lice. He describes how he witnessed the ground in Egypt crawling |
|
The Awesome Power of God by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the awesome power of God, illustrating how God performs mighty acts with just His finger, as seen in the plagues of Egypt and the creation of the universe. H |