Exodus 10:6

KJV

And they shall fill thy houses, and the houses of all thy servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians; which neither thy fathers, nor thy fathers' fathers have seen, since the day that they were upon the earth unto this day. And he turned himself, and went out from Pharaoh.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall fill {H4390} thy houses {H1004}, and the houses {H1004} of all thy servants {H5650}, and the houses {H1004} of all the Egyptians {H4714}; which neither thy fathers {H1}, nor thy fathers {H1}' fathers {H1} have seen {H7200}, since the day {H3117} that they were upon the earth {H127} unto this day {H3117}. And he turned {H6437} himself, and went out {H3318} from Pharaoh {H6547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will fill your houses and those of your servants and of all the Egyptians. It will be like nothing your fathers or their fathers have ever seen since the day they were born until today.'"Then he turned his back and left.

Berean Standard Bible

They will fill your houses and the houses of all your officials and every Egyptian—something neither your fathers nor your grandfathers have seen since the day they came into this land.’” Then Moses turned and left Pharaoh’s presence.

American Standard Version

and thy houses shall be filled, and the houses of all thy servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians; as neither thy fathers nor thy fathers’ fathers have seen, since the day that they were upon the earth unto this day. And he turned, and went out from Pharaoh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 10:6 records Moses' chilling declaration to Pharaoh regarding the eighth plague: an unprecedented, suffocating swarm of locusts destined to utterly devastate every Egyptian household and crop. This verse powerfully underscores the unparalleled nature of God's judgment and Moses' resolute departure, signaling the absolute inevitability of the catastrophe due to Pharaoh's persistent defiance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows God's explicit instruction to Moses to confront Pharaoh again, emphasizing the divine purpose of the plagues to display God's power and make His name known ([Exodus 10:1-2](/exodus/10-1-2 "God's Purpose in the Plagues")). Moses then delivers the direct warning of the locust plague's severity to Pharaoh and his court in [Exodus 10:3-5](/exodus/10-3-5 "Moses Warns Pharaoh of the Locusts"). Verse 6 intensifies this warning by specifying the locusts' pervasive reach into *all* houses and stressing the plague's historically unprecedented scale. Moses' abrupt and definitive departure at the verse's conclusion signals the end of any further negotiation, setting the stage for Pharaoh's servants to desperately urge concession ([Exodus 10:7](/exodus/10-7 "Pharaoh's Servants Urge Concession")) and Pharaoh's subsequent, albeit limited, offer ([Exodus 10:8-11](/exodus/10-8-11 "Pharaoh's Partial Concession")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** By this point in the narrative, Egypt had already endured seven progressively devastating plagues, each meticulously designed to target specific aspects of Egyptian life and, crucially, to challenge the authority and efficacy of their numerous deities. Pharaoh's heart remained stubbornly hardened despite immense national suffering and the increasing pleas from his own advisors. While locust infestations were a known natural phenomenon in the ancient Near East, capable of causing widespread famine by devouring crops, the plague described in [Exodus 10](/exodus/10 "The Plague of Locusts") was clearly not a typical occurrence. The emphatic statement "which neither thy fathers, nor thy fathers' fathers have seen" highlights its supernatural origin and unprecedented scale, directly challenging Egyptian gods associated with fertility, agriculture (such as Min and Renenutet), and even the sun god Ra, whose life-giving warmth was now paradoxically bringing forth destruction. The complete inundation of houses also spoke to a profound disruption of daily life and a loss of sanctuary, signifying YHWH's total, inescapable control over every facet of their existence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over creation and His ability to wield natural forces as instruments of His will, far surpassing any human or pagan deity's power. It also highlights **God's Righteous Judgment** against persistent rebellion and hardened hearts, illustrating that divine warnings are not idle threats but precursors to inevitable consequences for those who defy His commands. Furthermore, the unprecedented nature of the plague reinforces the theme of **God's Uniqueness and Self-Revelation**, proving that YHWH is unlike any other god, acting decisively in history to fulfill His covenant promises and display His glory to all nations, as declared in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's Purpose for Pharaoh"). The verse also subtly emphasizes the **Authority of Moses** as God's chosen messenger, whose words carry divine weight and whose departure signifies the finality of God's patience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fill (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ_):** From H4390, this primitive root means "to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)." Here, it conveys more than mere presence; it describes an overwhelming saturation, an inundation to capacity. The locusts would not just be *in* the houses but would *fill* them, creating an unbearable, suffocating, and inescapable presence that signifies the complete and miraculous nature of God's judgment, far beyond any typical infestation.
* **houses (Hebrew, _bayith_):** From H1004, this word refers to "a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)." The repetition of "houses" emphasizes the pervasive and inescapable nature of the coming plague. It signifies that the locusts would invade every private space, from Pharaoh's royal palace to the humblest Egyptian home, disrupting daily life and removing any sense of sanctuary, underscoring the universal impact of God's judgment across all levels of society.
* **went out (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ_):** From H3318, this primitive root means "to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively." Moses' action of "going out" (and "turning himself" from H6437, `pânâh`) is not a casual exit but a deliberate, resolute departure. It signifies the end of any further dialogue or negotiation, sealing the warning and indicating the certain, imminent arrival of the plague. This action underscores Moses' divine authority and the finality of God's word in the face of Pharaoh's persistent defiance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall fill thy houses, and the houses of all thy servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians":** This clause vividly portrays the pervasive and inescapable nature of the coming plague. The locusts would not be confined to the fields but would invade every private space, from Pharaoh's palace to the humblest Egyptian home. This detail emphasizes the complete disruption of life and the universal impact of God's judgment, leaving no one untouched and demonstrating God's total control over every aspect of their existence.
* **"which neither thy fathers, nor thy fathers' fathers have seen, since the day that they were upon the earth unto this day":** This crucial phrase highlights the extraordinary, unprecedented scale of the locust plague. It distinguishes this divine judgment from any previous natural occurrences or historical memory, asserting its unique historical significance and demonstrating God's unparalleled power to orchestrate such a disaster. It serves as a direct challenge to Pharaoh's authority and the collective memory of Egypt, emphasizing the unique and divine origin of this particular disaster.
* **"And he turned himself, and went out from Pharaoh":** This final clause signifies Moses' decisive departure. It marks the end of the warning and the beginning of the inevitable. Moses leaves no room for further debate or negotiation, his exit confirming the certainty of the judgment to follow. This action underscores the divine authority behind Moses' words and the finality of God's patience with Pharaoh's hardened heart, indicating that the time for repentance has passed and judgment is at hand.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 10:6 employs several powerful literary devices to heighten its impact. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "fill thy houses," which, while perhaps literally possible given the scale of locust swarms, strongly conveys an overwhelming sense of saturation, terror, and inescapable invasion, far beyond a typical infestation. The **Repetition** of "thy houses, and the houses of all thy servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians" serves to emphasize the universal and inescapable nature of the judgment, affecting every level of Egyptian society from the highest to the lowest. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Contrast** by stressing the unprecedented nature of this plague—"which neither thy fathers, nor thy fathers' fathers have seen"—setting it apart from any prior historical or natural events and thereby highlighting the unique, divine origin and unparalleled power behind this particular disaster.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 10:6 powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His righteous judgment against persistent defiance. It reveals that God's warnings are not idle threats but expressions of His divine will, leading to inevitable consequences for those who harden their hearts. The plague of locusts, like the others, served to expose the impotence of Egypt's gods and establish YHWH as the one true God, capable of delivering His people from bondage. This event is a critical part of the broader biblical narrative of God's self-revelation, where He acts decisively in history to fulfill His covenant promises and demonstrate His glory to all nations, ensuring that His name is declared throughout the earth.

* This plague serves as a direct fulfillment of God's stated purpose for Pharaoh: "And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth" [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's Purpose in Raising Up Pharaoh").
* The devastating impact of the locusts on Egypt's agricultural foundation is recounted in the Psalms, emphasizing God's control over nature as an instrument of His will: "He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillars, and that without number, And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground" [Psalm 105:34-35](/psalm/105-34-35 "God Sends Locusts and Caterpillars").
* Paul later reflects on Pharaoh's hardened heart as an example of God's sovereign plan to demonstrate His power and wrath, linking it to His mercy: "For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth" [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17-18 "God's Purpose in Hardening Pharaoh's Heart").

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 10:6 serves as a timeless reminder of the serious consequences of persistent disobedience to God's will. Pharaoh's stubbornness, despite repeated warnings and escalating judgments, led to unprecedented devastation that touched every household. For us today, this verse challenges us to examine areas in our lives where we might be resisting God's leading or hardening our hearts against His truth. It encourages humility and prompt obedience, reminding us that God's sovereignty extends over all creation, and He can use even the smallest things to accomplish His purposes, whether in judgment or in salvation. Ultimately, it reinforces faith in a God who is powerful enough to deliver His people and just enough to judge sin, urging us to seek His mercy, respond to His warnings, and align our lives with His righteous commands, trusting that His ways are always perfect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I tempted to harden my heart against God's warnings or promptings, perhaps delaying obedience or rationalizing disobedience?**
* **How does the unprecedented nature of this plague encourage me to trust in God's unique and boundless power to act in my life, even in seemingly impossible or overwhelming situations?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to cultivate a more responsive and obedient heart towards God's will, ensuring I do not invite unnecessary judgment into my life?**

### FAQ
**Why did God use such a destructive plague like locusts, invading even homes?**

Answer: God used the plague of locusts, like the other plagues, for several interconnected reasons. First, it was a direct judgment against Pharaoh's persistent refusal to release Israel, demonstrating the severe consequences of defying the divine will. Second, it was a powerful display of YHWH's absolute sovereignty over nature and His undeniable superiority over the Egyptian gods, many of whom were associated with agriculture, fertility, and even protection of homes. The unprecedented scale of the plague, particularly its invasion of every household, ensured that no one could mistake it for a mere natural disaster; it was clearly a targeted act of divine power. Finally, it served to "show forth [God's] power" and ensure His "name may be declared throughout all the earth" ([Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's Purpose in Raising Up Pharaoh")), preparing the way for Israel's miraculous deliverance and establishing God's fearsome reputation among nations.

**Does God still send "plagues" or natural disasters as judgment today?**

Answer: While the Bible records specific instances of God sending plagues as direct judgment in the past (as seen in [Exodus 10](/exodus/10 "The Plague of Locusts")), interpreting modern natural disasters solely as divine judgment for specific sins is complex and often misapplied. The New Testament emphasizes that all creation groans under the curse of sin ([Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Creation Groans Under the Curse")), and natural disasters are a consequence of living in a fallen world. However, the Bible also teaches that God remains sovereign over all things, including natural events, and can use them for His purposes—whether to call people to repentance, test faith, or demonstrate His power. We should approach such events with humility, seeking God's mercy and understanding His broader redemptive plan, rather than presuming to know specific reasons for every disaster.

**Was Pharaoh truly responsible for his actions if God hardened his heart?**

Answer: This is a profound theological question that the Exodus narrative addresses with a dual perspective: Pharaoh repeatedly hardened his own heart ([Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart After the Frogs")), and God also hardened Pharaoh's heart ([Exodus 9:12](/exodus/9-12 "God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart")). This duality does not negate Pharaoh's responsibility. Rather, God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart can be understood as God confirming Pharaoh in his existing rebellion, allowing his stubbornness to run its full course so that God's power and glory could be fully displayed. Pharaoh freely chose to resist God's initial commands and warnings, and God, in His sovereignty, used Pharaoh's obstinacy to accomplish His greater redemptive purposes for Israel and to reveal His unparalleled might to the world, demonstrating His justice and power to all.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 10:6, with its depiction of an unprecedented, pervasive plague and the ultimate deliverance of God's people from bondage, finds profound fulfillment and amplification in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the locust plague demonstrated God's absolute sovereignty over creation, Jesus, in His earthly ministry, displayed this same divine authority by calming storms with a word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Jesus Calms the Storm")), multiplying meager food to feed multitudes ([Matthew 14:19-21](/matthew/14-19-21 "Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand")), and casting out demons with supreme authority ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Jesus Commands Unclean Spirits")). His power over nature echoes the very power of God displayed in the plagues, confirming His divine identity as the Creator and Sustainer. Furthermore, the plagues served as a judgment against the spiritual and physical bondage of Egypt, leading to the physical liberation of Israel from slavery. This foreshadows the ultimate and far greater deliverance accomplished by Jesus. Humanity is in bondage to sin and death, a far more pervasive and destructive "plague" than any physical one, invading every human "house" and leaving no one untouched. Jesus, through His sinless life, sacrificial death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, broke the power of sin and death, offering true freedom and spiritual liberation to all who believe in Him ([Romans 6:22](/romans/6-22 "Freed from Sin, Enslaved to God")). The "unprecedented" nature of the locust plague points to the truly unprecedented and unique work of Christ, whose sacrifice and resurrection offer a salvation "neither thy fathers, nor thy fathers' fathers have seen"—a new covenant and an eternal deliverance that surpasses all previous acts of God's redemption. He is the ultimate Deliverer, bringing an end to the spiritual plagues that afflict humanity and ushering in His eternal kingdom, where death and sorrow will be no more ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "No More Death or Sorrow")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 8:3

And the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up and come into thine house, and into thy bedchamber, and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thine ovens, and into thy kneadingtroughs:

Exodus 8:21

Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms [of flies] upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms [of flies], and also the ground whereon they [are].

Hebrews 11:27

By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

Exodus 9:24

So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.

Joel 2:2

A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, [even] to the years of many generations.

Exodus 10:14

And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous [were they]; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such.

Exodus 10:15

For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt.