Exodus 12:29

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that [was] in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, that at midnight {H2677}{H3915} the LORD {H3068} smote {H5221} all the firstborn {H1060} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, from the firstborn {H1060} of Pharaoh {H6547} that sat {H3427} on his throne {H3678} unto the firstborn {H1060} of the captive {H7628} that was in the dungeon {H1004}{H953}; and all the firstborn {H1060} of cattle {H929}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At midnight ADONAI killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh sitting on his throne to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of livestock.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass at midnight, that Jehovah smote all the first-born in the land of Egypt, from the first-born of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the first-born of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the first-born of cattle.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 12:29 records the climactic and devastating tenth plague upon Egypt, where at midnight, the LORD supernaturally struck down every firstborn—from Pharaoh's heir to the lowliest prisoner and all livestock—a decisive act of judgment that finally compelled Pharaoh to release Israel from centuries of slavery, marking the pivotal moment of their deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 12:29 serves as the devastating climax of the ten plagues, immediately following the detailed instructions for the [Passover ritual](/exodus/12-1-28 "Exodus 12:1-28 - The Institution of the Passover") (Exodus 12:1-28). The institution of Passover, with its command for the Israelites to apply the blood of a lamb to their doorposts, provided a means of divine protection from the very judgment described in this verse. This plague was the terrifying fulfillment of Moses's earlier prophecy to Pharaoh found in [Exodus 11:4-5](/exodus/11-4-5 "Exodus 11:4-5 - Moses' Prophecy of the Tenth Plague"). Immediately after this catastrophic event, Pharaoh finally relents, urging the Israelites to leave Egypt, which directly leads into the narrative of the [Exodus itself](/exodus/12-31-42 "Exodus 12:31-42 - Israel's Departure from Egypt"). The suddenness and totality of this judgment underscore the LORD's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, the firstborn son held immense significance, representing the family's strength, honor, and future inheritance, often inheriting a double portion and the family leadership. The death of the firstborn was considered the ultimate calamity, a blow to the very core of a household's identity, legacy, and economic stability. For Egypt, a nation that deified Pharaoh and many animals, the strike against both human and animal firstborns was a direct assault on their religious and social fabric. Pharaoh himself was considered a divine son of Ra, and the death of his heir was a direct challenge to his perceived divinity and the stability of his dynasty. This judgment also served as a stark contrast to God's claim on Israel as His "firstborn son" ([Exodus 4:22](/exodus/4-22 "Exodus 4:22 - Israel as God's Firstborn Son")), highlighting Pharaoh's persistent defiance in holding God's chosen people captive.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **God's absolute sovereignty** over all creation, including life and death, and over all earthly powers, specifically demonstrating His supremacy over the gods of Egypt. It underscores the theme of **divine judgment against sin and oppression**, revealing God as a righteous judge who responds decisively to injustice and hardened hearts. Furthermore, it introduces the crucial theme of **redemption through substitution**, as the Passover lamb's blood provided a means of deliverance from this very judgment for the Israelites, foreshadowing a greater redemptive act. The narrative also emphasizes the **distinction between God's people and the nations**, as the plague passed over the homes marked by the blood, illustrating God's covenant faithfulness and His ability to protect His own, as seen in [Exodus 8:22-23](/exodus/8-22-23 "Exodus 8:22-23 - Distinction Between Israel and Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** This Hebrew verb (H5221) is a primitive root meaning "to strike" or "to smite," often implying a violent, destructive, or fatal blow. Its use here emphasizes that God's action was not accidental or indirect but a deliberate, targeted, and irresistible act of judgment. It underscores divine agency and power, signifying a decisive and overwhelming intervention that resulted in death and destruction, directly from the hand of the LORD.
* **Firstborn (Hebrew, _bᵉkôwr'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be first," this noun (H1060) refers to the initial, often most precious, fruit or offspring, particularly the eldest son. As noted in the context, the "firstborn" was culturally paramount in ancient societies, representing the family's strength, honor, and future. The judgment targeting the firstborn, both human and animal, was therefore the most devastating possible blow to Egyptian society, striking at their very hope and future, and directly challenging their idolatrous practices and the continuity of their lineage and economy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, that at midnight":** This detail emphasizes the suddenness, precision, and unexpected timing of the divine judgment. Occurring at the darkest hour, both literally and figuratively for Egypt, it highlights God's meticulous execution of His word and His ability to act decisively and without warning, demonstrating His complete control over time and circumstances.
* **"the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt":** This clause unequivocally declares Yahweh (the LORD, H3068) as the sole, active agent of this catastrophic event. The judgment was comprehensive, affecting "all" the firstborn, demonstrating His absolute power and sovereignty over life and death. This statement directly refutes any notion that the plague was a natural disaster, firmly attributing it to divine intervention.
* **"from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that [was] in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle":** This sweeping description highlights the universality and impartiality of the judgment within Egypt. It affected every social stratum—from the highest (Pharaoh's heir, destined for the throne) to the lowest (the child of a prisoner in the dungeon, H1004, H953)—and extended even to their livestock (H929), which were integral to their economy and religious practices. This emphasizes that no one in Egypt was exempt from this plague, save those protected by the Passover blood, showcasing the comprehensive reach of God's wrath.

#### Literary Devices
The phrase "from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that [was] in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle" is a powerful example of **merism**. This literary device uses two contrasting parts (the highest and lowest social strata, plus animals) to represent the entirety of a whole. Here, it vividly illustrates the comprehensive, inescapable, and universal nature of God's judgment, affecting every level of Egyptian society and even their animal kingdom, leaving no one untouched by the divine decree. The precise timing "at midnight" also functions as **dramatic irony**, as it was the darkest hour for Egypt, yet the dawn of freedom for Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 12:29 is foundational for understanding several core theological truths, revealing the character of God and the nature of His interaction with humanity. This climactic plague underscores God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating His unparalleled power over life and death, and His ability to execute precise and devastating judgment against those who defy Him and oppress His people. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent to injustice but actively intervenes to rectify it, bringing His justice to bear upon a hardened nation. Furthermore, this event profoundly illustrates the necessity of redemption through substitution, as the terrifying reality of this judgment highlights humanity's desperate need for a divine provision to avert wrath, a provision foreshadowed by the Passover lamb.

* [Exodus 4:22-23](/exodus/4-22-23 "Exodus 4:22-23 - Israel as God's Firstborn Son") - God's initial declaration to Pharaoh that Israel is His firstborn, setting the stage for the reciprocal judgment against Egypt's firstborn.
* [Hebrews 11:28](/hebrews/11-28 "Hebrews 11:28 - By Faith Moses Kept the Passover") - Affirms the faith of Moses in instituting the Passover, which protected Israel from the destroyer, highlighting the spiritual significance of the blood.
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness") - Speaks of God's wrath being revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, a theological principle powerfully demonstrated and exemplified in the tenth plague.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 12:29 is not merely an ancient historical account; it carries profound implications for us today, revealing timeless truths about God's character and humanity's condition. This verse serves as a stark reminder that God is both infinitely merciful and perfectly just. While we live in an age characterized by God's abundant grace, we must never forget His holiness, His unwavering commitment to justice, and His ultimate intolerance for persistent rebellion and oppression. Pharaoh's hardened heart led to catastrophic consequences for his entire nation, illustrating that our choices have profound spiritual ramifications and that persistent defiance against God's revealed will invites severe repercussions. Ultimately, this terrifying judgment underscores the universal human need for redemption, pointing us to the urgency of finding salvation from the ultimate judgment of sin. Just as the Israelites found physical deliverance through the blood of the Passover lamb, humanity today finds spiritual deliverance from eternal death through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. There is no other way to escape spiritual death than through His divine provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the severity of God's judgment in this verse shape your understanding of His holiness and justice, particularly in contrast to His mercy?**
* **In what ways might we, like Pharaoh, harden our hearts against God's will in our own lives, and what potential consequences might such spiritual resistance invite?**
* **How does the clear distinction made between Israel and Egypt in this plague parallel the distinction God makes between those who are "in Christ" and those who are not?**

### FAQ

**Why was the judgment so severe, especially on the firstborn?**

Answer: The severity of the judgment, particularly on the firstborn, served multiple crucial purposes. Culturally, the firstborn represented the strength, future, and continuity of a family and nation; striking them was the most devastating blow imaginable, crippling the very foundation of Egyptian society. Theologically, it was a direct, reciprocal response to Pharaoh's persistent refusal to let God's "firstborn" (Israel, as declared in [Exodus 4:22](/exodus/4-22 "Exodus 4:22 - Israel as God's Firstborn Son")) go. It was also a definitive demonstration of the LORD's absolute supremacy over all Egyptian deities, many of whom were associated with life, fertility, and specific animals. The judgment was proportional to Pharaoh's persistent defiance and the systemic oppression of God's people, revealing the profound seriousness of sin and rebellion against the Almighty.

**Does this mean God is unfair or cruel for punishing innocent children?**

Answer: This is a challenging question that requires careful theological consideration within a biblical framework. The Bible consistently presents God as just and righteous. While the text emphasizes the universality of the judgment within Egypt, it's crucial to understand it within the context of corporate responsibility and divine judgment against a nation steeped in idolatry and active, prolonged oppression of God's chosen people. The death of the firstborn was a direct consequence of Pharaoh's choices, the nation's complicity in idolatry, and their enslavement of Israel. From a biblical perspective, all humanity is fallen and under the judgment of sin ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). This plague highlights the profound seriousness of sin and rebellion against God, and the ultimate need for divine redemption. It also serves to underscore the unique grace shown to Israel through the Passover, where a substitute was provided to avert the judgment.

**Why did it affect animals too?**

Answer: The inclusion of animals in the judgment ("all the firstborn of cattle") further emphasized the totality of God's power over all creation and served as another direct assault on Egyptian idolatry. Many Egyptian gods were represented by or associated with animals (e.g., Apis the bull, various animal-headed deities). By striking their sacred animals, God demonstrated His absolute sovereignty over these false gods and the entire Egyptian cosmos, leaving no doubt about His unique power and the emptiness of their worship. It also crippled Egypt's economic and agricultural base, further compelling Pharaoh to release Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 12:29, the climactic moment of the Passover and the final plague, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the firstborn of Egypt perished under divine judgment, God's true "firstborn" Son, Jesus Christ, who is described as the [firstborn over all creation](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ the Firstborn of All Creation") and the [firstborn from the dead](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ the Firstborn from the Dead"), willingly faced and absorbed the judgment of God for humanity's sin. He is the unique Son of God who, unlike Pharaoh's son, did not die as a consequence of His own or His nation's sin, but as the perfect, innocent substitute for the sins of the world. The Passover lamb, whose blood protected Israel from the destroyer, is a profound type of Christ. Jesus is identified by John the Baptist as "[the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")". Just as the blood on the doorposts marked homes for salvation from physical death, the blood of Christ, shed on the cross, marks believers for salvation from eternal spiritual death. The Exodus event, initiated by the tenth plague, was Israel's physical liberation from slavery in Egypt, foreshadowing the spiritual liberation from the bondage of sin and death that Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection. Through Christ, believers are freed from the dominion of sin and brought into a new life of freedom and communion with God, having been "[redeemed... with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by the Blood of Christ")". The judgment that fell on Egypt's firstborn ultimately points to the judgment that fell upon Christ, so that those who believe in Him might be "passed over" by God's wrath and receive eternal life.

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

Psalms 78:51

And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of [their] strength in the tabernacles of Ham:

Exodus 4:23

And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, [even] thy firstborn.

Psalms 105:36

He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.

Psalms 135:8

Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.

Exodus 11:4

¶ And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:

Exodus 11:5

And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that [is] behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.

Psalms 136:10

¶ To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy [endureth] for ever: