Exodus 4:9

KJV

And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour [it] upon the dry [land]: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry [land].

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe {H539} also these two {H8147} signs {H226}, neither hearken {H8085} unto thy voice {H6963}, that thou shalt take {H3947} of the water {H4325} of the river {H2975}, and pour {H8210} it upon the dry {H3004} land: and the water {H4325} which thou takest {H3947} out of the river {H2975} shall become blood {H1818} upon the dry {H3006} land.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if they aren't persuaded even by both these signs and still won't listen to what you say, then take some water from the river, and pour it on the ground. The water you take from the river will turn into blood on the dry land."

Berean Standard Bible

But if they do not believe even these two signs or listen to your voice, take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground. Then the water you take from the Nile will become blood on the ground.”

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe even these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 4:9 presents God's provision of a third miraculous sign for Moses, a contingent demonstration designed to overcome the Israelites' potential unbelief after the initial two signs. This powerful act involves Moses taking water from the Nile River and pouring it onto dry ground, where it will supernaturally transform into blood, serving as an undeniable authentication of God's commission and a potent foretaste of the judgments to be unleashed upon Egypt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the profound encounter between God and Moses at the burning bush, detailed in [Exodus 3-4](/exodus/3 "Moses's Call and Commission"). After God reveals His intention to deliver Israel and commissions Moses as His agent, Moses expresses profound hesitation, particularly concerning the Israelites' willingness to believe his divine appointment. He voices concerns that they "will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice" ([Exodus 4:1](/exodus/4-1 "Moses's Doubt and God's Assurance")). In response to this doubt, God graciously provides Moses with three escalating signs to authenticate his message and authority. The first is the transformation of Moses's staff into a serpent and back ([Exodus 4:2-5](/exodus/4-2-5 "The Sign of the Rod and Serpent")), followed by the miraculous affliction and healing of his hand with leprosy ([Exodus 4:6-8](/exodus/4-6-8 "The Sign of the Leprous Hand")). Exodus 4:9 introduces the third sign, the turning of water into blood, explicitly stated as a contingency for those who might remain unconvinced by the preceding two, underscoring God's thoroughness in providing evidence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Egypt, a civilization deeply reliant on the Nile River. The Nile was not merely a geographical feature; it was the lifeblood of Egypt, providing water for agriculture, transportation, and daily life. It was also revered as a deity, with various gods like Hapi (god of the Nile's annual flood) and Osiris (whose body was said to be the Nile) associated with its fertility and sustenance. The transformation of its water into blood would be a direct assault on the very source of Egyptian life and a profound challenge to their pantheon of gods. The concept of "dry land" (Hebrew: *yabbashah*) also carries significance, representing the opposite of life-giving water, a place of desolation. The act of pouring the water onto dry ground further emphasizes the supernatural nature of the transformation, as it occurs outside the river's natural flow, on a medium that would absorb and display the changed substance vividly.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 4:9 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Authentication**, where God provides irrefutable proof of His chosen messenger's authority, essential for Moses to gain the trust of a people who had endured centuries of slavery. It powerfully demonstrates **God's Sovereignty Over Creation and False Deities**, asserting Yahweh's absolute control over the natural world and His supremacy over the gods of Egypt, a theme that will be dramatically expanded in the subsequent plagues ([Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7-12 "The Ten Plagues of Egypt")). The verse also introduces the theme of **Judgment and Deliverance**, as the transformation of life-giving water into blood foreshadows the impending judgments upon Egypt that will ultimately lead to Israel's liberation. Finally, the conditional phrasing "if they will not believe" highlights the crucial theme of the **Necessity of Belief** in response to God's revelation, a recurring motif throughout salvation history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 4:9 presents the third and most potent of the initial signs God grants Moses to authenticate his mission to the Israelites. The conditional phrasing, "if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice," reveals God's foreknowledge of potential human skepticism and His abundant provision of evidence to overcome it.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **believe (Hebrew, _ʼâman'_):** (H539) This root word carries the meaning "to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet; morally to be true or certain." In this context, it signifies not merely intellectual assent but a deep, abiding trust and reliance on God's word and His chosen messenger. The lack of belief implies a failure to find God's revelation firm or trustworthy.
* **signs (Hebrew, _ʼôwth'_):** (H226) This term refers to "a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc." These are not mere tricks or illusions, but divinely orchestrated miraculous tokens designed to serve as undeniable evidence, pointing to God's presence, power, and the truth of His message. They are meant to mark or designate something as truly from God.
* **blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** (H1818) Derived from a root meaning "to be silent" or "to cease," this word primarily denotes "blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal." It can also refer to the juice of the grape or, figuratively, bloodshed. Here, it symbolizes death, judgment, and the reversal of life, contrasting sharply with the life-giving nature of water. Its transformation from water signifies a profound supernatural intervention with dire implications.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice":** This opening clause establishes the contingent nature of the third sign. God anticipates the possibility of continued unbelief even after the first two miraculous demonstrations (the rod to serpent and the leprous hand). "Believe" (H539) here implies a deep trust and acceptance of Moses's divine commission, while "hearken unto thy voice" (H8085, *shâmaʻ* and H6963, *qôwl*) signifies obedience and attentive listening. This highlights God's patience and His willingness to provide ample evidence to overcome human doubt.
* **"that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour [it] upon the dry [land]":** This is the divine instruction for the third sign's performance. Moses is commanded to take water from "the river" (H2975, *yᵉʼôr*), specifically the Nile, the life-source of Egypt. The act of "pouring it upon the dry land" (H3004, *yabbâshâh*) is crucial. It removes the water from its natural context, making the subsequent transformation a clear, undeniable supernatural event, not a trick of the river's flow. The dry land (H3006, *yabbesheth*) would absorb the transformed substance, making its appearance starkly visible.
* **"and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry [land].":** This is the miraculous outcome. The life-giving water (H4325, *mayim*) will supernaturally "become blood" (H1818, *dâm*). This transformation is a direct and shocking reversal of nature, turning the symbol of life and sustenance into the symbol of death and judgment. Performed on "dry land," it would be an unmistakable display of God's power, designed to leave no doubt about His authority and His intention to act decisively.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 4:9 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Conditional Statement** ("if they will not believe... then thou shalt take...") immediately highlights God's foreknowledge of human skepticism and His gracious provision of escalating evidence. This structure underscores the importance of faith as a response to divine revelation. The verse also makes powerful use of **Symbolism**. Water, the very essence of life and prosperity in Egypt, is symbolically transformed into blood, representing death, judgment, and defilement. This stark contrast vividly communicates God's power to reverse the natural order and to bring judgment upon a nation that relies on false gods and oppresses His people. Furthermore, the entire sign functions as a potent **Foreshadowing** of the first of the ten plagues ([Exodus 7:19-21](/exodus/7-19-21 "The First Plague: Water Turned to Blood")), where all the waters of Egypt are turned to blood. This miniature demonstration serves as a warning and an assurance of God's unwavering resolve to deliver Israel through mighty acts of judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 4:9 serves as a profound theological statement, asserting Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over creation and His intention to intervene decisively in human history. The transformation of water into blood is not merely a display of power but a direct challenge to the Egyptian worldview, where the Nile was deified. By defiling their life source, God demonstrates His supremacy over their gods and their perceived control over nature. This sign underscores that God's authentication of Moses is irrefutable, designed to instill faith in Israel and to serve as a dire warning to Egypt of the coming judgments. It highlights that God provides ample evidence for His truth, but ultimately, a response of belief and obedience is required.

* [Exodus 7:19-21](/exodus/7-19-21 "The First Plague: Water to Blood") - This passage describes the fulfillment of the foreshadowing in Exodus 4:9, as the entire Nile and all Egyptian waters are turned to blood, demonstrating God's comprehensive judgment.
* [John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "The Purpose of Jesus's Signs") - These verses explain that Jesus performed many signs so that people "may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name," echoing the purpose of the signs given to Moses.
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "The Necessity of Faith") - This verse states, "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him," emphasizing the fundamental importance of belief in response to God's revelation.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 4:9 offers timeless lessons for our walk of faith. It reminds us that God is a God who reveals Himself and authenticates His purposes, often providing compelling evidence for His truth. While we may not witness water turning into blood today, God continues to reveal Himself through His inspired Word, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the testimony of creation. This passage challenges us to examine the depth of our own belief in the face of God's self-revelation. Are we quick to doubt, or do we seek to understand and trust His voice? It encourages us to be attentive to how God works in our lives and in the world, recognizing His sovereign power over all circumstances, even those that seem impossible or are arrayed against His people. Our call, like that of the Israelites, is to respond with faith and obedience to God's truth, knowing that His promises are firm and His character is trustworthy. This passage ultimately invites us to deepen our reliance on God, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or requires a radical shift in our understanding of reality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What forms of "signs" or evidence does God provide for your faith in today's world?**
* **How do you respond when God's commands or revelations challenge your preconceived notions or cause you to doubt?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's sovereign power to transform seemingly impossible situations?**
* **How does your belief (or lack thereof) in God's power impact your willingness to "hearken unto His voice" and obey His commands?**

### FAQ
**Why did God give Moses three signs instead of just one?**

Answer: God provided three signs to address Moses's profound apprehension and to offer progressively more compelling evidence for the Israelites. The first two signs, the rod transforming into a serpent ([Exodus 4:2-3](/exodus/4-2-3 "The Rod Becomes a Serpent")) and Moses's hand becoming leprous and then healed ([Exodus 4:6-7](/exodus/4-6-7 "The Leprous Hand")), were immediate and personal, demonstrating God's power over life and creation. The third sign, transforming water into blood, was a public demonstration of power over a fundamental element of Egyptian life, directly challenging their deities and foreshadowing future judgments. This escalating evidence aimed to overcome potential unbelief and leave no doubt about the divine origin of Moses's mission, ensuring that both Moses and the Israelites would be fully convinced.

**Does this sign imply God is destructive?**

Answer: While the transformation of life-giving water into blood appears destructive, it is primarily a powerful demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty, His justice, and His intention to deliver His people. It serves as a stark warning of impending judgment against a defiant nation and its oppressive system, rather than wanton destruction. This act highlights God's control over life and death, demonstrating that He can reverse the natural order to achieve His purposes. It functions as both a confirmation of Moses's divine authority and a merciful warning before the full force of the plagues, ultimately leading to the righteous liberation of Israel from bondage. God's judgment is always purposeful, aimed at justice and the redemption of His covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 4:9, with its display of divine power over creation and its foreshadowing of judgment, profoundly points to Christ. Just as God authenticated Moses through miraculous signs to confirm his role as deliverer, Jesus Christ's entire ministry was accompanied by numerous signs and wonders that authenticated Him as the promised Messiah, the Son of God, and the ultimate deliverer from sin and death ([John 3:2](/john/3-2 "Nicodemus's Recognition of Jesus's Signs")). The transformation of water into blood, a sign of judgment and the overturning of natural order, prefigures Christ's supreme power over creation, demonstrated in His own miracles such as calming the storm ([Mark 4:35-41](/mark/4-35-41 "Jesus Calms the Storm")) and turning water into wine at Cana ([John 2:1-11](/john/2-1-11 "The First Sign at Cana")). Furthermore, the judgment foreshadowed for Egypt ultimately finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's triumph over sin and death on the cross, His resurrection, and His future return to judge the living and the dead, establishing His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Christ's Return in Judgment")). The necessity of belief in response to God's revelation, so central to this passage in Exodus, is fully realized in the call to believe in Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God's Love and the Gift of Salvation")). He is the true and greater Moses, who delivers His people not from physical bondage, but from spiritual slavery.

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 7:19

And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and [that] there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in [vessels of] wood, and in [vessels of] stone.

Exodus 7:25

And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river.

Exodus 1:22

And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.

Matthew 7:2

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.