Exodus 9:6

Translation
King James Version
And the LORD did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And the LORD H3068 did H6213 that thing H1697 on the morrow H4283, and all the cattle H4735 of Egypt H4714 died H4191: but of the cattle H4735 of the children H1121 of Israel H3478 died H4191 not one H259.
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Complete Jewish Bible
The following day, ADONAI did it - all the livestock of Egypt died; but not one of the animals belonging to the people of Isra'el died.
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Berean Standard Bible
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.
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American Standard Version
And Jehovah did that thing on the morrow; and all the cattle of Egypt died; but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one.
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World English Bible Messianic
The LORD did that thing on the next day; and all the livestock of Egypt died, but of the livestock of the children of Israel, not one died.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
So the Lord did this thing on the morow, and all the cattel of Egypt dyed: but of the cattell of the children of Israel dyed not one.
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Young's Literal Translation
And Jehovah doth this thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt die, and of the cattle of the sons of Israel not one hath died;
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See also
Psalms 78:48Psalms 78:50Exodus 9:25Exodus 9:19Exodus 9:20
See on the biblical-era map
The Kingdom of Egypt in the Time of Moses
The Kingdom of Egypt in the Time of Moses View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 1,749 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Exodus 9:6 vividly details the immediate and precise execution of the fifth plague upon Egypt: a devastating pestilence that annihilated all Egyptian livestock, while miraculously sparing every animal belonging to the Israelites. This event powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty and His deliberate distinction between His chosen people and their oppressors, fulfilling His prior warning with perfect accuracy.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is situated within the escalating series of divine judgments against Pharaoh and Egypt, designed to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. Following the plagues of water turned to blood (Exodus 7:14-25), frogs (Exodus 8:1-15), lice (Exodus 8:16-19), and flies (Exodus 8:20-32), the plague on livestock was specifically announced in Exodus 9:1-5, with a precise timing of "on the morrow." This immediate fulfillment underscores God's direct agency and the reliability of His word, setting the stage for Pharaoh's continued hardening and the subsequent, even more severe, judgments.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The plague on livestock directly challenged Egypt's economic stability and their polytheistic beliefs. Livestock, including cattle, horses, donkeys, camels, sheep, and goats, were fundamental to the Egyptian economy, providing food, labor for agriculture, transportation, and military strength (especially horses for chariots). Furthermore, many Egyptian deities were associated with animals, such as Apis the bull god, Hathor the cow goddess, and various animal-headed gods. The widespread destruction of these animals was not merely an economic blow but a direct affront to and a demonstration of Yahweh's supremacy over the gods of Egypt, revealing their impotence.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus. It highlights God's sovereignty and omnipotence, demonstrating His absolute control over creation and His ability to execute His will precisely. The clear distinction between the suffering of the Egyptians and the preservation of the Israelites reinforces the theme of divine distinction and covenant faithfulness, showing God's unwavering commitment to His chosen people, a theme also seen in the plague of flies. Moreover, it serves as a judgment on idolatry, directly attacking the false gods of Egypt and asserting Yahweh's unique supremacy. Finally, Pharaoh's reaction to this devastating plague, like those before it, continues to illustrate the theme of Pharaoh's hardened heart, setting the stage for the escalating judgments that culminate in the Passover and the death of the firstborn.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Exodus 9:6 records the swift and total fulfillment of the Lord's word regarding the fifth plague. The phrase "on the morrow" emphasizes God's precise timing and the immediate nature of His judgment, leaving no doubt as to the divine origin of the calamity.

Key Word Analysis

  • LORD (Hebrew, Yᵉhôvâh', H3068): "the self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." This emphasizes that the action is not random or natural, but the direct, intentional work of the covenant God of Israel, Yahweh, who is eternally existent and sovereign. It underscores His personal involvement and authority in the unfolding events.
  • cattle (Hebrew, miqneh', H4735): "something bought, i.e. property, but only livestock; abstractly, acquisition." This term is comprehensive, covering all domestic animals—horses, donkeys, camels, oxen, sheep, and goats—that constituted Egypt's wealth and agricultural capacity. The destruction of "all" such miqneh signifies a catastrophic economic and social blow.
  • one (Hebrew, ʼechâd', H259): "properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first." In the phrase "died not one," this word emphasizes the absolute totality of the preservation for Israel's livestock. It is a powerful statement of divine precision and protection, highlighting the stark and undeniable contrast between the two peoples.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And the LORD did that thing on the morrow": This clause highlights God's direct agency and perfect timing. The "thing" refers to the plague on livestock, which God had explicitly warned Pharaoh about in Exodus 9:5, specifying it would occur "on the morrow." This immediate and precise fulfillment demonstrates God's absolute control over creation and His unwavering commitment to His word, leaving no room for doubt about the divine origin of the calamity.
  • "and all the cattle of Egypt died": This declares the devastating scope of the judgment. The use of "all" (Hebrew: kol) signifies a comprehensive and catastrophic loss, impacting every type of domestic animal belonging to the Egyptians. This widespread death was a direct blow to the very foundation of Egypt's economy, agricultural capacity, and military strength (as horses were vital for chariots), and a direct challenge to their animal-deities.
  • "but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one": This clause presents a miraculous and striking contrast, emphasizing God's divine distinction. While widespread death afflicted Egypt, God meticulously preserved every single animal belonging to the Israelites. This miraculous preservation is a recurring theme throughout the plagues, previously seen with the plague of flies in Exodus 8:22. It serves as an undeniable sign to both Egyptians and Israelites of who the true God was and who His chosen people were, underscoring His covenant faithfulness and protective care.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several powerful literary devices. Antithesis or Juxtaposition is central, dramatically contrasting the fate of the Egyptian livestock ("all...died") with that of the Israelite livestock ("died not one"). This stark comparison emphasizes God's precise and discriminatory judgment, highlighting His unique relationship with Israel. The use of the quantifier "all" for Egypt and "not one" for Israel functions as Hyperbole or Merism, signifying totality and completeness in both destruction and preservation, respectively, thereby underscoring the miraculous nature of the event. Furthermore, the phrase "the LORD did that thing" exemplifies Divine Agency, portraying God as the direct and active orchestrator of events, not merely a distant observer, reinforcing His sovereignty and omnipotence.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The immediate and complete fulfillment of God's word in Exodus 9:6 demonstrates His absolute control over creation and history, proving that no earthly power, including Pharaoh, can thwart His will. God's meticulous protection of Israel's livestock, while destroying Egypt's, reaffirms His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, showcasing His unwavering commitment to His chosen people. The plague directly targeted animals revered as deities or symbols of divine power in Egypt, exposing the impotence of these false gods and asserting the supremacy of Yahweh. This plague, like others, vividly illustrates God's clear separation between those who belong to Him and those who oppose Him, a theme that culminates in the Passover. Despite this undeniable and economically crippling display of God's power, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened, setting the stage for even more severe judgments, highlighting the danger of persistent rebellion against divine revelation.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Exodus 9:6 serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises and His ability to execute judgment with precision. For believers today, this verse offers profound reassurance that God knows those who are His and provides protection even amidst widespread calamity or societal collapse. It underscores that God is sovereign over all creation and that His word is always true and effective. This passage calls us to trust in God's perfect timing and His ability to distinguish between His people and the world, even when circumstances seem chaotic. Furthermore, it stands as a solemn warning against resisting God's clear commands, demonstrating that continued stubbornness in the face of divine revelation leads to greater consequences, as seen in Pharaoh's escalating plight and the increasing severity of the plagues, culminating in the death of the firstborn. Our response to God's revelation, whether in judgment or grace, determines our spiritual trajectory.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the precise fulfillment of God's word in this verse strengthen your trust in His promises for your own life?
  • In what ways do you see God making a distinction between His people and the world today, and how should this influence your living?
  • What "idols" or false securities in your life might God be challenging, similar to how He challenged Egypt's reliance on their livestock and deities?

FAQ

Did "all the cattle of Egypt" truly mean every single animal?

Answer: While "all" (Hebrew: kol) often denotes totality, in biblical narrative it can sometimes mean "a great number" or "all of a certain kind." However, given the context of a precise, divinely executed plague and the stark contrast with Israel's untouched livestock, it strongly implies a near-total, if not absolute, destruction of Egyptian domestic animals. The intent is to convey a catastrophic loss that crippled Egypt's economy and challenged its gods, demonstrating the overwhelming power of the Lord over all of Egypt's resources and deities. The specificity of "died not one" for Israel further emphasizes the completeness of the destruction for Egypt.

How did this plague specifically target Egyptian cattle and spare Israel's?

Answer: The text attributes this distinction directly to "the LORD," indicating a miraculous, supernatural intervention. It was not a natural disease but a targeted act of God, demonstrating His omnipotence and His ability to differentiate precisely between His people and their oppressors, even down to their livestock. This divine precision underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to protect His covenant people, as seen in other plagues like the plague of flies where the land of Goshen was spared.

What was the economic impact of this plague on Egypt?

Answer: The death of "all the cattle" would have been economically devastating. Livestock were essential for agriculture (plowing, transport), food (meat, milk), clothing (wool, hides), and military strength (horses for chariots). This plague directly assaulted the very foundation of Egypt's wealth and ability to sustain itself, significantly weakening their nation and their capacity to resist God's demands. The loss of horses would have severely hampered their military, a factor that would become critical during the crossing of the Red Sea.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The precise and distinguishing judgment in Exodus 9:6 powerfully foreshadows the ultimate work of Christ. Just as God separated His people from the Egyptians through judgment, Christ, through His atoning work on the cross, provides the ultimate distinction between those under God's wrath and those under His grace. He bore the judgment for sin, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, allowing His people to be spared from eternal death, much like the Israelites' cattle were spared from the plague. This divine preservation culminates in the new covenant, where those who are "in Christ" are no longer condemned (Romans 8:1). Furthermore, Christ is the greater Shepherd who perfectly protects His flock from all spiritual harm and judgment, ensuring that "not one" of His own will perish (John 10:28-29), offering a divine preservation far surpassing the physical protection seen in Egypt, leading to eternal life (John 3:16).

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Commentary on Exodus 9 verses 1–7

Here is, I. Warning given of another plague, namely, the murrain of beasts. When Pharaoh's heart was hardened, after he had seemed to relent under the former plague, then Moses is sent to tell him there is another coming, to try what that would do towards reviving the impressions of the former plagues. Thus is the wrath of God revealed from heaven, both in his word and in his works, against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. 1. Moses puts Pharaoh in a very fair way to prevent it: Let my people go, Exo 9:1. This was still the demand. God will have Israel released; Pharaoh opposes it, and the trial is, whose word shall stand. See how jealous God is for his people. When the year of his redeemed has come, he will give Egypt for their ransom; that kingdom shall be ruined, rather than Israel shall not be delivered. See how reasonable God's demands are. Whatever he calls for, it is but his own: They are my people, therefore let them go. 2. He describes the plague that should come, if he refused, Exo 9:2, Exo 9:3. The hand of the Lord immediately, without the stretching out of Aaron's hand, is upon the cattle, many of which, some of all kinds, should die by a sort of pestilence. This was greatly to the loss of the owners: they had made Israel poor, and now God would make them poor. Note, The hand of God is to be acknowledged even in the sickness and death of cattle, or other damage sustained in them; for a sparrow falls not to the ground without our Father. 3. As an evidence of the special hand of God in it, and of his particular favour to his own people, he foretels that none of their cattle should die, though they breathed in the same air and drank of the same water with the Egyptians' cattle: The Lord shall sever, Exo 9:4. Note, When God's judgments are abroad, though they may fall both on the righteous and the wicked, yet God makes such a distinction that they are not the same to the one that they are to the other. See Isa 27:7. The providence of God is to be acknowledged with thankfulness in the life of the cattle, for he preserveth man and beast, Psa 36:6. 4. To make the warning the more remarkable, the time is fixed (Exo 9:5): Tomorrow it shall be done. We know not what any day will bring forth, and therefore we cannot say what we will do tomorrow, but it is not so with God.

II. The plague itself inflicted. The cattle died, Exo 9:6. Note, The creature is made subject to vanity by the sin of man, being liable, according to its capacity, both to serve his wickedness and to share in his punishment, as in the universal deluge. Rom 8:20, Rom 8:22. Pharaoh and the Egyptians sinned; but the sheep, what had they done? Yet they are plagued. See Jer 12:4, For the wickedness of the land, the beasts are consumed. The Egyptians afterwards, and (some think) now, worshipped their cattle; it was among them that the Israelites learned to make a god of a calf: in this therefore the plague here spoken of meets with them. Note, What we make an idol of it is just with God to remove from us, or embitter to us. See Isa 19:1.

III. The distinction put between the cattle of the Egyptians and the Israelites' cattle, according to the word of God: Not one of the cattle of the Israelites died, Exo 9:6, Exo 9:7. Does God take care of oxen? Yes, he does; his providence extends itself to the meanest of his creatures. But it is written also for our sakes, that, trusting in God, and making him our refuge, we may not be afraid of the pestilence that walketh in darkness, no, not though thousands fall at our side, Psa 91:6, Psa 91:7. Pharaoh sent to see if the cattle of the Israelites were infected, not to satisfy his conscience, but only to gratify his curiosity, or with design, by way of reprisal, to repair his own losses out of their stocks; and, having no good design in the enquiry, the report brought to him made no impression upon him, but, on the contrary, his heart was hardened. Note, To those that are wilfully blind, even those methods of conviction which are ordained to life prove a savour of death unto death.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–7. Public domain.
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Richard ChallonerAD 1781
All the beasts: That is, many of all kinds.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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