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.
Original Language Analysis
וּמֵ֣ת
shall die
H4191
וּמֵ֣ת
shall die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
1 of 19
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַיֹּשֵׁ֣ב
that sitteth
H3427
הַיֹּשֵׁ֣ב
that sitteth
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כִּסְא֔וֹ
upon his throne
H3678
כִּסְא֔וֹ
upon his throne
Strong's:
H3678
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
עַ֚ד
H5704
עַ֚ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
11 of 19
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַשִּׁפְחָ֔ה
of the maidservant
H8198
הַשִּׁפְחָ֔ה
of the maidservant
Strong's:
H8198
Word #:
13 of 19
a female slave (as a member of the household)
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אַחַ֣ר
that is behind
H310
אַחַ֣ר
that is behind
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
וְכֹ֖ל
H3605
וְכֹ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Psalms 78:51And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham:Psalms 105:36He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.Psalms 136:10To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:Psalms 135:8Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.Exodus 4:23And 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.Exodus 12:29And 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.Exodus 13:15And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.Exodus 12:12For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.Matthew 24:41Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Historical Context
The midnight hour emphasizes God's sovereign timing and judgment coming in darkness. The scope—from royal palace to prison to barn—demonstrates no earthly status protects from divine judgment. Only the Passover blood will shield.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the universality of this judgment foreshadow universal human sinfulness?
- What does the need for blood protection teach about the coming gospel?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Verse 5 describes Moses's final warning about midnight judgment. God Himself will pass through Egypt, striking every firstborn from Pharaoh's throne to the prisoner in the dungeon, and even livestock firstborn. This universal judgment spares none, revealing sin's comprehensive curse.