Exodus 12:12
For 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.
Original Language Analysis
וְעָֽבַרְתִּ֣י
For I will pass
H5674
וְעָֽבַרְתִּ֣י
For I will pass
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
1 of 20
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
בַּלַּ֣יְלָה
this night
H3915
בַּלַּ֣יְלָה
this night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
הַזֶּה֒
H2088
וְהִכֵּיתִ֤י
and will smite
H5221
וְהִכֵּיתִ֤י
and will smite
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
6 of 20
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מֵֽאָדָ֖ם
both man
H120
מֵֽאָדָ֖ם
both man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
11 of 20
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
12 of 20
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
בְּהֵמָ֑ה
and beast
H929
בְּהֵמָ֑ה
and beast
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
וּבְכָל
H3605
וּבְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
14 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
and against all the gods
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
and against all the gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
15 of 20
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה
I will execute
H6213
אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה
I will execute
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
17 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Numbers 33:4For the Egyptians buried all their firstborn, which the LORD had smitten among them: upon their gods also the LORD executed judgments.Isaiah 19:1The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.Psalms 82:6I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.Psalms 82:1God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.Jeremiah 43:13He shall break also the images of Beth-shemesh, that is in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire.Exodus 12:23For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.Exodus 6:2And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD:Ezekiel 12:16But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen whither they come; and they shall know that I am the LORD.Zephaniah 2:11The LORD will be terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen.1 Chronicles 14:12And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire.
Historical Context
Egyptian religion permeated all life—animals were sacred to various gods. Killing firstborn animals simultaneously judged Egypt's pantheon. Pharaoh himself was considered divine.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's judgment on Egypt's gods demonstrate that all false belief systems ultimately face His truth?
- What does God's personal involvement in judgment reveal about the seriousness of sin and rebellion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's personal involvement ('I will pass through') emphasizes direct divine action, not angelic intermediaries. 'All the firstborn' (kol-bekhor) indicates comprehensive judgment on Egypt's future—both human and animal. The phrase 'against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment' reveals the plagues as targeted strikes against Egypt's deities (Nile-god, frog-goddess, sun-god Ra). The declaration 'I am the LORD' (ani YHWH) asserts exclusive deity.