Exodus 7:20
And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ
did
H6213
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 24
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כֵן֩
H3651
כֵן֩
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 24
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר׀
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר׀
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֗ה
so as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
so as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 24
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיָּ֤רֶם
and he lifted up
H7311
וַיָּ֤רֶם
and he lifted up
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
8 of 24
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
בַּמַּטֶּה֙
the rod
H4294
בַּמַּטֶּה֙
the rod
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
9 of 24
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
וַיַּ֤ךְ
and smote
H5221
וַיַּ֤ךְ
and smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
10 of 24
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמַּ֥יִם
and all the waters
H4325
הַמַּ֥יִם
and all the waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
12 of 24
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בַּיְאֹ֖ר
that were in the river
H2975
בַּיְאֹ֖ר
that were in the river
Strong's:
H2975
Word #:
14 of 24
a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m
וּלְעֵינֵ֖י
and in the sight
H5869
וּלְעֵינֵ֖י
and in the sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
15 of 24
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וּלְעֵינֵ֖י
and in the sight
H5869
וּלְעֵינֵ֖י
and in the sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
17 of 24
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וַיֵּהָֽפְכ֛וּ
were turned
H2015
וַיֵּהָֽפְכ֛וּ
were turned
Strong's:
H2015
Word #:
19 of 24
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
20 of 24
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַמַּ֥יִם
and all the waters
H4325
הַמַּ֥יִם
and all the waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
21 of 24
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
22 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
The Nile was Egypt's lifeline, worshipped as divine. Hapi's annual flood determined Egypt's prosperity. The plague striking Egypt's water supply while Goshen remained unaffected (8:22-23) demonstrates selective judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this plague reveal God's sovereignty over creation and false gods?
- What modern 'life sources' do people trust instead of God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Verse 20 in the first plague narrative describes the Nile turning to blood. This targets Hapi, Egyptian god of the Nile, demonstrating YHWH's supremacy over Egypt's life source. The water that sustains Egypt becomes death, reversing the blessing.