Exodus 7:22
And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ
did
H6213
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כֵ֛ן
H3651
כֵ֛ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
חַרְטֻמֵּ֥י
And the magicians
H2748
חַרְטֻמֵּ֥י
And the magicians
Strong's:
H2748
Word #:
3 of 14
a horoscopist (as drawing magical lines or circles)
בְּלָֽטֵיהֶ֑ם
so with their enchantments
H3909
בְּלָֽטֵיהֶ֑ם
so with their enchantments
Strong's:
H3909
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, covered, i.e., secret; by implication, incantation; also secrecy or (adverb) covertly
וַיֶּֽחֱזַ֤ק
was hardened
H2388
וַיֶּֽחֱזַ֤ק
was hardened
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
6 of 14
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
לֵב
heart
H3820
לֵב
heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
7 of 14
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמַ֣ע
neither did he hearken
H8085
שָׁמַ֣ע
neither did he hearken
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
10 of 14
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 14
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 22 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.