Exodus 7:24
And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּחְפְּר֧וּ
digged
H2658
וַיַּחְפְּר֧וּ
digged
Strong's:
H2658
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, to pry into; by implication, to delve, to explore
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִצְרַ֛יִם
And all the Egyptians
H4714
מִצְרַ֛יִם
And all the Egyptians
Strong's:
H4714
Word #:
3 of 13
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
סְבִיבֹ֥ת
round about
H5439
סְבִיבֹ֥ת
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
4 of 13
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
הַיְאֹֽר׃
of the river
H2975
הַיְאֹֽר׃
of the river
Strong's:
H2975
Word #:
5 of 13
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
מִמֵּימֵ֖י
for water
H4325
מִמֵּימֵ֖י
for water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
6 of 13
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָֽכְלוּ֙
for they could
H3201
יָֽכְלוּ֙
for they could
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
10 of 13
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
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 24 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.