Exodus 8:17
And they did so; for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice in man, and in beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ
And they did
H6213
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ
And they did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 23
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כֵ֗ן
H3651
כֵ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
וַיֵּט֩
stretched out
H5186
וַיֵּט֩
stretched out
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
3 of 23
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יָד֤וֹ
his hand
H3027
יָד֤וֹ
his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
6 of 23
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
בְמַטֵּ֙הוּ֙
with his rod
H4294
בְמַטֵּ֙הוּ֙
with his rod
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
7 of 23
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
וַיַּךְ֙
and smote
H5221
וַיַּךְ֙
and smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
8 of 23
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֲפַ֥ר
all the dust
H6083
עֲפַ֥ר
all the dust
Strong's:
H6083
Word #:
10 of 23
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
וַתְּהִי֙
H1961
וַתְּהִי֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
12 of 23
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בָּֽאָדָ֖ם
in man
H120
בָּֽאָדָ֖ם
in man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
14 of 23
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
וּבַבְּהֵמָ֑ה
and in beast
H929
וּבַבְּהֵמָ֑ה
and in beast
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
15 of 23
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
16 of 23
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֲפַ֥ר
all the dust
H6083
עֲפַ֥ר
all the dust
Strong's:
H6083
Word #:
17 of 23
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
הָיָ֥ה
H1961
הָיָ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
19 of 23
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
21 of 23
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Geb was Egyptian god of the earth, portrayed lying beneath sky goddess Nut. The magicians could not replicate this plague, admitting 'This is the finger of God' (v.19)—recognizing power beyond human manipulation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the magicians' failure teach about the limits of human power?
- How does this plague demonstrate God's authority over creation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Verse 17 introduces the plague of lice or gnats (כִּנִּם, kinnim), targeting Geb, earth god. Aaron struck the dust of the earth, and it became lice throughout Egypt. This plague attacks Egypt's very ground, showing YHWH's power over the earth itself.