Exodus 8:19
Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
Original Language Analysis
הַֽחַרְטֻמִּם֙
Then the magicians
H2748
הַֽחַרְטֻמִּם֙
Then the magicians
Strong's:
H2748
Word #:
2 of 16
a horoscopist (as drawing magical lines or circles)
אֶצְבַּ֥ע
This is the finger
H676
אֶצְבַּ֥ע
This is the finger
Strong's:
H676
Word #:
5 of 16
something to sieze with, i.e., a finger; by analogy, a toe
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
of God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 16
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
הִ֑וא
H1931
הִ֑וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
7 of 16
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וַיֶּֽחֱזַ֤ק
was hardened
H2388
וַיֶּֽחֱזַ֤ק
was hardened
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
8 of 16
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 #:
9 of 16
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 #:
11 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמַ֣ע
and he hearkened
H8085
שָׁמַ֣ע
and he hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
12 of 16
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Luke 11:20But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.Psalms 8:3When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;Exodus 7:5And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.Matthew 12:28But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
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 19 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.