Exodus 8:2
And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs:
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 11
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לְשַׁלֵּ֑חַ
to let them go
H7971
לְשַׁלֵּ֑חַ
to let them go
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
4 of 11
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
נֹגֵ֛ף
behold I will smite
H5062
נֹגֵ֛ף
behold I will smite
Strong's:
H5062
Word #:
7 of 11
to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Heqet assisted in childbirth and symbolized life and fertility. Frogs were sacred, making them untouchable. The plague forced Egyptians to encounter their goddess everywhere, yet powerless and disgusting.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God expose the impotence of idols you've trusted?
- What happens when blessings become curses through misplaced worship?
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Analysis & Commentary
Verse 2 describes the plague of frogs, targeting Heqet, Egyptian goddess of fertility portrayed as frog-headed. Frogs filled houses, bedrooms, ovens, and kneading bowls—contaminating private and sacred spaces. What Egypt worshipped became its torment.