Exodus 8:26
And Moses said, It is not meet so to do; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to the LORD our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us?
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נָכוֹן֙
It is not meet
H3559
נָכוֹן֙
It is not meet
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת
so to do
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת
so to do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כֵּ֔ן
H3651
כֵּ֔ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
6 of 20
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תּֽוֹעֲבַ֥ת
the abomination
H8441
תּֽוֹעֲבַ֥ת
the abomination
Strong's:
H8441
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
נִזְבַּ֞ח
lo shall we sacrifice
H2076
נִזְבַּ֞ח
lo shall we sacrifice
Strong's:
H2076
Word #:
10 of 20
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
לַֽיהוָ֣ה
to the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֣ה
to the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ
our God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ
our God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
12 of 20
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
נִזְבַּ֞ח
lo shall we sacrifice
H2076
נִזְבַּ֞ח
lo shall we sacrifice
Strong's:
H2076
Word #:
14 of 20
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תּֽוֹעֲבַ֥ת
the abomination
H8441
תּֽוֹעֲבַ֥ת
the abomination
Strong's:
H8441
Word #:
16 of 20
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
לְעֵֽינֵיהֶ֖ם
before their eyes
H5869
לְעֵֽינֵיהֶ֖ם
before their eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
18 of 20
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Cross References
Genesis 43:32And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.Genesis 46:34That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
Historical Context
Khepri, the scarab-headed god, symbolized the rising sun and transformation. The distinction between Egypt and Goshen shows this is not natural disaster but divine judgment. God's protection of His people proves His sovereignty.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's protection of His people encourage you in judgment?
- What does the Egypt-Goshen distinction teach about being 'in the world but not of it'?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Verse 26 describes the plague of flies (עָרֹב, arov—swarms), with crucial distinction: Goshen is protected. God says 'I will sever... the land of Goshen' (v.22), demonstrating selective judgment. This plague may target Khepri, scarab beetle god representing resurrection and transformation.