Exodus 8:31
And the LORD did according to the word of Moses; and he removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people; there remained not one.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ
did
H6213
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּדְבַ֣ר
according to the word
H1697
כִּדְבַ֣ר
according to the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 12
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
מִפַּרְעֹ֖ה
of flies from Pharaoh
H6547
מִפַּרְעֹ֖ה
of flies from Pharaoh
Strong's:
H6547
Word #:
7 of 12
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
וּמֵֽעַמּ֑וֹ
and from his people
H5971
וּמֵֽעַמּ֑וֹ
and from his people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
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 31 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.