Exodus 9:6
And the LORD did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֨עַשׂ
did
H6213
וַיַּ֨עַשׂ
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יְהוָ֜ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדָּבָ֤ר
that thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֤ר
that thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 16
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּה֙
H2088
כֹּ֖ל
H3605
כֹּ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וּמִמִּקְנֵ֥ה
and all the cattle
H4735
וּמִמִּקְנֵ֥ה
and all the cattle
Strong's:
H4735
Word #:
9 of 16
something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition
וּמִמִּקְנֵ֥ה
and all the cattle
H4735
וּמִמִּקְנֵ֥ה
and all the cattle
Strong's:
H4735
Word #:
11 of 16
something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition
בְנֵֽי
of the children
H1121
בְנֵֽי
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
13 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Psalms 78:48He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts.Psalms 78:50He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence;Exodus 9:25And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field.
Historical Context
Apis bull represented Ptah's fertility and strength. Hathor, cow goddess, symbolized motherhood and music. Egyptians worshipped cattle as sacred; their death struck at core religious identity while demonstrating YHWH's power over life.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's precise timing demonstrate His sovereignty?
- What idols masquerading as 'life-givers' has God exposed in your experience?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Verse 6 describes the plague on livestock, targeting Apis bull cult and Hathor cow goddess. God strikes Egyptian livestock while Israelite animals remain healthy. The 'set time' (מוֹעֵד, moed—appointed time) emphasizes God's sovereignty over timing.