Old Testament
Exodus 10:26
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Our livestock is coming with us too — not a single hoof will be left behind. We need them to worship the LORD our God, and we won't know exactly what the LORD requires until we get there."
Compare translations
Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the LORD our God; and we know not with what we must serve the LORD, until we come thither.
What Exodus 10:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the Israelites are determined to take their livestock with them when they leave Egypt. They emphasize that not even a single hoof will be left behind, showing their commitment to worshiping God fully. The livestock is essential for their sacrifices and offerings, which they need to understand better once they reach their destination. This insistence on bringing everything reflects their desire to honor God completely. They recognize that they cannot fully know what God requires of them until they arrive at the place He has promised. This moment highlights their faith and trust in God's guidance. It also illustrates the importance of being prepared to serve God with all that they have. Their journey is not just a physical escape but a spiritual commitment to worship and serve God wholeheartedly. This passage encourages us to consider what we need to bring along in our own lives to fully engage in our spiritual journeys and commitments to God, ensuring nothing essential is left behind.
How to apply Exodus 10:26 to your life
Reflect on what you need to bring into your life to serve God fully. Are there aspects of your life that you are holding back? Consider how you can prepare yourself to engage in your spiritual journey wholeheartedly, ensuring nothing essential is left behind in your commitment to God. Trust in His guidance as you move forward with faith and purpose.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Three Days of Darkness (Exodus 10:21–29)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Exodus 10:26
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Exodus 10:26
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 10:26 teach about worship?
Exodus 10:26 emphasizes the importance of bringing everything necessary to worship God. The Israelites insisted on taking their livestock, which were essential for sacrifices and offerings. This reflects their commitment to honoring God fully and highlights that worship involves preparation and understanding of what God requires.
Why did the Israelites insist on taking their livestock?
The Israelites insisted on taking their livestock because they needed them for worship and sacrifices to God. They understood that their ability to serve God properly depended on having all the necessary resources, which included their animals. This insistence shows their dedication to fulfilling God's requirements.
What can we learn from the phrase 'not a single hoof will be left behind'?
The phrase 'not a single hoof will be left behind' signifies total commitment and readiness to serve God. It teaches us the importance of not holding back any part of our lives when it comes to our spiritual journey. We should be prepared to offer everything we have to God, ensuring we are fully equipped to follow His guidance.
How does Exodus 10:26 relate to our spiritual journeys today?
Exodus 10:26 encourages us to reflect on what we need to bring into our lives to serve God fully. It challenges us to consider if there are aspects we are holding back and reminds us to prepare ourselves for our spiritual journeys. Trusting in God's guidance is essential as we seek to engage wholeheartedly in our commitments to Him.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.