Old Testament
Exodus 9:18
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God is warning Egypt about a severe hailstorm that is coming.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Listen carefully — tomorrow at about this time, I will send the worst hailstorm Egypt has ever seen, from the day it was founded until now.
Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is warning Egypt about a severe hailstorm that is coming. He emphasizes the seriousness of the situation by stating that this storm will be the worst they have ever experienced. The timing is specific, indicating that it will happen the next day. This message serves as a reminder of God's power and control over nature. It also highlights the consequences of ignoring warnings and the importance of paying attention to what is being communicated. The hailstorm symbolizes judgment and serves as a wake-up call for the people of Egypt. They are being urged to recognize the authority of God and the reality of their situation. This moment is pivotal, as it sets the stage for further events that will unfold in the story of the Exodus. The severity of the storm reflects the seriousness of the choices made by Pharaoh and the people. It’s a call to reflect on their actions and the impact they have on their lives and the world around them. It’s a moment of reckoning. Explore related divine.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Exodus 9:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to heed warnings in our lives. Just as Egypt faced consequences for ignoring God's messages, we too should reflect on our actions and their impact. It’s a reminder to be aware of the signs around us and to take them seriously. Listening and responding can lead to better outcomes in our lives. We should not take warnings lightly, as they can guide us toward positive change and growth.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 9:18 mean?
Exodus 9:18 means that God is warning Egypt about an unprecedented hailstorm that will occur the next day, emphasizing the severity of the situation and His power over nature.
What is the significance of the hailstorm in Exodus 9:18?
The hailstorm in Exodus 9:18 symbolizes God's judgment and serves as a wake-up call for the people of Egypt to recognize His authority and the consequences of their actions.
What does the phrase 'worst hailstorm Egypt has ever seen' imply in Exodus 9:18?
The phrase implies that the upcoming hailstorm will be unlike any other in Egypt's history, highlighting the seriousness of God's warning and the impending consequences of ignoring it.
How can we apply the message of Exodus 9:18 to our lives?
We can apply the message by being attentive to warnings in our lives, reflecting on our actions, and recognizing that ignoring important signs can lead to negative outcomes.

The Book of Exodus
Exodus 1: Israel's Oppression in Egypt
The sons of Israel settle in Egypt, and their families grow rapidly until the land is filled with them. A new Pharaoh arises who does not know Joseph and fears that the Israelites will join Egypt's enemies if war comes, so he places them under harsh labor and forces them to build the store cities Pithom and Raamses. The more they are oppressed, the more they multiply, which increases Egyptian fear. Pharaoh commands the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill every male child at birth, but they fear God and let the boys live. When Pharaoh confronts them, they say the Hebrew women deliver before the midwives arrive, and God blesses the midwives with households. Pharaoh then commands all his people to cast every Hebrew son into the river while allowing the daughters to live.
Unlock the full Exodus summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Exodus — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 40 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Exodus summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.