Old Testament
Exodus 9:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But those who ignored the LORD's word left their servants and livestock out in the fields.
Compare translations
And he that regarded not the word of the LORD left his servants and his cattle in the field.
What Exodus 9:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a clear choice being made by some people. They heard what the LORD said but chose to ignore it. This decision had serious consequences, as they left their servants and livestock out in the fields, exposing them to danger. Ignoring wise advice can lead to negative outcomes, just like these individuals faced. It’s a reminder that we often have to choose between listening to guidance or facing the results of our choices. The people who disregarded the warning showed a lack of respect for the authority of the LORD. This verse encourages us to consider the importance of heeding wise counsel in our own lives. When we ignore good advice, we risk putting ourselves and those we care about in harm's way. It’s a call to be attentive and responsive to the guidance we receive, especially when it comes from a place of wisdom and authority. Listening can protect us from unnecessary troubles and help us make better decisions in life, just as it could have for those in this story.
How to apply Exodus 9:21 to your life
Take a moment to reflect on the advice you receive from trusted sources. Are there areas in your life where you might be ignoring wise counsel? Consider the potential consequences of your choices and strive to be more attentive to guidance that can help you avoid pitfalls and make better decisions in the future. Listening can lead to protection and growth in your life!
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: The Plague of Hail (Exodus 9:13–35)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, 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.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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 9:21
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 9:21
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 9:21 mean?
Exodus 9:21 highlights the consequences of ignoring the LORD's warnings. Those who disregarded His word left their servants and livestock unprotected, facing danger as a result of their choices.
What is the significance of ignoring the LORD's word in Exodus 9:21?
Ignoring the LORD's word in Exodus 9:21 signifies a lack of respect for divine authority. It serves as a warning that neglecting wise counsel can lead to serious negative outcomes.
How does Exodus 9:21 relate to consequences of choices?
Exodus 9:21 illustrates that ignoring wise counsel can lead to harmful consequences. The individuals who disregarded the LORD's warning faced danger for their livestock and servants, emphasizing the importance of making informed decisions.
What lesson can we learn from Exodus 9:21?
The lesson from Exodus 9:21 is to be attentive to guidance and warnings. Ignoring wise advice can put ourselves and others at risk, so it’s crucial to listen and act on sound counsel.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.