Old Testament
Exodus 9:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
the LORD's hand will strike your livestock out in the fields — your horses, donkeys, camels, cattle, and sheep — with a terrible plague.
Compare translations
Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain.
What Exodus 9:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God warns that a severe plague will strike the livestock of the Egyptians. This includes their horses, donkeys, camels, cattle, and sheep. The message is clear: God is demonstrating His power and authority over the land. The livestock, which were vital for agriculture and transportation, would suffer greatly. This plague serves as a sign of God's judgment against Pharaoh's refusal to let the Israelites go. It highlights the consequences of ignoring divine warnings. The severity of the plague emphasizes that God is serious about His commands. This event is part of a larger narrative where God seeks to free His people from oppression. The impact of this plague would be felt not just by the animals but also by the economy and daily life of the Egyptians. It’s a reminder that our choices have consequences, and ignoring what is right can lead to significant loss and suffering. God’s hand is powerful, and His will cannot be ignored without repercussions. This moment in history illustrates the importance of listening to divine guidance.
How to apply Exodus 9:3 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the choices we make. Just as the Egyptians faced consequences for ignoring God's commands, we too must consider the impact of our actions. Listening to guidance can lead to better outcomes and avoid unnecessary suffering. It's a call to be attentive and responsive to what is right in our lives. Embrace the opportunity to change for the better and seek wisdom in your decisions.
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 Livestock Die (Exodus 9:1–7)
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 9:3
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 9:3
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 9:3 mean about God's judgment?
Exodus 9:3 illustrates God's judgment against the Egyptians for Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites. The verse warns of a severe plague that will affect their livestock, highlighting God's authority and power. This event serves as a reminder that ignoring divine commands can lead to serious consequences, not just for individuals but for entire nations.
Why did God send a plague on livestock in Egypt?
God sent a plague on the livestock in Egypt as a demonstration of His power and as a consequence of Pharaoh's stubbornness. The livestock were crucial for the Egyptians' economy and daily life, and their suffering symbolized the broader impact of disobedience to God's will. This act was part of a series of plagues aimed at persuading Pharaoh to free the Israelites from slavery.
What can we learn from the livestock plague in Exodus 9:3?
The livestock plague in Exodus 9:3 teaches us about the importance of heeding divine guidance and the repercussions of ignoring it. It serves as a reminder that our choices have consequences, and that we should be attentive to what is right. This event encourages us to reflect on our own lives and to seek wisdom in our decisions to avoid unnecessary suffering.
How does Exodus 9:3 relate to the theme of freedom?
Exodus 9:3 relates to the theme of freedom by illustrating the consequences of oppression and the struggle for liberation. The plague on livestock was part of God's plan to free the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. It emphasizes that divine intervention is often necessary to achieve true freedom, and that ignoring God's commands can lead to suffering and loss.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.