Exodus 8:18 - The magicians tried with their enchantments to produce lice, but they couldn’t. There were lice on man, and on animal.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Exodus 8:18" mean?
This verse from Exodus 8:18 highlights the limits of the Egyptian magicians' power in comparison to God's. Let's break it down:
"The magicians tried with their enchantments to produce lice, but they couldn’t." The Egyptian magicians had been able to mimic some of the earlier plagues Moses and Aaron brought, like turning water to blood and summoning frogs (though even then they couldn't remove the plagues). Here, they attempt to replicate the plague of gnats (often translated as "lice"). The verse emphasizes that their magical abilities had a clear boundary. They could not create life, even something as small and seemingly insignificant as gnats.
"There were lice on man, and on animal." This underscores the reality and widespread nature of the plague. The gnats were actually present, a genuine affliction sent by God. This emphasizes that it wasn't a mere illusion or trick, but a tangible and unpleasant reality affecting both humans and animals.
In essence, the verse conveys the following points:
God's Superior Power: The magicians' inability to replicate the plague of gnats demonstrates that God's power is far superior to any human magic or sorcery. Their abilities have limits, while God's do not.
Reality of the Plague: The plague of gnats was real and widespread, not just a trick or illusion. It affected both people and animals.
Turning Point: This plague often marks a turning point in the narrative. The magicians, recognizing their limitations, begin to acknowledge God's power, leading them to exclaim, "This is the finger of God!" (Exodus 8:19).
Humility: This plague, like the others, is meant to humble Pharaoh and the Egyptians, demonstrating the futility of resisting God's will.
The verse is a crucial element in the overall narrative, showcasing the escalating power of God in contrast to the limited abilities of the Egyptian magicians, and moving the story towards the eventual Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt.
Exodus 8:18 - The magicians tried with their enchantments to produce lice, but they couldn’t. There were lice on man, and on animal.
What does "Exodus 8:18" mean?
This verse from Exodus 8:18 highlights the limits of the Egyptian magicians' power in comparison to God's. Let's break it down:
"The magicians tried with their enchantments to produce lice, but they couldn’t." The Egyptian magicians had been able to mimic some of the earlier plagues Moses and Aaron brought, like turning water to blood and summoning frogs (though even then they couldn't remove the plagues). Here, they attempt to replicate the plague of gnats (often translated as "lice"). The verse emphasizes that their magical abilities had a clear boundary. They could not create life, even something as small and seemingly insignificant as gnats.
"There were lice on man, and on animal." This underscores the reality and widespread nature of the plague. The gnats were actually present, a genuine affliction sent by God. This emphasizes that it wasn't a mere illusion or trick, but a tangible and unpleasant reality affecting both humans and animals.
In essence, the verse conveys the following points:
God's Superior Power: The magicians' inability to replicate the plague of gnats demonstrates that God's power is far superior to any human magic or sorcery. Their abilities have limits, while God's do not.
Reality of the Plague: The plague of gnats was real and widespread, not just a trick or illusion. It affected both people and animals.
Turning Point: This plague often marks a turning point in the narrative. The magicians, recognizing their limitations, begin to acknowledge God's power, leading them to exclaim, "This is the finger of God!" (Exodus 8:19).
Humility: This plague, like the others, is meant to humble Pharaoh and the Egyptians, demonstrating the futility of resisting God's will.
The verse is a crucial element in the overall narrative, showcasing the escalating power of God in contrast to the limited abilities of the Egyptian magicians, and moving the story towards the eventual Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt.