Exodus 9:20 kjv

He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:

Exodus 9:20 nkjv

He who feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his livestock flee to the houses.

Exodus 9:20 niv

Those officials of Pharaoh who feared the word of the LORD hurried to bring their slaves and their livestock inside.

Exodus 9:20 esv

Then whoever feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh hurried his slaves and his livestock into the houses,

Exodus 9:20 nlt

Some of Pharaoh's officials were afraid because of what the LORD had said. They quickly brought their servants and livestock in from the fields.

Exodus 9 verses

Exodus 9 20 Meaning

Exodus 9:20 describes a specific group among Pharaoh's servants who, recognizing the authority and power of God's spoken word delivered through Moses, chose to respond in faith and practical obedience. Unlike Pharaoh and others who defied the warning, these individuals acted on God's foretold judgment by bringing their servants and livestock indoors, thus preserving them from the impending devastating hail. This highlights a critical distinction: genuine "fear of the Lord" leads to wisdom and life-saving action, even in the heart of a wicked system.

Exodus 9 20 Context

This verse occurs within the narrative of the ten plagues brought upon Egypt by the Lord through Moses and Aaron, as Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let Israel go. Specifically, it directly follows the divine warning of the severe hail plague (Exod 9:18-19), the seventh plague, which was prophesied to be the worst hail in Egypt's history. The previous plagues targeted key aspects of Egyptian life and deities (Nile, frogs, gnats, flies, livestock, boils), demonstrating Yahweh's supremacy.

Historically and culturally, Egypt was an agrarian society deeply reliant on its livestock and crops. The warning of destructive hail, combined with fire and thunder, represented a direct assault on the economic backbone of Egypt and challenged the authority of gods associated with weather phenomena, like Seth (god of storms) and Osiris (god of fertility). The action taken by some of Pharaoh's servants indicates a crucial turning point: while Pharaoh himself continued to harden his heart, the terrifying display of Yahweh's power was beginning to pierce through the general population, showing a nascent recognition of the Lord's omnipotence among some Egyptians. This marked the first clear distinction among Egyptians themselves in their response to God's warnings.

Exodus 9 20 Word analysis

• He who feared: The Hebrew word is yārēʾ (יָרֵא). This "fear" is not merely terror but a deep, reverential awe and respect for God's power and authority. It implies a recognition of divine sovereignty that compels a person to obey God's commands. It contrasts sharply with Pharaoh's escalating defiance, illustrating how genuine fear of the Lord leads to wisdom and life-preserving action, rather than reckless disregard. This profound reverence for Yahweh leads to a right and rational response.
• the word of: The Hebrew is debar (דְּבַר). This refers to God's direct, spoken revelation, conveyed through Moses. It signifies that God's communication is not just information but possesses inherent power and authority, demanding a response. Here, it refers specifically to the clear and explicit warning given by Moses regarding the coming destructive hail (Exod 9:18-19).
• the Lord: This refers to Yahweh (יהוה), the covenant name of God, the self-existent and personal God of Israel. For Egyptians, whose pantheon included many gods, acknowledging "the Lord" indicated a profound shift, recognizing Him as the supreme power, superior to any Egyptian deity.
• among the servants of Pharaoh: This phrase highlights that the Lord's warning, and the power behind it, reached into the very heart of the oppressive Egyptian regime. It demonstrates that not all Egyptians, even those in positions of power close to Pharaoh, were uniformly hardened. This specific group serves as a testimony to God's universal reach and His provision of a path to safety even amidst judgment.
• made his servants and his livestock flee: The Hebrew verb nûs (נוּס), here in the Hiphil causative form hēnîs (הֵנִ֣יס), means "caused to flee" or "brought to safety." This action is the direct, practical, and swift manifestation of their fear and respect for God's word. It shows prudence and foresight. Their concern extended not only to themselves but to their valuable property (livestock) and the people under their charge (servants).
• into the houses: This denotes a concrete place of refuge and shelter from the imminent divine judgment. The instruction given by God was precise (Exod 9:19), and these servants followed it exactly, ensuring protection for what was precious to them. This detail underscores the immediate and practical nature of their obedience.

• "He who feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Pharaoh": This phrase emphasizes that amidst widespread disobedience, there were individuals, even in the center of Egyptian idolatry, who paid heed to God's warnings. It signifies individual accountability and the discriminatory nature of God's judgments – distinguishing those who respond to His truth from those who suppress it. This choice reflects a burgeoning faith or at least a deep respect for Yahweh's revealed power.
• "made his servants and his livestock flee into the houses": This entire clause is the fruit of "fear of the Lord." It underscores that genuine reverence for God's word results in concrete, wise action. It’s a powerful illustration of wisdom in practice: taking heed of a divine warning, preparing for judgment, and preserving life and possessions. It stands as a vivid contrast to those who remained defiant and suffered consequences, immediately seen in the subsequent verse (Exod 9:21).

Exodus 9 20 Bonus section

This verse foreshadows the principle of a "remnant" – a small group distinguished by their response to God’s word even amidst widespread apostasy or opposition. The responsiveness of these Egyptian servants hints at a broader theme in Scripture: God’s salvific intent extends beyond one nation, offering mercy to any individual, regardless of their background, who will humble themselves before Him and heed His warnings. This group may well represent some of the "mixed multitude" (Exod 12:38) who later departed Egypt with the Israelites, choosing to follow the true God. The plague narrative is not merely a display of power against Pharaoh, but a testimony to God's desire to reveal Himself to all, granting opportunity for belief and obedience to whosoever would hear His "word."

Exodus 9 20 Commentary

Exodus 9:20 reveals God's patient yet severe judgment. It shows that even in the heart of the wicked nation of Egypt, God’s clear warning reached individuals who responded in genuine reverence. Their "fear of the Lord" was not abstract terror, but a practical recognition of Yahweh's ultimate power over all creation and a prompt obedience to His command, resulting in their preservation. This highlights a crucial theological principle: God’s justice is precise, targeting rebellion while extending grace through warnings to those willing to listen and act. This verse distinguishes those who recognized divine truth from those who defiantly rejected it, showcasing individual moral responsibility. It's a foundational example of how responding to God’s word, especially regarding impending judgment, is the path to safety.

For practical usage, this verse illustrates that:

• God always provides a way for salvation and offers warnings before judgment.
• Genuine faith, born from the fear of God, manifests in obedient action.
• It's possible to obey God even when those around us (including authorities) refuse.
• Responding to God's warnings (e.g., concerning sin, the Gospel) protects us from spiritual harm and judgment.