Exodus 10:21 Meaning and Explanation
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The LORD commands Moses to stretch out his hand toward heaven so that darkness will cover Egypt—a darkness that can be felt.
The Context of Exodus 10:21
The ninth plague introduces a new dimension of judgment: darkness. Unlike the previous plagues that attack food or livestock, darkness attacks the senses and the spirit. The description 'darkness which may be felt' suggests an oppressive, almost tangible darkness that defies natural explanation.
What Does Exodus 10:21 Mean?
The ninth plague introduces a new dimension of judgment: darkness. Unlike the previous plagues that attack food or livestock, darkness attacks the senses and the spirit. The description 'darkness which may be felt' suggests an oppressive, almost tangible darkness that defies natural explanation.
Darkness often symbolizes divine judgment and the absence of God's light. This plague isolates each person in their own blindness, a darkness that no human light or knowledge can penetrate—a spiritual state reflecting Pharaoh's hardened, closed heart.
Exodus 10:21 in the Original Language
chosek (חֹשֶׁךְ), 'darkness' — physical and metaphorical absence of light, often representing God's judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 10:21
What does Exodus 10:21 mean?
The LORD commands Moses to stretch out his hand toward heaven so that darkness will cover Egypt—a darkness that can be felt.
What is the context of Exodus 10:21?
The ninth plague introduces a new dimension of judgment: darkness. Unlike the previous plagues that attack food or livestock, darkness attacks the senses and the spirit. The description 'darkness which may be felt' suggests an oppressive, almost tangible darkness that defies natural explanation.