Exodus 12:29 Meaning and Explanation
“And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →At midnight, God strikes all the Egyptian firstborn, from Pharaoh's heir to the prisoner's son, and all cattle.
The Context of Exodus 12:29
At midnight, God strikes all Egyptian firstborn—human and animal.
What Does Exodus 12:29 Mean?
Midnight marks the dividing point—the exact hour when God's judgment falls. The scope is comprehensive: from the palace to the dungeon, from the greatest to the least. Every household in Egypt experiences loss. Pharaoh himself, who has refused God's demands, loses his firstborn heir. This is not selective judgment but universal within Egypt, yet sparing the obedient Israelites.
The inclusion of firstborn cattle shows that judgment extends to all life. In ancient societies, firstborn sons were heirs and pride of families; the loss is devastating. The simultaneous striking of all firstborn emphasizes the directness and certainty of God's action. This is not a natural plague with varying effects but a singular, simultaneous act of God that unites Egypt in grief.
Exodus 12:29 in the Original Language
chasal (חָסַל), 'smote' — struck down decisively; killed or destroyed in a sudden, powerful act.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 12:29
What does Exodus 12:29 mean?
At midnight, God strikes all the Egyptian firstborn, from Pharaoh's heir to the prisoner's son, and all cattle.
What is the context of Exodus 12:29?
At midnight, God strikes all Egyptian firstborn—human and animal.