Exodus 7:17 Meaning and Explanation
“Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God will strike the river with the rod, turning its waters to blood, proving His identity and power.
The Context of Exodus 7:17
God announces the first plague: water turning to blood.
What Does Exodus 7:17 Mean?
The first plague targets the Nile itself—the source of Egyptian life and a deity in Egyptian religion. Turning water to blood is not merely a pestilence but a direct assault on what Egyptians believe sustains their civilization. The act is a sign that God alone controls life and death.
The phrase 'know that I am the LORD' indicates the fundamental purpose: revelation. The plague is not arbitrary punishment but a demonstration of God's exclusive power. Egypt's gods cannot protect the Nile; only the God of the Hebrews has such authority.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 7:17
What does Exodus 7:17 mean?
God will strike the river with the rod, turning its waters to blood, proving His identity and power.
What is the context of Exodus 7:17?
God announces the first plague: water turning to blood.