Exodus 9:3 Meaning and Explanation
“Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God will strike Egypt's livestock with a devastating disease.
The Context of Exodus 9:3
God details the seventh plague—disease among Egyptian livestock—as judgment for Pharaoh's refusal.
What Does Exodus 9:3 Mean?
The enumeration of animals—horses, donkeys, camels, oxen, sheep—emphasizes the scope of the coming plague. These animals represented Egypt's wealth, military power, and agricultural foundation. A murrain (cattle plague) would cripple the economy and the army.
The plague targets what Pharaoh depends upon, not the people directly. God's judgment aims to break Pharaoh's will through destruction of his power base. The language of God's hand being 'upon' the cattle shows direct divine action.
Exodus 9:3 in the Original Language
murrain (מְדִבֶר) — plague or pestilence affecting animals, a divine scourge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 9:3
What does Exodus 9:3 mean?
God will strike Egypt's livestock with a devastating disease.
What is the context of Exodus 9:3?
God details the seventh plague—disease among Egyptian livestock—as judgment for Pharaoh's refusal.