Exodus 9:32 Meaning and Explanation
“But the wheat and the rie were not smitten: for they were not grown up.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Wheat and rye were spared from the hail because they had not yet matured.
The Context of Exodus 9:32
Some crops survive the hail because they had not yet matured.
What Does Exodus 9:32 Mean?
Not all crops are destroyed. Wheat and rye (or spelt) were at an earlier growth stage and thus were spared. This detail serves multiple purposes: it shows the selective nature of the damage and explains why Egypt will not starve completely before the next plague.
The survival of some crops also maintains Pharaoh's ability to feed his army and government. If all crops were destroyed, Egypt might simply collapse. Instead, some survival is preserved, allowing the conflict to continue.
Exodus 9:32 in the Original Language
rie (כֻּסֶּמֶת) — spelt or rye, a grain crop planted later in the season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 9:32
What does Exodus 9:32 mean?
Wheat and rye were spared from the hail because they had not yet matured.
What is the context of Exodus 9:32?
Some crops survive the hail because they had not yet matured.