Exodus 11:6 (KJV)

What does Exodus 11:6 mean?

Exodus 11:6 says there will be a terrible outcry throughout Egypt, a level of grief and distress that has never happened before and will never happen again. This verse describes the unique and overwhelming sorrow that will come upon the Egyptians as a result of the final plague.

In this passage, Moses is speaking to Pharaoh, warning him about what is about to happen if he continues to refuse to let the Israelites go. The "great cry" refers to the mourning that will follow the death of every firstborn in Egypt, which is the last and most severe of the plagues God sends. The verse emphasizes how extraordinary and unmatched this event will be in Egypt’s history.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 11:6

• "Great" — גָּדוֹל (gadol): This word means "large" or "intense." Here, it highlights the magnitude of the outcry, showing that the grief will be overwhelming and far beyond ordinary sorrow.
• "Cry" — צְעָקָה (tse‘aqah): This word often refers to a loud, desperate wailing or lament. It paints a vivid picture of the emotional pain and public mourning that will sweep through Egypt.
• "Land" — אֶרֶץ (erets): This word means "land" or "country," making it clear that the suffering will not be limited to one area but will cover all of Egypt.
• "None" and "nor" — לֹא (lo’): This word is used twice to stress that nothing like this has happened before and nothing like it will happen again, underscoring the uniqueness of the event.

Why Exodus 11:6 matters

• Exodus 11:6 makes clear that the final plague is not just another hardship but a singular, devastating event in Egypt’s history, setting it apart from all previous troubles.
• The verse highlights the seriousness of Pharaoh’s refusal and the lengths to which God will go to free the Israelites, helping the reader understand the buildup to the Exodus.
• By describing the scale and uniqueness of the coming sorrow, the verse prepares the reader for the dramatic turning point in the story, where Pharaoh’s resistance finally breaks.