And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more.

EXODUS 11:6KJV
Know the Bible

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.

Where else these words appear

“cry” Hebrew H6818 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 18:21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
  • Exodus 22:23 If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;
  • Psalms 9:12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.

“be” Hebrew H1961 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Exodus 18:19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
  • 2 Samuel 9:9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house.

“none” Hebrew H3808 · used in 73 verses

  • Genesis 2:5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.
  • Numbers 19:2 This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke:
  • Psalms 17:1 A Prayer of David. Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.