And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.

EXODUS 7:20KJV
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Exodus 7:20 (KJV)

What does Exodus 7:20 mean?

Exodus 7:20 describes how Moses and Aaron obeyed God’s command by striking the Nile River with Moses’ staff, turning all its water into blood while Pharaoh and his officials watched. This act was a public sign, showing God’s power and beginning the first of the plagues on Egypt.

In this verse, Moses and Aaron are carrying out what God told them to do in front of Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, and his servants. The event takes place at the Nile River, which was central to Egyptian life and worship. Turning the river’s water into blood was a dramatic and unmistakable miracle meant to confront Pharaoh’s stubbornness and demonstrate that the God of Israel was acting against Egypt.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 7:20

  • מַטֶּה (matteh, “rod” H4294): This word refers to the staff or rod Moses used. In the ancient world, a rod could symbolize authority or power, so Moses using it here highlights that he is acting with God’s authority.
  • נָכָה (nakah, “smote” H5221): This verb means to strike or hit. The action is deliberate and forceful, emphasizing that the change to the river was not accidental but a direct result of God’s command.
  • יְאֹר (ye’or, “river” H2975): This term specifically refers to the Nile, which was the lifeblood of Egypt. Turning it to blood would have been a shocking and devastating sign to the Egyptians.
  • דָּם (dam, “blood” H1818): The word for blood here is literal, not symbolic. The water actually became blood, not just red or polluted, underlining the seriousness of the plague.

Why Exodus 7:20 matters

  • Exodus 7:20 clarifies that the miracle was performed in full view of Pharaoh and his servants, making it impossible for them to deny what happened or claim it was done in secret.
  • The verse highlights the obedience of Moses and Aaron, showing that they acted exactly as God instructed, which is a recurring theme in the story of the plagues.
  • By turning the Nile to blood, the verse sets the tone for the escalating conflict between God and Pharaoh, showing that the plagues are direct responses to Pharaoh’s refusal to let the Israelites go.

Where else these words appear

“river” Hebrew H2975 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 41:1 And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.
  • Exodus 7:25 And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river.
  • Isaiah 37:25 I have digged, and drunk water; and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of the besieged places.

“turned” Hebrew H2015 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • 2 Kings 5:26 And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?
  • Psalms 114:8 Which turned the rock into a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters.