Exodus 7:25 (KJV)

What does Exodus 7:25 mean?

Exodus 7:25 states that seven days passed after the LORD struck the river, referring to the first plague in Egypt when the Nile was turned to blood. This verse marks the duration of the plague, showing that the river remained unusable for a full week after God’s action.

The verse comes after Moses and Aaron, following God’s command, struck the Nile before Pharaoh as a sign of God’s power. The “seven days” signals a complete period of judgment, and the mention of the LORD (the personal name for Israel’s God) emphasizes who is responsible for the plague. This sets the stage for the next confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh, highlighting the seriousness and impact of the first plague.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 7:25

• שֶׁבַע (sheva‘, “seven”): This word often represents completeness or a full cycle in the Hebrew Bible. Here, it underscores that the plague lasted a significant, complete period.
• יָמִים (yamim, “days”): The use of “days” clarifies that the river’s condition persisted for a literal week, not just a brief moment.
• נָגַף (naga‘, “smitten”): This verb means to strike or afflict. It highlights that the river’s condition was a direct result of an active blow from the LORD, not a natural occurrence.
• יְהוָה (YHWH, “LORD”): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, stressing that the event was an act of divine intervention, not magic or coincidence.

Why Exodus 7:25 matters

• Exodus 7:25 clarifies that the first plague was not a fleeting event; the devastation lasted a full week, affecting daily life and the economy of Egypt.
• The verse emphasizes the LORD’s direct involvement, making it clear that these were not random disasters but purposeful acts with a message for Pharaoh and Egypt.
• By marking the time between plagues, Exodus 7:25 helps readers follow the sequence and seriousness of God’s judgments, setting a pattern for the plagues that follow.