And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.

EXODUS 7:5KJV
truelightbible.com

Exodus 7:5 (KJV)

What does Exodus 7:5 mean?

Exodus 7:5 says that the Egyptians will recognize that the God of Israel is truly the LORD when He acts powerfully against Egypt and rescues the Israelites from their midst. The verse emphasizes that God's actions are meant to reveal His identity and authority, not only to Israel but also to the Egyptians.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses as He prepares to send plagues upon Egypt. The context is the confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh, where Pharaoh has refused to let the Israelites go. God explains that the coming signs and wonders are not just for Israel’s benefit, but are also meant to show Egypt who He is—making it clear that the LORD is not just a local deity, but the true God with power over nations.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 7:5

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, often translated as "the LORD." Its use here stresses that the God acting in Egypt is not a generic god, but the specific, covenant God of Israel.
  • know (יָדַע, yada‘): This Hebrew word means more than intellectual awareness; it often carries the sense of personal recognition or acknowledgment. The verse is saying that the Egyptians will come to truly recognize God’s identity and power.
  • hand (יָד, yad): In Hebrew, "hand" is a common symbol for power or action. When God says He will "stretch forth" His hand, it means He will act decisively and powerfully.
  • out (יָצָא, yatsa’): This verb means "to bring out" or "to lead out," highlighting God’s active role in delivering the Israelites from Egypt, not just allowing them to leave but personally making it happen.

Why Exodus 7:5 matters

  • Exodus 7:5 clarifies that the plagues and miracles are not only for Israel’s deliverance, but also serve to reveal God’s identity to the Egyptians, challenging their beliefs about their own gods.
  • The verse shows that God’s actions have a wider audience and purpose—He wants all people, not just Israel, to recognize His authority.
  • This verse sets up a major theme in Exodus: God’s power is made known through acts of judgment and salvation, and these acts are meant to bring about a deeper understanding of who He is.