And they did so; for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice in man, and in beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt.

EXODUS 8:17KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 8:17 (KJV)

What does Exodus 8:17 mean?

Exodus 8:17 describes how Aaron, following God’s instructions, stretched out his hand with his staff and struck the dust of the ground, causing the dust to become lice that infested both people and animals throughout all of Egypt. This verse shows the third plague God sent against Egypt, turning even the dust into a source of suffering.

In this scene, Aaron acts at Moses’ direction as part of God’s judgment on Pharaoh and the Egyptians for refusing to let the Israelites go. The transformation of dust into lice emphasizes the total reach of the plague—no person or animal was spared, and the very earth itself became a tool of affliction. This event is part of a series of escalating signs meant to show God’s power and to persuade Pharaoh.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 8:17

  • “Dust” (עָפָר, ʿāfār): The word for dust here points to the fine, loose particles of earth, highlighting how something as ordinary and widespread as dust was used to bring about the plague. It suggests that the plague was inescapable, affecting every corner of Egypt.
  • “Lice” (כִּנִּים, kinnim): The exact insect meant by this word is debated, but it is often understood as lice or gnats—tiny, irritating creatures. The choice of such a small pest shows that even the smallest things can become overwhelming when used as instruments of judgment.
  • “Smote” (נָכָה, nākhāh): This verb means to strike or hit, emphasizing Aaron’s active role in initiating the plague by physically striking the dust with his staff.

Why Exodus 8:17 matters

  • Exodus 8:17 makes clear that the plague was not a natural event but a direct act of God, using Aaron as His agent and transforming something as common as dust into a widespread affliction.
  • The verse highlights the totality of the plague—affecting both people and animals, and covering all the land of Egypt—showing that no one was beyond its reach.
  • This plague marks a turning point in the series of judgments, as it is the first that the Egyptian magicians could not replicate, underscoring the uniqueness and power of Israel’s God.

Where else these words appear

“lice” Hebrew H3654 · used in 5 verses

  • Exodus 8:16 And the LORD said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.
  • Exodus 8:18 And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast.
  • Psalms 105:31 He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts.

“dust” Hebrew H6083 · used in 103 verses

  • Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
  • Job 4:19 How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed before the moth?
  • Psalms 103:14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.