Exodus 9:21 (KJV)

What does Exodus 9:21 mean?

Exodus 9:21 describes how some Egyptians ignored the warning from God, delivered through Moses, and left their servants and animals outside, unprotected from the coming hail. These people did not take God's message seriously and chose not to act, resulting in their servants and livestock being in danger.

In this verse, the story is set during the plagues in Egypt, where Moses is speaking to Pharaoh and the Egyptians on God's behalf. God had warned everyone to bring their people and animals indoors to avoid the deadly hail. Exodus 9:21 points out that not everyone listened—some disregarded the warning, showing a lack of respect or belief in God's word, and left their workers and animals exposed in the fields.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 9:21

• "Regarded" (שָׂם לֵב, sām lēv): This phrase means "to pay attention" or "to set one's heart on." In this context, it highlights that some Egyptians did not give careful thought or concern to God's warning.
• "Word" (דָּבָר, davar): This word means "message" or "command." Here, it refers specifically to the instruction God gave through Moses.
• "Left" (עָזַב, azav): This word means "to abandon" or "to leave behind." It emphasizes that these people made a conscious choice to leave their servants and cattle outside, rather than protect them.

Why Exodus 9:21 matters

• Exodus 9:21 shows that even after several plagues, some Egyptians still did not believe or respect God's warnings, highlighting the stubbornness and disbelief present in Pharaoh's court and among his people.
• The verse draws a clear line between those who responded to God's message and those who ignored it, setting up a contrast that runs throughout the story of the plagues.
• By mentioning both servants and cattle, Exodus 9:21 shows that the consequences of ignoring God's word affected not just property but also the lives of people under the Egyptians' care.