Exodus 11:4
New International Version
So Moses said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt.

New Living Translation
Moses had announced to Pharaoh, “This is what the LORD says: At midnight tonight I will pass through the heart of Egypt.

English Standard Version
So Moses said, “Thus says the LORD: ‘About midnight I will go out in the midst of Egypt,

Berean Standard Bible
So Moses declared, “This is what the LORD says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt,

King James Bible
And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:

New King James Version
Then Moses said, “Thus says the LORD: ‘About midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt;

New American Standard Bible
Then Moses said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘About midnight I am going out into the midst of Egypt,

NASB 1995
Moses said, “Thus says the LORD, ‘About midnight I am going out into the midst of Egypt,

NASB 1977
And Moses said, “Thus says the LORD, ‘About midnight I am going out into the midst of Egypt,

Legacy Standard Bible
So Moses said, “Thus says Yahweh, ‘About midnight I am going out into the midst of Egypt,

Amplified Bible
Then Moses said, “Thus says the LORD: ‘At midnight I am going out into the midst of Egypt,

Christian Standard Bible
So Moses said, “This is what the LORD says: About midnight I will go throughout Egypt,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Moses said, “This is what Yahweh says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt,

American Standard Version
And Moses said, Thus saith Jehovah, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:

Contemporary English Version
Moses went to the king and said: I have come to let you know what the LORD is going to do. About midnight he will go through the land of Egypt,

English Revised Version
And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Moses said, "This is what the LORD says: About midnight I will go out among the Egyptians.

Good News Translation
Moses then said to the king, "The LORD says, 'At about midnight I will go through Egypt,

International Standard Version
So Moses announced to Pharaoh, "This is what the LORD says: 'About midnight I'm going throughout Egypt,

Majority Standard Bible
So Moses declared, “This is what the LORD says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt,

NET Bible
Moses said, "Thus says the LORD: 'About midnight I will go throughout Egypt,

New Heart English Bible
And Moses said, "This is what the LORD says: 'About midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt,

Webster's Bible Translation
And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:

World English Bible
Moses said, “This is what Yahweh says: ‘About midnight I will go out into the middle of Egypt,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Moses says, “Thus said YHWH: About midnight I am going out into the midst of Egypt,

Young's Literal Translation
And Moses saith, 'Thus said Jehovah, About midnight I am going out into the midst of Egypt,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Moses will say, Thus said Jehovah, About the middle of the night I will go forth into the midst of Egypt.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he said: Thus said the Lord: At midnight I will enter into Egypt.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he said: “Thus says the Lord: ‘In the middle of the night I will enter into Egypt.

New American Bible
Moses then said, “Thus says the LORD: About midnight I will go forth through Egypt.

New Revised Standard Version
Moses said, “Thus says the LORD: About midnight I will go out through Egypt.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Moses said, Thus says the LORD, About midnight I will go forth into the midst of Egypt;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Moshe said, “Thus says LORD JEHOVAH, ‘At midnight I go out within Egypt:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Moses said: 'Thus saith the LORD: About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Moses said, These things saith the Lord, About midnight I go forth into the midst of Egypt.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Plague on the Firstborn Foretold
3And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt by Pharaoh’s officials and by the people. 4So Moses declared, “This is what the LORD says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt, 5and every firstborn son in the land of Egypt will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, to the firstborn of the servant girl behind the hand mill, as well as the firstborn of all the cattle.…

Cross References
Exodus 12:29-30
Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as all the firstborn among the livestock. / During the night Pharaoh got up—he and all his officials and all the Egyptians—and there was loud wailing in Egypt; for there was no house without someone dead.

Psalm 78:49-51
He unleashed His fury against them, wrath, indignation, and calamity—a band of destroying angels. / He cleared a path for His anger; He did not spare them from death but delivered their lives to the plague. / He struck all the firstborn of Egypt, the virility in the tents of Ham.

Psalm 105:36
Then He struck all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their vigor.

Hebrews 11:28
By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch Israel’s own firstborn.

Numbers 33:4
who were burying all their firstborn, whom the LORD had struck down among them; for the LORD had executed judgment against their gods.

Psalm 136:10
He struck down the firstborn of Egypt His loving devotion endures forever.

Acts 7:36
He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness.

Revelation 11:6
These witnesses have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall during the days of their prophecy, and power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish.

1 Corinthians 10:10-11
And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel. / Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.

Romans 9:17
For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”

Exodus 4:23
and I told you to let My son go so that he may worship Me. But since you have refused to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son!’”

Exodus 12:12
On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD.

Exodus 12:23
When the LORD passes through to strike down the Egyptians, He will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway; so He will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.

Exodus 12:27
you are to reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He struck down the Egyptians and spared our homes.’” Then the people bowed down and worshiped.

Exodus 12:29
Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as all the firstborn among the livestock.


Treasury of Scripture

And Moses said, Thus said the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the middle of Egypt:

about

Exodus 12:12,23,29
For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD…

Job 34:20
In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.

Amos 4:10
I have sent among you the pestilence after the manner of Egypt: your young men have I slain with the sword, and have taken away your horses; and I have made the stink of your camps to come up unto your nostrils: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

will I go

2 Samuel 5:24
And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.

Psalm 60:10
Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies?

Isaiah 42:13
The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies.

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Exodus 11
1. God's message to the Israelites to borrow jewels of their neighbors
4. Moses threatens Pharaoh with the death the firstborn














So Moses declared
This phrase indicates the role of Moses as a prophet and leader, chosen by God to communicate His will to the people. The Hebrew root for "declared" is "אָמַר" (amar), which means to say or speak. This highlights the authority and responsibility Moses carries as God's spokesperson. Historically, Moses' declarations were pivotal in guiding the Israelites and confronting Pharaoh, emphasizing the power of divine communication through chosen individuals.

This is what the LORD says
The phrase underscores the divine origin of the message. "LORD" in Hebrew is "יהוה" (YHWH), the sacred name of God, often rendered as Yahweh. This name signifies God's eternal presence and covenantal faithfulness. The use of "says" (Hebrew "אָמַר" - amar) again emphasizes the direct communication from God, reinforcing the authority and certainty of the message. In the biblical narrative, this phrase is a common prophetic formula, ensuring that the audience understands the message is not of human origin but divine.

About midnight
The specific timing, "about midnight," is significant. In ancient cultures, midnight was often seen as a time of deep darkness and vulnerability, symbolizing a moment of divine intervention. The Hebrew word for "midnight" is "חֲצוֹת הַלַּיְלָה" (chatzot halaylah), which literally means the division of the night. This timing underscores the sudden and unexpected nature of God's actions, serving as a reminder of His sovereignty over time and events.

I will go throughout Egypt
This phrase indicates God's direct involvement in the forthcoming judgment. The Hebrew verb "אָבוֹא" (avo) means "I will go" or "I will come," suggesting a personal and active presence. The mention of "Egypt" (Hebrew "מִצְרַיִם" - Mitzrayim) is significant as it represents the land of oppression for the Israelites. God's movement throughout Egypt signifies His power to execute judgment and deliver His people, fulfilling His promises. This action is a pivotal moment in the Exodus narrative, demonstrating God's supremacy over earthly powers and His commitment to His covenant people.

(4) And Moses said.--In continuation of the speech recorded in Exodus 10:29, face to face with Pharaoh, Moses makes his last appeal--utters his last threats. The Pharaoh has bidden him "see his face no more" (Exodus 10:28), and he has accepted the warning, and declared "I will see thy face again no more" (Exodus 10:29). It is the last interview--the last interchange of speech. Moses had to deliver himself of a message. Hardened as his heart is, Pharaoh is yet to be allowed "a place for repentance" God announces to him, by the mouth of Moses, the coming destruction of the firstborn--emphasizes the terrible nature of the impending calamity by the announcement that through all Egypt there would be "a great cry"--contrasts with their despair the absolute immunity of the Israelites--and finally warns the Pharaoh that he and his people will shortly urge the departure which they now refuse to permit. If Pharaoh had even now relented, it was not too late--the great blows might have been escaped, the death of the firstborn and the destruction of the armed force in the Red Sea. But he had "hardened himself," and then "been hardened," until, practically, the time for relenting was gone by. He remained obdurate, and "would not let the children of Israel go out of his land" (Exodus 11:10).

About midnight.--The particular night was not specified; and the torment of suspense was thus added to the pain of an unintermittent fear. But the dreadful visitation was to come at the dreadest hour of the twenty-four--midnight. Thus much was placed beyond doubt.

Verses 4-8. - The writer returns here to his account of the last interview between Moses and Pharaoh, repeating the introductory words of Exodus 10:29 - "and Moses said." Having accepted his dismissal, and declared that he would not see the face of Pharaoh any more (ibid.), Moses, before quitting the presence, proceeded to announce the last plague, prefacing the announcement, as usual (Exodus 7:17; Exodus 8:2; Exodus 9:1, 13; Exodus 10:3), with the solemn declaration, which showed that he acted in the matter merely as God's instrument - " Thus saith Jehovah." He makes the announcement with the utmost plainness, noting the exact Lime of the visitation (ver. 4) - its extent (ver. 5) - the terrible "cry" that would follow (ver. 6) the complete exemption of the Israelites (ver. 7) - the message which Pharaoh would send him by his servants, to depart at once - and his own intention of acting on it (ver. 8). Then, without waiting for a reply, in hot anger at the prolonged obstinacy of the monarch, he went out. Verse 4. - About midnight. - Compare Exodus 12:29. It would add to the horror of the infliction that it should come in the depth of the night. Probably the night intended was not the next night, but one left purposely indefinite, that terror and suspense might work upon the mind of Pharaoh. Shall I go out. The word "I" is repressed in the original, and is emphatic. This crowning plague Jehovah inflicts by no instrumentality, but takes wholly upon himself. (See Exodus 12:12, 13, 23, 27, 29.)

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So Moses
מֹשֶׁ֔ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

declared,
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“This is what
כֹּ֖ה (kōh)
Adverb
Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now

the LORD
יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

says:
אָמַ֣ר (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘About midnight
כַּחֲצֹ֣ת (ka·ḥă·ṣōṯ)
Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2676: Division, middle

I
אֲנִ֥י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

will go
יוֹצֵ֖א (yō·w·ṣê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

throughout
בְּת֥וֹךְ (bə·ṯō·wḵ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre

Egypt,
מִצְרָֽיִם׃ (miṣ·rā·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa


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