Exodus 9:1
New International Version
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: “Let my people go, so that they may worship me.”

New Living Translation
“Go back to Pharaoh,” the LORD commanded Moses. “Tell him, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let my people go, so they can worship me.

English Standard Version
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, “Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Berean Standard Bible
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and tell him that this is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may worship Me.

King James Bible
Then the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

New King James Version
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and tell him, ‘Thus says the LORD God of the Hebrews: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.

New American Standard Bible
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and speak to him, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews says: “Let My people go, so that they may serve Me.

NASB 1995
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and speak to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.

NASB 1977
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and speak to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Yahweh said to Moses, “Come to Pharaoh and speak to him, ‘Thus says Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.

Amplified Bible
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and tell him, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews: “Let My people go, so that they may serve Me.

Christian Standard Bible
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him: This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him: This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let My people go, so that they may worship Me.

American Standard Version
Then Jehovah said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD sent Moses with this message for the king of Egypt: The LORD God of the Hebrews commands you to let his people go, so they can worship him.

English Revised Version
Then the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh, and tell him, 'This is what the LORD God of the Hebrews says: Let my people go to worship me.

Good News Translation
The LORD said to Moses, "Go to the king and tell him that the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says, 'Let my people go, so that they may worship me.

International Standard Version
Then the LORD told Moses, "Go to Pharaoh and say to him, 'This is what the LORD God of the Hebrews says: "Let my people go so they may serve me.

Majority Standard Bible
Then the LORD said to Moses, ?Go to Pharaoh and tell him that this is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: ?Let My people go, so that they may worship Me.

NET Bible
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh and tell him, 'Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, "Release my people that they may serve me!

New Heart English Bible
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go in to Pharaoh, and tell him, 'This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: "Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then the LORD said to Moses, Go in to Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

World English Bible
Then Yahweh said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh, and tell him, ‘This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: “Let my people go, that they may serve me.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And YHWH says to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh, and you have spoken to him, Thus said YHWH, God of the Hebrews: Send My people away, and they serve Me,

Young's Literal Translation
And Jehovah saith unto Moses, 'Go in unto Pharaoh, and thou hast spoken unto him, Thus said Jehovah, God of the Hebrews, Send My people away, and they serve me,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehovah will say to Moses, Go to Pharaoh, and speak to him, Thus said Jehovah, the God of the Hebrews, Send forth my people and they shall serve me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Lord said to Moses: Go in to Pharao, and speak to him: Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews: Let my people go to sacrifice to me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the Lord said to Moses: “Enter to Pharaoh, and say to him: ‘Thus says the Lord God of the Hebrews: Release my people, to sacrifice to me.

New American Bible
Then the LORD said to Moses: Go to Pharaoh and tell him: Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews: Let my people go to serve me.

New Revised Standard Version
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh, and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews: Let my people go, so that they may worship me.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
THEN the LORD said to Moses, Go to Pharaoh and say to him, Thus says the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go that they may serve me.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And LORD JEHOVAH said to Moshe: “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says LORD JEHOVAH, God of the Hebrews, “Send out my people and they will serve me.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then the LORD said unto Moses: 'Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him: Thus saith the LORD, the God of the Hebrews: Let My people go, that they may serve Me.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the Lord said to Moses, Go in to Pharao, and thou shalt say to him, These things saith the Lord God of the Hebrews; Send my people away that they may serve me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Fifth Plague: Livestock
1Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and tell him that this is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may worship Me. 2But if you continue to restrain them and refuse to let them go,…

Cross References
Exodus 5:1
After that, Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.’”

Exodus 8:1
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and tell him that this is what the LORD says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may worship Me.

Exodus 10:3
So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and told him, “This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go, so that they may worship Me.

Exodus 7:16
Then say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to tell you: Let My people go, so that they may worship Me in the wilderness. But until now you have not listened.

Exodus 3:18
The elders of Israel will listen to what you say, and you must go with them to the king of Egypt and tell him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Now please let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness, so that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.’

Exodus 4:22-23
Then tell Pharaoh that this is what the LORD says: ‘Israel is My firstborn son, / 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 6:11
“Go and tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the Israelites go out of his land.”

Exodus 12:31
Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Get up, leave my people, both you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested.

Exodus 13:15
And when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both of man and beast. This is why I sacrifice to the LORD the firstborn male of every womb, but I redeem all the firstborn of my sons.’

Exodus 14:5
When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, “What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us.”

Deuteronomy 6:21
then you are to tell him, “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

Psalm 105:26-36
He sent Moses His servant, and Aaron, whom He had chosen. / They performed His miraculous signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham. / He sent darkness, and it became dark—yet they defied His words. ...

Psalm 135:8-9
He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, of both man and beast. / He sent signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants.

Acts 7:34
I have indeed seen the oppression of My people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’

Acts 13:17
The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers. He made them into a great people during their stay in Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He led them out of that land.


Treasury of Scripture

Then the LORD said to Moses, Go in to Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus said the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Exodus 9:13
And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Exodus 3:18
And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.

Exodus 4:22,23
And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: …

Jump to Previous
Hebrews Moses Pharaoh Serve Speak Worship
Jump to Next
Hebrews Moses Pharaoh Serve Speak Worship
Exodus 9
1. The plague on livestock
8. The plague of boils
13. The message of Moses about the hail,
22. The plague of hail
27. Pharaoh pleads with Moses, but yet is hardened














Then the LORD said to Moses
This phrase indicates direct divine communication, emphasizing the role of Moses as a prophet and mediator between God and the Israelites. It reflects the ongoing relationship and dialogue between God and Moses, which is a central theme in the Exodus narrative. This communication underscores the authority and divine backing Moses has in confronting Pharaoh.

Go to Pharaoh
Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, is a central figure in the Exodus story. His hardened heart and resistance to God's commands set the stage for the plagues. Egypt, at this time, was a powerful and influential civilization, and Pharaoh was considered a god-king, which makes Moses' mission both dangerous and significant. This command to "go" highlights the courage and faith required of Moses.

and tell him that this is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says
This phrase establishes the authority of the message. The title "the God of the Hebrews" distinguishes Yahweh from the Egyptian pantheon and asserts His sovereignty over His people. It also serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The use of "says" indicates a prophetic declaration, demanding Pharaoh's attention and compliance.

‘Let My people go
This demand is central to the Exodus narrative. It is a call for liberation and freedom from slavery, reflecting God's concern for justice and His power to deliver. The phrase "My people" emphasizes God's ownership and protective relationship with the Israelites. This command is repeated throughout the plagues, highlighting its importance and the persistent resistance of Pharaoh.

so that they may worship Me
The purpose of the Israelites' release is not merely freedom but to serve and worship God. This reflects the biblical theme that true freedom is found in serving God. Worship here implies a covenantal relationship and obedience to God's commands. It foreshadows the giving of the Law at Sinai and the establishment of Israel as a nation dedicated to God. This phrase also points to the ultimate purpose of redemption, which is to bring people into right relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is demonstrating His power and sovereignty over Egypt and its gods.

2. Moses
The chosen leader and prophet of Israel, tasked with delivering God's message to Pharaoh.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened against releasing the Israelites.

4. The Hebrews (Israelites)
God's chosen people, enslaved in Egypt, whom God desires to free for worship.

5. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved, representing a place of bondage and opposition to God's will.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty
Recognize that God is in control and His plans will prevail, even against the most powerful earthly rulers.

Purpose of Freedom
Understand that God desires our freedom not just for its own sake, but so that we may worship and serve Him wholeheartedly.

Obedience to God's Call
Like Moses, we are called to be obedient messengers of God's truth, even in the face of opposition.

The Hardness of Heart
Reflect on the dangers of a hardened heart, as seen in Pharaoh, and seek to remain open and responsive to God's voice.

Worship as a Priority
Prioritize worship in our lives, recognizing it as a central reason for our deliverance and relationship with God.IX.

THE FIFTH PLAGUE.

(1-3) The nature of the fifth plague is manifest, and admits of no dispute. It was a rinderpest, or murrain upon cattle; which, however, unlike most similar disorders, attacked the greater number of the domesticated animals--horses, asses, camels, oxen, and sheep. Thus it was "very grievous" (Exodus 9:3). Horses were highly prized by the Egyptians, and were a comparatively recent importation, having been unknown before the time of the seventeenth, or "Shepherd" Dynasty. They were at first used only in war; then by rich men, in peace, to draw their chariots. They had now, however, it would seem, come to be employed also in agriculture. (Note the words "in the field.") Asses were the ordinary beasts of burthen, and abounded in Egypt anciently as indeed they do at the present day. The Egyptian monuments mention cases where a single landowner owned as many as seven or eight hundred of them. Camels are not represented by the Egyptian sculptors, but are mentioned in the inscriptions (Chabas, Etudes sur l' Antiquite Historique, pp. 400-413), and must have been employed in the trade between Egypt and the Sinaitic peninsula. Both oxen and sheep were numerous, and constituted a great part of the wealth of individuals. The plague fell upon such animals as were "in the field" at the time--i.e., in the open air, and not confined in stables or sheds. It was the Egyptian practice to house a considerable portion of their cattle; but at the probable season of this plague--December or January--the majority would be in the pastures. Thus the Egyptian losses were very heavy, and the king, no doubt, suffered with the rest, for the Egyptian monarchs were large cattle-owners (Genesis 47:6; Genesis 47:17), The Pharaoh was, however, less impressed by this plague than by the fourth, and made no sign of submission.

Verse 1. - Excepting in the designation of Jehovah as "the Lord God of the Hebrews," this verse is an almost exact repetition of the first verse of ch. 8. Such repetitious are very characteristic of the most ancient writings.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

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

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

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

“Go
בֹּ֖א (bō)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Pharaoh
פַּרְעֹ֑ה (par·‘ōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings

and tell
וְדִבַּרְתָּ֣ (wə·ḏib·bar·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

him that
אֵלָ֗יו (’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

this is what
כֹּֽה־ (kōh-)
Adverb
Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now

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

the God
אֱלֹהֵ֣י (’ĕ·lō·hê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

of the Hebrews,
הָֽעִבְרִ֔ים (hā·‘iḇ·rîm)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 5680: Hebrews -- perhaps descendant of Eber, also another name for an Israelite

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

‘Let My people
עַמִּ֖י (‘am·mî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

go,
שַׁלַּ֥ח (šal·laḥ)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

so that they may worship Me.
וְיַֽעַבְדֻֽנִי׃ (wə·ya·‘aḇ·ḏu·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural | first person common singular
Strong's 5647: To work, to serve, till, enslave


Links
Exodus 9:1 NIV
Exodus 9:1 NLT
Exodus 9:1 ESV
Exodus 9:1 NASB
Exodus 9:1 KJV

Exodus 9:1 BibleApps.com
Exodus 9:1 Biblia Paralela
Exodus 9:1 Chinese Bible
Exodus 9:1 French Bible
Exodus 9:1 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Exodus 9:1 Then Yahweh said to Moses Go (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 8:32
Top of Page
Top of Page