Jump to: ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Murrain is a term used in the Bible to describe a severe plague or pestilence that affects livestock, leading to widespread death among animals. This term is most notably associated with the fifth plague that God inflicted upon Egypt as recorded in the Book of Exodus. The Hebrew word for murrain is "דֶּבֶר" (dever), which can be translated as "pestilence" or "plague."Biblical Context The account of murrain is found in Exodus 9:1-7, where it is described as one of the ten plagues that God sent upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. The Berean Standard Bible renders the passage as follows: "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. But if you refuse to let them go and continue to hold them, then the hand of the LORD will bring a severe plague on your livestock in the field—on your horses, donkeys, camels, herds, and flocks. But the LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt, so that no animal belonging to the Israelites will die."’ The LORD set a time, saying, 'Tomorrow the LORD will do this in the land.' And the next day the LORD did just that. All the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one animal belonging to the Israelites died. Pharaoh sent officials to investigate, and indeed, not a single animal of the Israelites had died. But the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he would not let the people go." (Exodus 9:1-7) Theological Significance The plague of murrain serves as a demonstration of God's power and sovereignty over creation. It highlights the distinction God makes between His people and their oppressors, as none of the Israelites' livestock were affected. This distinction underscores the theme of divine protection and favor towards those who are in covenant with God. Theologically, murrain can be seen as a judgment against the false gods of Egypt, particularly those associated with fertility and livestock, such as Apis and Hathor. By striking at the heart of Egypt's agricultural economy and religious symbols, God reveals the impotence of these deities and asserts His supremacy. Historical and Cultural Context In the ancient Near East, livestock were a critical component of the economy and daily life. They provided food, clothing, and labor, and were often associated with wealth and prosperity. The sudden loss of livestock due to murrain would have had devastating economic and social consequences for the Egyptians, further intensifying the impact of the plague. The distinction made between the livestock of the Egyptians and the Israelites also served as a powerful sign to both the Egyptians and the Israelites of God's active involvement in the affairs of His people. It reinforced the message that God was not only the Creator but also the protector and deliverer of Israel. Murrain in Later Biblical References While the specific term "murrain" is not frequently used in later biblical texts, the concept of pestilence as a form of divine judgment recurs throughout Scripture. For example, in Deuteronomy 28:21, God warns Israel that disobedience will result in pestilence: "The LORD will make the pestilence cling to you until He has exterminated you from the land you are entering to possess." In summary, murrain in the biblical narrative serves as a powerful testament to God's judgment against sin and His protection of His covenant people. It is a vivid reminder of the consequences of hardening one's heart against God's commands and the ultimate futility of opposing His will. Easton's Bible Dictionary Hebrews deber, "destruction," a "great mortality", the fifth plague that fell upon the Egyptians (Exodus 9:3). It was some distemper that resulted in the sudden and widespread death of the cattle. It was confined to the cattle of the Egyptians that were in the field (9:6). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An infectious and fatal disease among cattle.2. (a.) Having, or afflicted with, murrain. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MURRAINmur'-in, mur'-en, mur'-an (debher): This name is given to a fatal cattle-disease, which was the fifth of the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 9:3), and which affected not only the flocks and herds, but also the camels, horses and asses. The record of its onset immediately after the plague of flies makes it probable that it was an epizootic, whose germs were carried by these insects as those of rinderpest or splenic fever may be. Cattle plagues have in recent years been very destructive in Egypt; many writers have given descriptions of the great devastation wrought by the outbreak in 1842. In this case Wittmann noted that contact with the putrid carcasses caused severe boils, a condition also recorded in Exodus as following the murrain. The very extensive spread of rinderpest within the last few years in many districts of Egypt has not yet been completely stamped out, even in spite of the use of antitoxic serum and the most rigid isolation. The word "murrain" is probably a variant of the Old French morine. It is used as an imprecation by Shakespeare and other Elizabethan writers, and is still applied by herdsmen to several forms of epidemic cattle sickness. Among early writers it was used as well for fatal plagues affecting men; thus, Lydgate (1494) speaks of the people "slain by that moreyne."nt that at least two witnesses must concur in any capital question (Numbers 35:19-30 Deuteronomy 17:6-12; Deuteronomy 19:12, 17). Under the monarchy the duty of executing justice on a murderer seems to have been assumed to some extent by the sovereign, who also had power to grant pardon (2 Samuel 13:39; 2 Samuel 14:7, 11 1 Kings 2:34). Strong's Hebrew 1698. deber -- pestilence... murrain, pestilence, plague. From dabar (in the sense of destroying); a pestilence -- murrain, pestilence, plague. see HEBREW dabar. 1697, 1698. deber. 1699 ... /hebrew/1698.htm - 6k Library The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New Full Redemption Separating the Precious from the Vile Exodus The Murket's Sacrifice At the Well Whether the Aforesaid Powers are More Infected than the Others? Treatise on the Priesthood. Book ii. Jesus Heals Two Gergesene Demoniacs. Strong Faith in a Faithful God Thesaurus Murrain (1 Occurrence)... 1. (n.) An infectious and fatal disease among cattle. 2. (a.) Having, or afflicted with, murrain. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MURRAIN. ... /m/murrain.htm - 9k Plagues (28 Occurrences) Murmurings (8 Occurrences) Oxen (176 Occurrences) Muscle (1 Occurrence) Plague (142 Occurrences) Pestilence (57 Occurrences) Boil (29 Occurrences) Asses (68 Occurrences) Egypt (596 Occurrences) Resources Murrain: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Murrain (1 Occurrence)Exodus 9:3 Subtopics Murrain (A Disease of Livestock): A Plague of Egypt Related Terms |
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