What Were the Ten Plagues of Egypt?
What Were the Ten Plagues of Egypt? The ten plagues were divine judgments God sent upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites: blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock disease, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and the death of the firstborn.
Key verse: Exodus 7:17 (KJV)
The ten plagues were divine judgments God sent upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites: blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock disease, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and the death of the firstborn.
The ten plagues were divine judgments God sent upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites: blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock disease, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and the death of the firstborn.
"Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters." — Exodus 7:17 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Each plague escalated in severity and specifically targeted the gods of Egypt, demonstrating the LORD's supremacy. Water turned to blood struck at the Nile god Hapi. Frogs mocked the goddess Heqet. Lice and flies showed God's power over creation. Livestock disease challenged Hathor and Apis. Boils defeated Isis the healer. Hail and locusts destroyed agriculture, showing dominion over the sky and harvest gods. Three days of darkness directly challenged Ra, the sun god. The final plague—death of every firstborn—was the ultimate judgment, answered only by faith in God's provision: the blood of the Passover lamb on the doorposts. This progressive revelation of God's power serves as the foundational act of divine deliverance in the Old Testament.
Key Scripture References
"Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters."
"Against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD."
"And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is the Story of the Exodus?
The Exodus is the dramatic account of God delivering the Israelites from Egyptian slavery through Moses, the ten plagues, and the crossing of the Red Sea.
What Is the Passover in the Bible?
The Passover commemorates God sparing the Israelite firstborn in Egypt when the blood of a lamb was applied to their doorposts—a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice.
Who Wrote the Bible?
The Bible was written by approximately 40 human authors over 1,500 years, but ultimately inspired by God through the Holy Spirit.
Is the Bible True and Reliable?
Yes — the Bible's historical accuracy, fulfilled prophecy, internal consistency, and transformative power confirm its divine reliability.
How Many Books Are in the Bible?
The Bible contains 66 books — 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Were the Ten Plagues of Egypt?
History & Origins
How Did the Israelites End Up in Egypt?
History & Origins
The Plagues of Egypt
Exodus 7-12 • Exodus & Wilderness
The Ten Plagues of Egypt
Ten devastating signs by which God broke Pharaoh's pride and freed His people.
Ten Plagues of Egypt Quiz
God's judgments on Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt (Exodus 7-12).
Who Wrote the Bible?
History & Origins
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Exodus. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Exodus on day 24 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Were the Ten Plagues of Egypt?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.