Exodus 7:12

ESV For each man cast down his staff, and they became serpents. But Aaron 's staff swallowed up their staffs.

NIV Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs.

NASB For each one threw down his staff, and they turned into serpents. But Aaron’s staff swallowed their staffs.

CSB Each one threw down his staff, and it became a serpent. But Aaron’s staff swallowed their staffs.

NLT They threw down their staffs, which also became serpents! But then Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs.

KJV For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.

NKJV For every man threw down his rod, and they became serpents. But Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.

What does Exodus 7:12 mean?

Scripture does not specify how many Egyptian magicians were involved in this event (Exodus 7:10–11). Tradition associates the names Jannes and Jambres with Pharaoh's sorcerers (2 Timothy 3:8). Either by supernatural power granted by evil spirits, or through trickery, they have produced snakes from their own staves. This is enough to convince Pharaoh to ignore demands coming from Moses and Aaron. However, the serpent formed from Aaron's staff swallows the snakes made from the Egyptians' staves. Even if Pharaoh thought his sorcerers had real power, this should have been seen as a sign of God's supremacy.

Snakes are usually associated with evil or judgment (Genesis 3:1; 49:17; Revelation 12:9). In this context, the importance is in the Egyptian understanding of these images. Serpents were also among the religious symbols of ancient Egypt. Pharaohs wore images of cobras on their heads as symbols of their authority to rule. When the snakes of Egypt are swallowed, it shows that the power being demonstrated by the Lord will overwhelm and undo Pharaoh's power to rule over Israel (Exodus 3:19–20; 12:41).

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