Exodus 7:9

ESV "When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Prove yourselves by working a miracle,’ then you shall say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and cast it down before Pharaoh, that it may become a serpent.’"

NIV "When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Perform a miracle,’ then say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a snake."

NASB When Pharaoh speaks to you, saying, ‘ Work a miracle,’ then you shall say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh, so that it may turn into a serpent.’?'

CSB "When Pharaoh tells you, ‘Perform a miracle,’ tell Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh. It will become a serpent.’"

NLT Pharaoh will demand, ‘Show me a miracle.’ When he does this, say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down in front of Pharaoh, and it will become a serpent. ’'

KJV When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.

NKJV “When Pharaoh speaks to you, saying, ‘Show a miracle for yourselves,’ then you shall say to Aaron, ‘Take your rod and cast it before Pharaoh, and let it become a serpent.’ ”

What does Exodus 7:9 mean?

When God first appointed Moses (Exodus 3:4–6, 10), He provided several miraculous signs (Exodus 4:2–4, 6–7, 9). These are meant as proofs that Moses is bringing a message from God, not merely a human preference. The first of these signs is changing a staff into a snake (Exodus 7:10, 12, 15). In the Bible, snakes are often associated with evil (Genesis 3:1, 13; 49:17) and judgment (Numbers 21:6–9). They were also among the religious icons used by Egyptians.

As predicted (Exodus 3:19–20), Pharaoh will not be convinced by this supernatural act (Exodus 7:13). His own magicians duplicate the feat—at least well enough to fool Pharaoh. However, Aaron's snake will swallow the others (Exodus 7:12). Even that will not be enough to break through the Egyptian king's obstinate spirit.

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