The 10 Plagues of Egypt in Order: A Biblical Overview

The story of the 10 plagues of Egypt is one of the most well-known parts of the Bible. These plagues were powerful signs from God, sent through Moses, to convince Pharaoh to let the Israelites go free from slavery. Each plague showed God's power and challenged Egypt’s false gods.

The story is found in the book of Exodus, chapters 7 through 12.

1. Water Turned to Blood

Reference: Exodus 7:20-21

Moses struck the Nile River with his staff, and the water turned into blood. Fish died, and the river smelled terrible. The Egyptians couldn’t drink from it.

“And all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank...” —Exodus 7:20-21 (KJV)

Purpose: God showed His power over Egypt’s main water source and the Nile god they worshiped.

2. Frogs

Reference: Exodus 8:6

Frogs came up from the river and covered the land. They were everywhere—in homes, beds, ovens, and bowls.

“And the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt.” —Exodus 8:6 (KJV)

Purpose: This plague mocked the frog-headed goddess Heqet and brought discomfort to daily life.

3. Lice (or Gnats)

Reference: Exodus 8:17-18

Aaron struck the dust with his staff, and it became lice or gnats. These tiny pests tormented people and animals.

“All the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt.” —Exodus 8:17 (KJV)

Purpose: Even the magicians of Egypt admitted, “This is the finger of God” (Exodus 8:19).

4. Flies

Reference: Exodus 8:24

God sent swarms of flies into Pharaoh’s house and all across Egypt. The land was ruined by them.

“And the land was corrupted by reason of the swarm of flies.” —Exodus 8:24 (KJV)

Purpose: The flies did not go to Goshen, where the Israelites lived, showing God’s protection over His people.

5. Disease on Livestock

Reference: Exodus 9:3-6

A terrible disease killed the Egyptians' horses, cattle, donkeys, camels, and sheep. None of the Israelite animals were harmed.

“And all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one.” —Exodus 9:6 (KJV)

Purpose: This plague hit Egypt’s economy and livestock gods like Apis and Hathor.

6. Boils

Reference: Exodus 9:10-11

Moses threw ashes into the air, and painful boils broke out on Egyptians and animals. Even Pharaoh’s magicians were affected.

“And it became a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast.” —Exodus 9:10 (KJV)

Purpose: God showed His power over health and over the Egyptian gods of healing.

7. Hail

Reference: Exodus 9:23-26

God sent thunder, hail, and fire (lightning) from the sky. It destroyed crops, trees, and animals in the field—except in Goshen.

“And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field... only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail.” —Exodus 9:25-26 (KJV)

Purpose: The plague challenged gods of weather and sky like Nut and Seth.

8. Locusts

Reference: Exodus 10:13-15

The east wind brought a swarm of locusts. They ate all the plants, fruits, and trees that remained after the hail.

“Before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such.” —Exodus 10:14 (KJV)

Purpose: Egypt’s food supply was destroyed, revealing their helplessness.

9. Darkness for Three Days

Reference: Exodus 10:22-23

A thick darkness covered Egypt for three days. People couldn’t see or move, but the Israelites had light in their homes.

“And there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days... but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.” —Exodus 10:22-23 (KJV)

Purpose: This plague humiliated Ra, the sun god of Egypt.

10. Death of the Firstborn

Reference: Exodus 12:29-30

At midnight, every Egyptian firstborn died—including Pharaoh’s son. But those who obeyed God and put lamb’s blood on their doors were spared. This became known as the first Passover.

“And it came to pass, that at midnight the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt... and there was a great cry in Egypt.” —Exodus 12:29-30 (KJV)

Purpose: Pharaoh finally let the Israelites go. God’s power and justice were made clear.

Summary Table of the 10 Plagues of Egypt