The 10 Plagues on Egypt in the Bible

The story of the 10 plagues on Egypt is one of the most dramatic parts of the Bible. Found in the book of Exodus, these plagues show God’s power and His desire to free the Israelites from slavery. Each plague challenged Egypt’s gods and Pharaoh’s stubborn heart. Below is a breakdown of each plague, along with the biblical references and meanings behind them.

1. Water Turned to Blood

Scripture: Exodus 7:20 – “Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord had commanded… and all the water in the Nile was turned to blood.”

The Nile River, Egypt’s lifeline, turned to blood. Fish died, and the water stank. Egyptians had to dig for clean water. This was a direct attack on the Nile god, Hapi, showing that God had power over life and nature.

2. Plague of Frogs

Scripture: Exodus 8:6 – “So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt.”

Frogs filled every home, bed, and oven. While frogs were sacred to the Egyptians, their overwhelming number made them a curse instead of a blessing. Even Pharaoh begged for relief but hardened his heart afterward.

3. Plague of Gnats

Scripture: Exodus 8:17 – “All the dust of the ground became gnats throughout the land of Egypt.”

Dust turned into gnats or lice, swarming people and animals. This showed God's control over even the smallest parts of creation. Pharaoh’s magicians admitted, “This is the finger of God” (Exodus 8:19).

4. Plague of Flies

Scripture: Exodus 8:24 – “Dense swarms of flies poured into Pharaoh’s palace and into the houses of his officials; throughout Egypt the land was ruined by the flies.”

God separated His people in Goshen from this plague. While Egypt suffered, God protected Israel, showing that He can shield His people in the middle of chaos.

5. Death of Livestock

Scripture: Exodus 9:6 – “All the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one animal belonging to the Israelites died.”

Egypt’s animals—horses, cattle, camels, sheep—died in one day. These animals were not just valuable, but many were linked to Egyptian gods. God proved those gods powerless.

6. Plague of Boils

Scripture: Exodus 9:10 – “Festering boils broke out on people and animals.”

Ashes thrown into the air became dust that caused painful sores. Even the magicians couldn’t stand before Moses. The physical pain reminded Pharaoh and his people that they could not resist God forever.

7. Plague of Hail

Scripture: Exodus 9:23-24 – “The Lord sent thunder and hail, and lightning flashed down to the ground. It was the worst storm in all the land of Egypt since it had become a nation.”

Hail destroyed crops and killed livestock. It came with fire, likely lightning, burning the earth. Again, God spared the land of Goshen. This storm showed God’s full power over nature.

8. Plague of Locusts

Scripture: Exodus 10:14-15 – “They covered all the ground… and devoured everything growing in the fields and the fruit on the trees.”

Whatever was left after the hail was now eaten by locusts. Egypt’s economy, food supply, and beauty were ruined. Pharaoh tried to negotiate, but his pride got in the way.

9. Plague of Darkness

Scripture: Exodus 10:22 – “So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days.”

This was not just night. It was a heavy, thick darkness. People could not see or move. But the Israelites had light in their homes. God showed He had power even over the sun god Ra.

10. Death of the Firstborn

Scripture: Exodus 12:29 – “At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt…”

This final plague was the most painful. Every Egyptian home without lamb’s blood on the door lost their firstborn. This event led to the first Passover and finally broke Pharaoh’s will. He let Israel go.

Summary Table of the 10 Plagues