Exodus 10:5
New International Version
They will cover the face of the ground so that it cannot be seen. They will devour what little you have left after the hail, including every tree that is growing in your fields.

New Living Translation
They will cover the land so that you won’t be able to see the ground. They will devour what little is left of your crops after the hailstorm, including all the trees growing in the fields.

English Standard Version
and they shall cover the face of the land, so that no one can see the land. And they shall eat what is left to you after the hail, and they shall eat every tree of yours that grows in the field,

Berean Standard Bible
They will cover the face of the land so that no one can see it. They will devour whatever is left after the hail and eat every tree that grows in your fields.

King James Bible
And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remaineth unto you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field:

New King James Version
And they shall cover the face of the earth, so that no one will be able to see the earth; and they shall eat the residue of what is left, which remains to you from the hail, and they shall eat every tree which grows up for you out of the field.

New American Standard Bible
And they will cover the surface of the land, so that no one will be able to see the land. They will also eat the rest of what has survived—what is left to you from the hail—and they will eat every tree of yours which grows in the field.

NASB 1995
‘They shall cover the surface of the land, so that no one will be able to see the land. They will also eat the rest of what has escaped— what is left to you from the hail— and they will eat every tree which sprouts for you out of the field.

NASB 1977
‘And they shall cover the surface of the land, so that no one shall be able to see the land. They shall also eat the rest of what has escaped—what is left to you from the hail—and they shall eat every tree which sprouts for you out of the field.

Legacy Standard Bible
And they shall cover the surface of the land, so that no one will be able to see the land. They will also eat the rest of what has escaped—what remains for you from the hail—and they will eat every tree which sprouts for you out of the field.

Amplified Bible
They shall cover the [visible] surface of the land, so that no one will be able to see the ground, and they will eat the rest of what has remained—that is, the vegetation left after the hail—and they will eat every one of your trees that grows in the field;

Christian Standard Bible
They will cover the surface of the land so that no one will be able to see the land. They will eat the remainder left to you that escaped the hail; they will eat every tree you have growing in the fields.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They will cover the surface of the land so that no one will be able to see the land. They will eat the remainder left to you that escaped the hail; they will eat every tree you have growing in the fields.

American Standard Version
and they shall cover the face of the earth, so that one shall not be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remaineth unto you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field:

Contemporary English Version
that you won't be able to see the ground. Most of your crops were ruined by the hailstones, but these locusts will destroy what little is left, including the trees.

English Revised Version
and they shall cover the face of the earth, that one shall not be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remaineth unto you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They will cover the land so that the ground can't be seen. They will eat everything left by the hail, including every tree still standing in the fields.

Good News Translation
There will be so many that they will completely cover the ground. They will eat everything that the hail did not destroy, even the trees that are left.

International Standard Version
They'll cover the surface of the land so a person cannot see the ground, and they'll eat what is left for you of the residue from the hail. They'll also eat all your trees that grow in the orchards.

Majority Standard Bible
They will cover the face of the land so that no one can see it. They will devour whatever is left after the hail and eat every tree that grows in your fields.

NET Bible
They will cover the surface of the earth, so that you will be unable to see the ground. They will eat the remainder of what escaped--what is left over for you--from the hail, and they will eat every tree that grows for you from the field.

New Heart English Bible
and they shall cover the surface of the earth, so that one won't be able to see the earth. They shall eat the residue of that which has escaped, which remains to you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which grows for you out of the field.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which hath escaped, which remaineth to you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field:

World English Bible
and they shall cover the surface of the earth, so that one won’t be able to see the earth. They shall eat the residue of that which has escaped, which remains to you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which grows for you out of the field.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and it has covered the eye of the land, and none is able to see the land, and it has eaten the remnant of that which is escaped, which is left to you from the hail, and it has eaten every tree which is springing out of the field for you;

Young's Literal Translation
and it hath covered the eye of the land, and none is able to see the land, and it hath eaten the remnant of that which is escaped, which is left to you from the hail, and it hath eaten every tree which is springing for you out of the field;

Smith's Literal Translation
And it covered the eye of the earth, and he shall not be able to see the earth: and it shall eat the remainder of that escaping, being left to you from the hail; and it shall eat every tree springing up to you out of the field.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
To cover the face of the earth that nothing thereof may appear, but that which the hail hath left may be eaten: for they shall feed upon all the trees that spring in the fields.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they shall cover the face of the earth, lest any part of it be seen. Yes, and what remains from the hail shall be eaten. For they will gnaw away all the trees that spring up in the fields.

New American Bible
They will cover the surface of the earth, so that the earth itself will not be visible. They will eat up the remnant you saved undamaged from the hail, as well as all the trees that are growing in your fields.

New Revised Standard Version
They shall cover the surface of the land, so that no one will be able to see the land. They shall devour the last remnant left you after the hail, and they shall devour every tree of yours that grows in the field.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they shall cover the face of the land so that men cannot see the ground; and they shall eat the residue of that which is left to you from the hail and shall eat all the trees which have budded for you in the field;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it will cover the face of the land, and a son of man will be unable to see the land and it will eat the rest of anything that the hail has left for you and it will eat of all of the trees, those that have budded to you in the field:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and they shall cover the face of the earth, that one shall not be able to see the earth; and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remaineth unto you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they shall cover the face of the earth, and thou shalt not be able to see the earth; and they shall devour all that is left of the abundance of the earth, which the hail has left you, and shall devour every tree that grows for you on the land.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Eighth Plague: Locusts
4But if you refuse to let My people go, I will bring locusts into your territory tomorrow. 5They will cover the face of the land so that no one can see it. They will devour whatever is left after the hail and eat every tree that grows in your fields. 6They will fill your houses and the houses of all your officials and every Egyptian—something neither your fathers nor your grandfathers have seen since the day they came into this land.’ ” Then Moses turned and left Pharaoh’s presence.…

Cross References
Joel 1:4
What the devouring locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust has left, the young locust has eaten; and what the young locust has left, the destroying locust has eaten.

Joel 2:25
I will repay you for the years eaten by locusts—the swarming locust, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust—My great army that I sent against you.

Psalm 105:34-35
He spoke, and the locusts came—young locusts without number. / They devoured every plant in their land and consumed the produce of their soil.

Deuteronomy 28:38
You will sow much seed in the field but harvest little, because the locusts will consume it.

Nahum 3:15-17
There the fire will devour you; the sword will cut you down and consume you like a young locust. Make yourself many like the young locust; make yourself many like the swarming locust! / You have multiplied your merchants more than the stars of the sky. The young locust strips the land and flies away. / Your guards are like the swarming locust, and your scribes like clouds of locusts that settle on the walls on a cold day. When the sun rises, they fly away, and no one knows where.

Revelation 9:3-4
And out of the smoke, locusts descended on the earth, and they were given power like that of the scorpions of the earth. / They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.

Judges 6:5
For the Midianites came with their livestock and their tents like a great swarm of locusts. They and their camels were innumerable, and they entered the land to ravage it.

Judges 7:12
Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore.

Isaiah 33:4
Your spoil, O nations, is gathered as by locusts; like a swarm of locusts men sweep over it.

Jeremiah 46:23
They will chop down her forest, declares the LORD, dense though it may be, for they are more numerous than locusts; they cannot be counted.

Amos 4:9
“I struck you with blight and mildew in your growing gardens and vineyards; the locust devoured your fig and olive trees, yet you did not return to Me,” declares the LORD.

1 Kings 8:37
When famine or plague comes upon the land, or blight or mildew or locusts or grasshoppers, or when their enemy besieges them in their cities, whatever plague or sickness may come,

Proverbs 30:27
the locusts have no king, yet they all advance in formation;

Revelation 9:7-10
And the locusts looked like horses prepared for battle, with something like crowns of gold on their heads; and their faces were like the faces of men. / They had hair like that of women, and teeth like those of lions. / They also had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the roar of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. ...

Psalm 78:46
He gave their crops to the grasshopper, the fruit of their labor to the locust.


Treasury of Scripture

And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remains to you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which grows for you out of the field:

face.

Exodus 8:15
But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

the residue

Exodus 9:32
But the wheat and the rie were not smitten: for they were not grown up.

Joel 1:4
That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpiller eaten.

Joel 2:25
And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

Jump to Previous
Able Cover Covered Crushed Damaged Destruction Devour Earth Eat Eaten Escaped Eye Face Field Fields Ground Groweth Growing Grows Hail Ice-Storm Including Little Remaining Residue Rest Sprouts Surface Tree Won't
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Able Cover Covered Crushed Damaged Destruction Devour Earth Eat Eaten Escaped Eye Face Field Fields Ground Groweth Growing Grows Hail Ice-Storm Including Little Remaining Residue Rest Sprouts Surface Tree Won't
Exodus 10
1. God threatens to send locusts
7. Pharaoh, moved by his servants, inclines to let the Israelites go
12. The plague of the locusts
16. Pharaoh entreats Moses
21. The plague of darkness
24. Pharaoh again entreats Moses, but yet is hardened














They will cover the face of the land
This phrase speaks to the overwhelming nature of the plague of locusts that God is about to unleash upon Egypt. The Hebrew word for "cover" is "kasah," which implies a complete and total covering, leaving nothing exposed. This imagery is significant as it demonstrates the power and thoroughness of God's judgment. Historically, locust swarms have been known to devastate entire regions, and this would have been a terrifying prospect for the Egyptians, who relied heavily on their land for sustenance.

so that no one will be able to see the ground
The phrase emphasizes the severity of the locust plague. The Hebrew word for "ground" is "erets," which can also mean "land" or "earth." This indicates that the locusts will be so numerous that they will obscure the very earth itself, symbolizing a complete and utter desolation. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a metaphor for how sin can obscure our vision and understanding, preventing us from seeing the truth.

They will devour what little you have left
The word "devour" comes from the Hebrew "akal," which means to consume or eat up. This is a vivid depiction of the locusts' destructive power, leaving nothing behind. The phrase "what little you have left" refers to the remnants of crops that survived the previous plagues. This serves as a reminder of the cumulative nature of God's judgments and the futility of relying on earthly resources when they are not aligned with God's will.

after the hail
This phrase situates the locust plague within the broader context of the plagues of Egypt. The hail was the seventh plague, and it had already caused significant damage to the crops and livestock. The locusts, as the eighth plague, are a continuation of God's judgment, demonstrating His sovereignty and the seriousness of Pharaoh's hardened heart. Historically, this sequence of plagues would have been a devastating blow to the Egyptian economy and society.

including every tree that is growing in your fields
The Hebrew word for "tree" is "ets," which can also refer to wood or timber. Trees were a vital resource in ancient Egypt, used for food, building, and fuel. The locusts' consumption of every tree signifies a total stripping away of resources, leaving the land barren. This can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual barrenness that results from disobedience to God. In a broader biblical context, trees often symbolize life and prosperity, and their destruction here underscores the severity of God's judgment.

(5) They shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth.--This is the case almost invariably with all the severer visitations of locusts. "The plain was covered with them," says Denon (Travels, p. 286), speaking of Egypt. "The ground is covered with them for several leagues," declares Volney (Travels, vol. i., p. 285)." Over an area of 1,600 or 1,800 square miles," observes Barrow, "the whole surface might literally be said to be covered with them." The Hebrew name, which means "multitudinous," is thus very appropriate.

They shall eat the residue of that which is escaped . . . every tree.--Comp. Exodus 9:32. The description of Joel has never been surpassed: "A fire devoureth before them, and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them" (Joel 2:3). Comp. Volney (50s.100): "When their swarms appear, everything green vanishes instantaneously from the fields, as if a curtain were rolled up; the trees and plants stand leafless, and nothing is seen but naked boughs and stalks." Very graphic is Joel again in respect of this last feature: "He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig-tree: he hath made it clean bare, and cast it away; the branches thereof are made white" (Joel 1:7). Nor is it only shrubs, but even trees, that suffer. "They are particularly injurious to the palm-trees," says Burckhardt; "these they strip of everv leaf and green particle, the trees remaining like skeletons, with bare branches."

Verse 5. - They shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth. This is one of the points most frequently noticed by travellers. "The ground is covered with them for several leagues," says Volney. "The steppes," says Clarke, "were entirely covered by their bodies." "Over an area of 1600 or 1800 square miles," observes Barrow, "the whole surface might literally be said to be covered with them." They shall eat the residue of that which escaped. Locusts eat every atom of verdure in the district attacked by them. "In A.D. ," says Barhebraeus, "a large swarm of locusts appeared in the land of Mosul and Baghdad, and it was very grievous in Shiraz. It left no herb nor even leaf on the trees. When their swarms appear," writes Volney, "everything green vanishes instantaneously from the fields, as if a curtain were rolled up; the trees and plants stand leafless, and nothing is seen but naked boughs and stalks." And shall eat every tree. The damage done by locusts to trees is very great. "He (the locust) has laid my vine waste, and barked my fig-tree; he hath made it clean bare and east it away; the branches thereof are made white" (Joel 1:7). Travellers constantly notice this fact. "When they have devoured all other vegetables," says one, "they attack the trees, consuming first the leaves, then the bark." "After having consumed herbage, fruit, leaves of trees," says another, "they attacked even their young shoots and their bark." "They are particularly injurious to the palm-trees," writes a third; "these they strip of every leaf and green particle, the trees remaining like skeletons with bare branches." A fourth notes that "the bushes were eaten quite bare, though the animals could not have been long on the spot. They sat by hundreds on a bush, gnawing the rind and the woody fibres." (See Pusey's Minor Prophets, p. 106.)

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
They will cover
וְכִסָּה֙ (wə·ḵis·sāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3680: To plump, fill up hollows, to cover

the face
עֵ֣ין (‘ên)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

of the land
הָאָ֔רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

so that no
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

one can
יוּכַ֖ל (yū·ḵal)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3201: To be able, have power

see
לִרְאֹ֣ת (lir·’ōṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7200: To see

[it].
הָאָ֑רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

They will devour
וְאָכַ֣ל ׀ (wə·’ā·ḵal)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 398: To eat

whatever is
יֶ֣תֶר (ye·ṯer)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3499: An overhanging, an excess, superiority, remainder, a small rope

left
הַנִּשְׁאֶ֤רֶת (han·niš·’e·reṯ)
Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 7604: To swell up, be, redundant

after
הַפְּלֵטָ֗ה (hap·pə·lê·ṭāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6413: Deliverance, an escaped portion

the hail
הַבָּרָ֔ד (hab·bā·rāḏ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1259: Hail

and eat
וְאָכַל֙ (wə·’ā·ḵal)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 398: To eat

every
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

tree
הָעֵ֔ץ (hā·‘êṣ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood

that grows
הַצֹּמֵ֥חַ (haṣ·ṣō·mê·aḥ)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6779: To sprout, spring up

in your
לָכֶ֖ם (lā·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

fields.
הַשָּׂדֶֽה׃ (haś·śā·ḏeh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7704: Field, land


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OT Law: Exodus 10:5 And they shall cover the surface (Exo. Ex)
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