Exodus 11:7
New International Version
But among the Israelites not a dog will bark at any person or animal.’ Then you will know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.

New Living Translation
But among the Israelites it will be so peaceful that not even a dog will bark. Then you will know that the LORD makes a distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites.

English Standard Version
But not a dog shall growl against any of the people of Israel, either man or beast, that you may know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.’

Berean Standard Bible
But among all the Israelites, not even a dog will snarl at man or beast.’ Then you will know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.

King James Bible
But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

New King James Version
But against none of the children of Israel shall a dog move its tongue, against man or beast, that you may know that the LORD does make a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.’

New American Standard Bible
But not even a dog will threaten any of the sons of Israel, nor anything from person to animal, so that you may learn how the LORD distinguishes between Egypt and Israel.’

NASB 1995
But against any of the sons of Israel a dog will not even bark, whether against man or beast, that you may understand how the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.’

NASB 1977
‘But against any of the sons of Israel a dog shall not even bark, whether against man or beast, that you may understand how the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.’

Legacy Standard Bible
But for any of the sons of Israel a dog will not even bark, whether against man or beast, that you may know how Yahweh makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.’

Amplified Bible
But not even a dog will threaten any of the Israelites, whether man or animal, so that you may know [without any doubt] and acknowledge how the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.’

Christian Standard Bible
But against all the Israelites, whether people or animals, not even a dog will snarl, so that you may know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But against all the Israelites, whether man or beast, not even a dog will snarl, so that you may know that Yahweh makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.

American Standard Version
But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that Jehovah doth make a distinction between the Egyptians and Israel.

Contemporary English Version
But there won't be any need for the Israelites to cry. Things will be so quiet that not even a dog will be heard barking. Then you Egyptians will know that the LORD is good to the Israelites, even while he punishes you.

English Revised Version
But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But where the Israelites are, not even a dog will be startled by any person or animal. This is how you will see that the LORD shows the distinction between Egypt and Israel.

Good News Translation
But not even a dog will bark at the Israelites or their animals. Then you will know that I, the LORD, make a distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites.'"

International Standard Version
But among the Israelis, from people to animals, not even a dog will bark, so you may know that the LORD is distinguishing between the Egyptians and the Israelis.'

Majority Standard Bible
But among all the Israelites, not even a dog will snarl at man or beast.’ Then you will know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.

NET Bible
But against any of the Israelites not even a dog will bark against either people or animals, so that you may know that the LORD distinguishes between Egypt and Israel.'

New Heart English Bible
But against any of the children of Israel a dog won't even bark or move its tongue, against man or animal; that you may know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.

Webster's Bible Translation
But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

World English Bible
But against any of the children of Israel a dog won’t even bark or move its tongue, against man or animal, that you may know that Yahweh makes a distinction between the Egyptians and Israel.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and against all the sons of Israel a dog does not sharpen its tongue, from man even to beast, so that you know that YHWH makes a separation between the Egyptians and Israel.

Young's Literal Translation
'And against all the sons of Israel a dog sharpeneth not its tongue, from man even unto beast, so that ye know that Jehovah doth make a separation between the Egyptians and Israel;

Smith's Literal Translation
And against all the sons of Israel, a dog shall not sharpen his tongue, from man and even to cattle: so that ye shall know that Jehovah will separate between Egypt and between Israel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But with all the children of Israel there shall not a dog make the least noise, from man even to beast: that you may know how wonderful a difference the Lord maketh between the Egyptians and Israel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But among all the sons of Israel there shall not be even a mutter from a dog, from man, even to cattle, so that you may know how miraculously the Lord divides the Egyptians from Israel.’

New American Bible
But among all the Israelites, among human beings and animals alike, not even a dog will growl, so that you may know that the LORD distinguishes between Egypt and Israel.

New Revised Standard Version
But not a dog shall growl at any of the Israelites—not at people, not at animals—so that you may know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But of the children of Israel no one shall be harmed, not even a dog shall bark against man or animals; that you may know that the LORD distinguishes between the Egyptians and Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it will not harm one of the house of Israel, neither will a dog with his tongue, neither children of men, neither beast, so that you will know LORD JEHOVAH separated between Egyptians and one in the house of Israel.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog whet his tongue, against man or beast; that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But among all the children of Israel shall not a dog snarl with his tongue, either at man or beast; that thou mayest know how wide a distinction the Lord will make between the Egyptians and Israel.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Plague on the Firstborn Foretold
6Then a great cry will go out over all the land of Egypt. Such an outcry has never been heard before and will never be heard again. 7But among all the Israelites, not even a dog will snarl at man or beast.’ Then you will know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel. 8And all these officials of yours will come and bow before me, saying, ‘Go, you and all the people who follow you!’ After that, I will depart.” And hot with anger, Moses left Pharaoh’s presence.…

Cross References
Exodus 8:22-23
But on that day I will give special treatment to the land of Goshen, where My people live; no swarms of flies will be found there. In this way you will know that I, the LORD, am in the land. / I will make a distinction between My people and your people. This sign will take place tomorrow.’”

Exodus 9:4
But the LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt, so that no animal belonging to the Israelites will die.’”

Exodus 9:26
The only place where it did not hail was in the land of Goshen, where the Israelites lived.

Exodus 10:23
No one could see anyone else, and for three days no one left his place. Yet all the Israelites had light in their dwellings.

Exodus 12:13
The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a sign; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

Exodus 12:27
you are to reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He struck down the Egyptians and spared our homes.’” Then the people bowed down and worshiped.

Exodus 12:29-30
Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as all the firstborn among the livestock. / During the night Pharaoh got up—he and all his officials and all the Egyptians—and there was loud wailing in Egypt; for there was no house without someone dead.

Exodus 14:19-20
And the angel of God, who had gone before the camp of Israel, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from before them and stood behind them, / so that it came between the camps of Egypt and Israel. The cloud was there in the darkness, but it lit up the night. So all night long neither camp went near the other.

Numbers 23:23
For there is no spell against Jacob and no divination against Israel. It will now be said of Jacob and Israel, ‘What great things God has done!’

Deuteronomy 7:15
And the LORD will remove from you all sickness. He will not lay upon you any of the terrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but He will inflict them on all who hate you.

Psalm 91:7-8
Though a thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, no harm will come near you. / You will only see it with your eyes and witness the punishment of the wicked.

Isaiah 43:3-4
For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. / Because you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you and nations in place of your life.

Isaiah 63:9
In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Jeremiah 30:11
For I am with you to save you, declares the LORD. Though I will completely destroy all the nations to which I have scattered you, I will not completely destroy you. Yet I will discipline you justly, and will by no means leave you unpunished.”

Ezekiel 34:30
Then they will know that I, the LORD their God, am with them, and that they, the house of Israel, are My people,’ declares the Lord GOD.


Treasury of Scripture

But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that you may know how that the LORD does put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

dog

Joshua 10:21
And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.

Job 5:16
So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth.

a difference

Exodus 7:22
And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said.

Exodus 10:23
They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.

Malachi 3:18
Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

Jump to Previous
Animal Bark Beast Children Difference Distinction Dog Egypt Egyptians Either Israel Israelites Makes Move Moved Sharpeneth Tongue Understand Whet Whether Won't
Jump to Next
Animal Bark Beast Children Difference Distinction Dog Egypt Egyptians Either Israel Israelites Makes Move Moved Sharpeneth Tongue Understand Whet Whether Won't
Exodus 11
1. God's message to the Israelites to borrow jewels of their neighbors
4. Moses threatens Pharaoh with the death the firstborn














But among the Israelites
This phrase sets the stage for a divine protection and favor that is unique to the Israelites. The Hebrew term for "Israelites" is "בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" (B'nei Yisrael), meaning "children of Israel." This highlights the covenant relationship between God and the descendants of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. Historically, this distinction underscores the special status of the Israelites as God's chosen people, a theme that runs throughout the Old Testament.

not even a dog will snarl
The imagery of a dog not snarling is powerful in its simplicity. In ancient Near Eastern culture, dogs were often seen as scavengers and were not typically domesticated as they are today. The Hebrew word for "dog" is "כֶּלֶב" (kelev), and the absence of a snarl or bark signifies complete peace and divine protection. This phrase emphasizes the total safety and tranquility that God provides to His people, contrasting the chaos and judgment that befalls Egypt.

at man or beast
This phrase indicates the comprehensive nature of God's protection, extending to both humans and animals. The Hebrew words "אָדָם" (adam) for "man" and "בְּהֵמָה" (behemah) for "beast" suggest that God's care encompasses all aspects of life. This reflects the holistic nature of God's covenant, which includes the well-being of the entire community and their possessions.

so that you may know
This phrase introduces the purpose behind God's actions. The Hebrew "לְמַעַן תֵּדְעוּ" (lema'an ted'u) implies a divine intention for revelation and understanding. God's actions are not arbitrary; they are meant to reveal His power, sovereignty, and faithfulness to His promises. This knowledge is intended to strengthen the faith of the Israelites and demonstrate God's supremacy to the Egyptians.

that the LORD makes a distinction
The Hebrew word for "distinction" is "פְּלֵאָה" (peleh), which can also mean "wonder" or "miracle." This highlights the miraculous nature of God's intervention. The LORD, or "יְהוָה" (YHWH), is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. The distinction made by God is a testament to His justice and mercy, setting apart His people for His purposes.

between Egypt and Israel
This final phrase underscores the central theme of separation and divine election. Egypt, representing the world and its systems, is contrasted with Israel, God's chosen nation. The historical context of the Exodus narrative is crucial here, as it marks the liberation of the Israelites from slavery and the establishment of their identity as a nation under God. This distinction is a recurring theme in Scripture, symbolizing the call for God's people to be set apart in holiness and devotion to Him.

(7) Shall not a dog move his tongue.--Com pare Joshua 10:21. The expression is evidently proverbial.

Verse 7. - Shall not a dog move his tongue. So far from a sudden destruction coming upon them, there shall not so much as a dog bark at them- They shall incur no hurt - no danger. (Compare Joshua 10:21.) That ye may know how that the Lord doth put a difference - i.e., "that both ye courtiers and all Egypt may know how great a difference God puts between us - his peculiar people-and you wretched idolaters."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But among all
וּלְכֹ֣ל ׀ (ū·lə·ḵōl)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the Israelites,
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

not
לֹ֤א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

even a dog
כֶּ֙לֶב֙ (ke·leḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3611: A dog, a male prostitute

will snarl
יֶֽחֱרַץ־ (ye·ḥĕ·raṣ-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2782: To point sharply, to wound, to be alert, to decide

at man
לְמֵאִ֖ישׁ (lə·mê·’îš)
Preposition-l, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

or beast.’
בְּהֵמָ֑ה (bə·hê·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 929: A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal

Then
לְמַ֙עַן֙ (lə·ma·‘an)
Conjunction
Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent

you will know
תֵּֽדְע֔וּן (tê·ḏə·‘ūn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 3045: To know

that
אֲשֶׁר֙ (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the LORD
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

makes a distinction
יַפְלֶ֣ה (yap̄·leh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6395: To be separated or distinct

between
בֵּ֥ין (bên)
Preposition
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

Egypt
מִצְרַ֖יִם (miṣ·ra·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

and Israel.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc


Links
Exodus 11:7 NIV
Exodus 11:7 NLT
Exodus 11:7 ESV
Exodus 11:7 NASB
Exodus 11:7 KJV

Exodus 11:7 BibleApps.com
Exodus 11:7 Biblia Paralela
Exodus 11:7 Chinese Bible
Exodus 11:7 French Bible
Exodus 11:7 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Exodus 11:7 But against any of the children (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 11:6
Top of Page
Top of Page