The Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 8:16

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Lice. Kinnim—the word is only found here and in the Psalms which celebrate the Exodus (Psalms 78:46; Psalms 105:31). It was understood as "lice"by Josephus, the Talmudical writers, Bochart, Pool, and our translators in the reign of James I.

But the great weight of authority is in favour of the rendering "gnats" or "mosquitoes." See the preceding paragraph. It must also be berne in mind that the nearest Egyptian equivalent, khennems, has the signification of mosquito.

More for Exodus 8:16

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 8:1-16The plague of frogs. Observe on this plague, in addition to what has been said above. I. PHARAOH'S HARDNESS UNDER THE FIRST PLAGUE WROUGHT NO ESCAPE, EITHER FROM THE DIVINE COMMAND OR FROM THE DIVINE POWER (Exodus 8:1).…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 8:1-39Three plagues-frogs, lice, flies. On the precise character of these three plagues, see the exposition. They are to be viewed in their relation to the Egyptians.— 1. As an intensification of the natural plagues of the la…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Exodus 8:16-19These lice were produced out of the dust of the earth; out of any part of the creation God can fetch a scourge, with which to correct those who rebel against him. Even the dust of the earth obeys him. These lice were ve…Matthew Henry commentaryMatthew Henry on Exodus 8:16-19Here is a short account of the plague of lice. It does not appear that any warning was given of it before. Pharaoh's abuse of the respite granted to him might have been a sufficient warning to him to expect another plag…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 8:16-19EXPOSITION THE THIRD PLAGUE. The breach of promise on the part of Pharaoh (Exodus 8:15), was punished by the third plague, which was inflicted without being announced. It is disputed among the best critics, whether the…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 8:16-19I. THERE IS A LIMIT TO THE DIVINE MERCY. This, like every third plague, came without warning. Opportunity was given twice to avert coming judgment. None is given now. Unannounced it startles them in the midst of their f…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 8:16-19The third plague-the gnats: the finger of God. I. CONSIDER THE PLAGUE ITSELF. From the water God comes to the land. He who has power over every drop of water has power over every grain of dust. Everywhere at his touch t…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 8:16-19The plague of lice. The precise nature of the visitation is matter of dispute. The word "Kinnim" seems to include various kinds of poisonous flies and insects (Geikie; and see Exposition). Some take it to denote mosquit…Joseph S. Exell and contributors