KJV ORIGINAL
For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
For now I could reach out my hand and strike you and your people with disease, and you would be completely destroyed from the earth.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
God is telling Pharaoh that He has the power to completely destroy him and Egypt with plague, but has chosen not to do so yet.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes during the plagues of Egypt, when Moses was demanding that Pharaoh release the Israelites from slavery. God had already sent several plagues, but Pharaoh's heart remained hardened against letting the people go. God is explaining through Moses that He could have destroyed Egypt entirely, but instead chose to demonstrate His power gradually.
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