Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever. New Living Translation Give thanks to him who killed the firstborn of Egypt. His faithful love endures forever. English Standard Version to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, for his steadfast love endures forever; Berean Standard Bible He struck down the firstborn of Egypt His loving devotion endures forever. King James Bible To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever: New King James Version To Him who struck Egypt in their firstborn, For His mercy endures forever; New American Standard Bible To Him who struck the Egyptians, that is, their firstborn, For His faithfulness is everlasting, NASB 1995 To Him who smote the Egyptians in their firstborn, For His lovingkindness is everlasting, NASB 1977 To Him who smote the Egyptians in their first-born, For His lovingkindness is everlasting, Legacy Standard Bible To Him who struck the Egyptians through their firstborn, For His lovingkindness endures forever, Amplified Bible To Him who struck the firstborn of Egypt, For His lovingkindness endures forever; Christian Standard Bible He struck the firstborn of the Egyptians His faithful love endures forever. Holman Christian Standard Bible He struck the firstborn of the Egyptians His love is eternal. American Standard Version To him that smote Egypt in their first-born; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever; Contemporary English Version God struck down the first-born in every Egyptian family. God's love never fails. English Revised Version To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever: GOD'S WORD® Translation Give thanks to the one who killed the firstborn males in Egypt- because his mercy endures forever. Good News Translation He killed the first-born sons of the Egyptians; his love is eternal. International Standard Version to the one who struck the firstborn of Egypt, for his gracious love is everlasting— NET Bible to the one who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, for his loyal love endures, New Heart English Bible To him who struck down the Egyptian firstborn; for his loving kindness endures forever; Webster's Bible Translation To him that smote Egypt in their first-born: for his mercy endureth for ever: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe struck down the firstborn of Egypt His loving devotion endures forever. World English Bible to him who struck down the Egyptian firstborn, for his loving kindness endures forever; Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionTo Him striking Egypt in their firstborn, "" For His kindness [is] for all time. Young's Literal Translation To Him smiting Egypt in their first-born, For to the age is His kindness. Smith's Literal Translation To him striking Egypt in their first-born: for his mercy is forever. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWho smote Egypt with their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible Who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, for his mercy endures forever; New Revised Standard Version who struck Egypt through their firstborn, for his steadfast love endures forever; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTo him who smote the first-born of Egypt; for his mercy endures for ever; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated To him who struck the firstborn of Egypt, for his mercies are to eternity. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917To Him that smote Egypt in their first-born, For His mercy endureth for ever; Brenton Septuagint Translation To him who smote Egypt with their first-born; for his mercy endures for ever. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context His Loving Faithfulness Endures Forever…9the moon and stars to govern the night. His loving devotion endures forever. 10He struck down the firstborn of Egypt His loving devotion endures forever. 11and brought Israel out from among them His loving devotion endures forever.… Cross References Exodus 12:29 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. Exodus 11:4-5 So Moses declared, “This is what the LORD says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt, / and every firstborn son in the land of Egypt will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, to the firstborn of the servant girl behind the hand mill, as well as the firstborn of all the cattle. Exodus 12:12 On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. Exodus 12:30 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. Numbers 33:4 who were burying all their firstborn, whom the LORD had struck down among them; for the LORD had executed judgment against their gods. Psalm 78:51 He struck all the firstborn of Egypt, the virility in the tents of Ham. Psalm 105:36 Then He struck all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their vigor. Hebrews 11:28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch Israel’s own firstborn. 1 Corinthians 10:10 And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel. Acts 7:36 He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness. Revelation 11:8 Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city—figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where their Lord was also crucified. Jude 1:5 Although you are fully aware of this, I want to remind you that after Jesus had delivered His people out of the land of Egypt, He destroyed those who did not believe. Romans 9:17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Exodus 4:23 and I told you to let My son go so that he may worship Me. But since you have refused to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son!’” Exodus 6:1 But the LORD said to Moses, “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh, for because of My mighty hand he will let the people go; because of My strong hand he will drive them out of his land.” Treasury of Scripture To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endures for ever: Psalm 78:51 And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham: Psalm 105:36 He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength. Psalm 135:8 Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast. Jump to Previous Born Death Egypt Egyptian Egyptians Endures Endureth Everlasting Firstborn First-Born First-Fruits Forever Kindness Loving Loving-Kindness Mercy Smiting Smote Steadfast Struck UnchangingJump to Next Born Death Egypt Egyptian Egyptians Endures Endureth Everlasting Firstborn First-Born First-Fruits Forever Kindness Loving Loving-Kindness Mercy Smiting Smote Steadfast Struck UnchangingPsalm 136 1. An exhortation to give thanks to God for particular mercies.He struck down the firstborn of Egypt This phrase refers to the tenth and final plague that God inflicted upon Egypt, as recorded in Exodus 12:29-30. This event was a pivotal moment in the liberation of the Israelites from slavery. The striking down of the firstborn was a direct judgment against the gods of Egypt, demonstrating the power and sovereignty of the God of Israel over all other deities. Historically, this event is significant as it led to the Exodus, a foundational narrative for the Jewish people. Theologically, it prefigures the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the "firstborn over all creation" (Colossians 1:15), who was struck down for the salvation of humanity. The Passover, which commemorates this event, is a type of Christ's sacrifice, as He is referred to as the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29). His loving devotion endures forever Persons / Places / Events 1. God (Yahweh)The central figure in this verse, God is depicted as the deliverer of Israel, demonstrating His power and justice. 2. Egypt The nation that held the Israelites in bondage, representing oppression and opposition to God's people. 3. The Firstborn of Egypt Refers to the final and most devastating plague that God sent upon Egypt, leading to the release of the Israelites from slavery. 4. Israelites The people of God who were enslaved in Egypt and were delivered through God's mighty acts. 5. Passover The event commemorating the sparing of the Israelite firstborn and the deliverance from Egypt, which is central to understanding this verse. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and JusticeGod's actions in Egypt demonstrate His sovereign power over nations and His commitment to justice. He acts decisively against oppression and injustice. The Enduring Nature of God's Love The refrain "His loving devotion endures forever" emphasizes that God's acts of judgment are also acts of love for His people, ensuring their freedom and well-being. Deliverance and Redemption The deliverance from Egypt is a foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption through Christ. Just as God delivered Israel, He delivers us from sin through Jesus. The Importance of Remembrance The repeated refrain in Psalm 136 encourages believers to remember and recount God's past faithfulness as a foundation for trust in His future promises. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 136:10?2. How does Psalm 136:10 demonstrate God's power and justice in history? 3. Why is it important to remember God's acts of deliverance in our lives? 4. How can we apply the lesson of God's enduring love in Psalm 136:10? 5. What other biblical events show God's deliverance similar to Psalm 136:10? 6. How can we praise God for His "faithful love" in our daily lives? 7. Why does Psalm 136:10 emphasize God's love in the context of Egypt's firstborn being struck down? 8. How does Psalm 136:10 align with the concept of a loving and just God? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Psalm 136:10? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 136? 11. Psalm 136:10 refers to striking down Egypt’s firstborn; how can a merciful God justify the death of innocent children? 12. Throughout Psalm 136, God's mercy is repeatedly emphasized; how does this reconcile with other biblical passages depicting divine wrath and judgment? 13. What does "His mercy endures forever" mean? 14. What does 'His mercy endures forever' mean? What Does Psalm 136:10 Mean He• The verse opens with “He,” pointing directly to the LORD—Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God who acted personally in Israel’s history (see Exodus 15:3). • Scripture repeatedly shows God Himself taking the initiative in delivering His people (Psalm 44:3). • Because the subject is God, every detail that follows flows from His sovereign authority. struck down • “Struck down” speaks of decisive judgment, not a symbolic gesture. God intervened with power that no earthly strength could resist (Exodus 12:12). • This action was purposeful: it answered Pharaoh’s stubborn defiance (Exodus 5:2) and demonstrated that the gods of Egypt were powerless (Numbers 33:4). • Similar judgments appear elsewhere—such as the destruction of Sennacherib’s army (2 Kings 19:35)—showing consistency in how God protects His people and opposes evil. the firstborn • Targeting the firstborn had deep significance: – In ancient culture, the firstborn represented strength and future legacy (Genesis 49:3). – Egypt’s oppression of Israel’s sons (Exodus 1:16, 22) finds a mirrored justice in God’s plague. • God warned of this tenth plague well in advance (Exodus 4:22-23). He is patient, but His warnings are real. of Egypt • Egypt symbolizes worldly power set against God’s purposes (Psalm 20:7). • The location reminds readers of the historical Exodus, a foundational act of redemption (Deuteronomy 7:8). • By striking within Egypt’s borders, God exposed the emptiness of its idols and secured Israel’s freedom (Psalm 105:23-38). His loving devotion • After the statement of judgment, the psalmist immediately highlights “His loving devotion” (hesed)—the steadfast, covenant love that defines God’s relationship with His people (Psalm 136:1). • Judgment and mercy stand side by side: while Egypt experienced wrath, Israel experienced rescue (Exodus 12:13). • This combination shows that love is not sentimental but holy, protecting what is good and opposing what destroys. endures forever • God’s love is not momentary; it “endures forever,” a refrain repeated 26 times in this psalm. • Every mighty deed—from creation (Psalm 136:5-9) to the Red Sea crossing (Psalm 136:13-15)—is proof of an unbreakable promise (Jeremiah 31:3). • Because His love endures, believers today can trust Him in every trial (Romans 8:38-39). summary Psalm 136:10 looks back to a real, historical event: God Himself struck down Egypt’s firstborn to deliver Israel. That act was a righteous judgment against oppression and a powerful demonstration of covenant love. By pairing the severity of the plague with the refrain “His loving devotion endures forever,” the psalm teaches that God’s steadfast love motivates His mighty acts, protects His people, and remains unchanging for all generations. (10) For his mercy.--Here the refrain, after the mention of the destruction of the Egyptian first-born, and subsequently after that of war and slaughter, sounds harsh to Christian ears. But the word mercy (khesed) in the Hebrew motto implies distinctly covenant grace, that special favour of Jehovah in which the heathen did not share, and which was often most signally shown in their destruction.Verse 10. - To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn. The parallelism with Psalm 135, here becomes very close, and so continues till the end of ver. 22. Five verses, however, are expanded into thirteen. For his mercy, etc.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew He struck downלְמַכֵּ֣ה (lə·mak·kêh) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 5221: To strike the firstborn בִּבְכוֹרֵיהֶ֑ם (biḇ·ḵō·w·rê·hem) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1060: Firstborn, chief of Egypt מִ֭צְרַיִם (miṣ·ra·yim) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa His loving devotion חַסְדּֽוֹ׃ (ḥas·dōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty endures forever. לְעוֹלָ֣ם (lə·‘ō·w·lām) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5769: Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always Links Psalm 136:10 NIVPsalm 136:10 NLT Psalm 136:10 ESV Psalm 136:10 NASB Psalm 136:10 KJV Psalm 136:10 BibleApps.com Psalm 136:10 Biblia Paralela Psalm 136:10 Chinese Bible Psalm 136:10 French Bible Psalm 136:10 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Psalm 136:10 To him who struck down the Egyptian (Psalm Ps Psa.) |