What is the meaning of Exodus 7:21?

The fish in the Nile died

“ The fish in the Nile died ”.

• Literal death of the fish shows the river truly became blood (Exodus 7:17; Psalm 105:29).

• God strikes the very source of Egypt’s food and commerce, exposing the impotence of the Nile god Hapi.

• Like the future judgment where “every living thing in the sea died” (Revelation 16:3), this plague previews final accountability.

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and the river smelled so bad

“ and the river smelled so bad ”.

• Decaying fish and coagulated blood produce a stench (Exodus 8:14).

• The foul odor mirrors Egypt’s moral corruption in enslaving Israel (Genesis 15:13–14).

• Throughout Scripture, sin is pictured as producing an offensive aroma before God (Isaiah 65:5; Amos 4:10).

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that the Egyptians could not drink its water

“ that the Egyptians could not drink its water ”.

• Egypt’s life-source is undrinkable (Exodus 7:24); God alone supplies living water (Jeremiah 2:13; John 4:10).

• The people’s desperation underscores their dependence on the Lord, not on nature or idols.

• This judgment lasts seven days (Exodus 7:25), giving space for repentance while revealing divine patience.

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And there was blood throughout the land of Egypt

“ And there was blood throughout the land of Egypt ”.

• The plague is nationwide, touching every stream, canal, pond, and vessel (Exodus 7:19).

• Comprehensive scope shows God’s sovereignty over all territory, not just Israel’s.

• Revelation echoes this totality: “the rivers and springs of water became blood” (Revelation 16:4).

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summary

Exodus 7:21 records a literal, nationwide judgment proving the Lord’s supremacy. He overturns Egypt’s livelihood, exposes idolatry, and foreshadows future global reckonings. The verse invites us to recognize God as the only reliable source of life and to respond in humble obedience before Him.