Exodus 10:26

Even our livestock must go with us; not a hoof will be left behind, for we will need some of them to worship the LORD our God, and we will not know how we are to worship the LORD until we arrive.”

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Moses informs Pharaoh that every animal belonging to Israel must depart, framing the demand as essential for future worship. This statement follows Moses’ request for sacrificial supplies and immediately precedes the Lord hardening Pharaoh’s heart.

The words — The noun פַּרְסָה (par.Sah) translates literally as “a hoof,” underscoring the absolute requirement that no animal be retained. Paired with לֹא תִשָּׁאֵר (lo' ti.sha.'Er), it means “not a single one will remain,” leaving no room for partial compliance.

The thread — The explicit command to take flocks and herds for worship reappears in Exodus 12:32 when Pharaoh finally grants permission. The broader principle of dedicating material resources to God also surfaces in Proverbs 3:9 and Isaiah 23:18.

Why it lands — The text requires complete adherence to God’s prescribed method of worship before any offering can be presented. It demands that the reader abandon selective obedience and accept divine instruction as non-negotiable.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Hebrew words

King James Version

Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the Lord our God; and we know not with what we must serve the Lord, until we come thither.

Cross-references

Exodus 12:32 Take your flocks and herds as well, just as you have said, and depart! And bless me also.”
Proverbs 3:9 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops;
Isaiah 23:18 Yet her profits and wages will be set apart to the LORD; they will not be stored or saved, for her profit will go to those who live before the LORD, for abundant food and fine clothing.
Isaiah 60:5 Then you will look and be radiant, and your heart will tremble and swell with joy, because the riches of the sea will be brought to you, and the wealth of the nations will come to you.
Hosea 5:6 They go with their flocks and herds to seek the LORD, but they do not find Him; He has withdrawn Himself from them.
Zechariah 14:20 On that day, HOLY TO THE LORD will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, and the cooking pots in the house of the LORD will be like the sprinkling bowls before the altar.
Acts 2:44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.
2 Corinthians 8:5 And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, through the will of God.
Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going.