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Exodus 11:6 - Egypt's ultimate divine judgment cry

Exodus 11:6 - שמות 11:6

Hebrew Text

וְהָיְתָה צְעָקָה גְדֹלָה בְּכָל־אֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם אֲשֶׁר כָּמֹהוּ לֹא נִהְיָתָה וְכָמֹהוּ לֹא תֹסִף׃

English Translation

And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Miżrayim, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more.

Transliteration

Vehaytah tze'akah gedolah bechol-eretz mitzrayim asher kamohu lo nihyetah vechamohu lo tosif.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָ֥יְתָ֛ה צְעָקָ֥ה גְדֹלָ֖ה בְּכׇל־אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם אֲשֶׁ֤ר כָּמֹ֙הוּ֙ לֹ֣א נִהְיָ֔תָה וְכָמֹ֖הוּ לֹ֥א תֹסִֽף׃
וְהָ֥יְתָ֛ה צְעָקָ֥ה גְדֹלָ֖ה בְּכׇל־אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם אֲשֶׁ֤ר כָּמֹ֙הוּ֙ לֹ֣א נִהְיָ֔תָה וְכָמֹ֖הוּ לֹ֥א תֹסִֽף׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Plagues of Egypt

The verse (Shemot 11:6) describes the impending devastation of the final plague, Makat Bechorot (the Death of the Firstborn), which would bring unparalleled anguish to Egypt. Rashi explains that the phrase "such as there was none like it" emphasizes the unprecedented nature of this plague, surpassing even the previous nine in severity. The Midrash Tanchuma (Bo 7) elaborates that the cry was not only due to the loss of firstborns but also because the Egyptians discovered that their idols and magic were powerless to stop it.

The Nature of the "Great Cry"

Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that the cry was twofold:

  • Physical Loss: Every household, from Pharaoh to the lowliest maidservant, suffered the death of a firstborn (Shemot 12:29-30).
  • Spiritual Despair: The Egyptians realized their deities (e.g., the Nile, Pharaoh himself) were helpless against Hashem’s decree (Mechilta Bo 12:12).

Why "Nor Shall Be Like It Any More"?

The Malbim explains that this phrase signifies a unique historical moment—never again would Egypt experience such a total and humiliating defeat. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 39a) adds that even in future calamities, no nation would suffer a plague so clearly directed by divine judgment, distinguishing between Egyptian and Israelite households (Shemot 11:7).

Lessons in Divine Justice

The Sforno highlights that the intensity of the cry reflected the measure-for-measure (middah k'neged middah) punishment for Egypt’s cruelty: just as they oppressed Bnei Yisrael with "a great cry" (Shemot 3:9), their own suffering now mirrored that anguish. The Ohr HaChaim further notes that the term "land of Egypt" includes even the animals and structures, as the plague shattered the natural order, demonstrating Hashem’s absolute sovereignty.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 11:6 mean when it says 'a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt'?
A: This verse refers to the intense mourning and outcry that occurred during the final plague, the death of the firstborn. Rashi explains that the cry was unprecedented because every Egyptian household was affected—no family was spared from loss (Rashi on Exodus 11:6).
Q: Why does the verse say 'such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more'?
A: The Torah emphasizes the uniqueness of this event to show that the suffering in Egypt reached its peak with this plague. The Midrash teaches that even in future generations, no calamity would match its severity (Shemot Rabbah 18:5).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 11:6 today?
A: This verse reminds us of Hashem's absolute justice—when wrongdoing persists, consequences follow. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 7:4) teaches that this event also serves as a lesson about divine retribution and the importance of recognizing Hashem's power.
Q: How did the Egyptians react to this 'great cry' mentioned in the verse?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 11a) describes that the Egyptians were completely broken by this plague, leading them to urgently send the Israelites out of Egypt. Their resistance collapsed entirely after experiencing this unparalleled suffering.
Q: Was the 'great cry' only from the Egyptians, or did others cry as well?
A: While the primary cry came from the Egyptians, some commentaries suggest that even the Israelites mourned for their Egyptian neighbors (Targum Yonatan). However, the main focus is on Egypt’s devastation as a consequence of their oppression.