Definition: Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms [of flies] upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms [of flies], and also the ground whereon they [are].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 8:21. It's a really powerful and frightening passage about God’s judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is sending a massive swarm of flies to attack the Egyptians – the people in Egypt – who are harboring Israelites (the Jewish people). This isn’t just a random act; it’s a direct consequence of their refusal to let God’s people go. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Else, if thou wilt not let my people go…” : This is the crucial part. It’s saying that if the Egyptians don’t release the Israelites, then God will take action. The word “else” implies a choice – they can refuse, or they won't. “…I will send swarms [of flies] upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people…” : This describes the swarm of flies as being incredibly aggressive and destructive. It’s not just a few flies; it's a massive, overwhelming amount. It’s described as “swarms” – like a huge, moving cloud. “…and into thy houses:” : The flies are going to target the Egyptian homes, specifically their houses. “And the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms [of flies], and also the ground whereon they [are].” : This is the terrifying part. The swarm will destroy the Egyptian homes and the land itself – essentially covering everything in a thick, buzzing cloud of flies. What’s the Significance? This verse is often interpreted as a sign of God's power and judgment against the Egyptians. It highlights: God's Sovereignty: He has absolute control over events. Divine Punishment: He isn’t just punishing them, he’s actively causing destruction through his intervention. A Warning: It serves as a warning to the Egyptians about the dangers of defying God and their potential for divine retribution. Important Note: The exact interpretation of this verse has been debated throughout history. It's often seen as a symbolic representation of God’s wrath, but some scholars believe it was also a literal depiction of a massive swarm of locusts (which were large flies at the time). Do you want to explore any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like to know: Why is this story important in the Bible? What does it say about God’s power and judgment?