Murrain
NatureWhat is the meaning of Murrain in the Bible?
Murrain denotes a fatal cattle disease that affected herds, camels, horses, and asses during the fifth plague of Egypt, likely representing an epizootic transmitted by insects.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding murrain as a specific livestock disease clarifies the precise nature of the fifth plague, distinguishing it from general pestilence and illustrating the targeted judgment on Egyptian agriculture and economy.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Murrain were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Murrain in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Murrain clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Murrain." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/murrain/