Overview
The Bible addresses plague across 11 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Revelation, 1 Samuel and Leviticus. Closely related themes include Backsliders, Disobedience to God, Judgments and Ark of the Covenant.
Key Bible verses about plague
Old Testament
1 Samuel
Then said they, What shall be the trespass offering which we shall return to him? They answered, Five golden emerods, and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines: for one plague was on you all, and on your lords. you: Heb. them
Wherefore ye shall make images of your emerods, and images of your mice that mar the land; and ye shall give glory unto the God of Israel: peradventure he will lighten his hand from off you, and from off your gods, and from off your land.
New Testament
Revelation
These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.
And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.
And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.
And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. out of the book: or, from the tree of life
In the Bible dictionary
Studying plague for yourself
- Begin with Leviticus 26:21, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Revelation, 1 Samuel and Leviticus each treat the theme.
- Widen the study to related themes: Backsliders, Disobedience to God, Judgments and Ark of the Covenant.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about plague?
The Bible addresses plague across 11 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Revelation, 1 Samuel and Leviticus. Closely related themes include Backsliders, Disobedience to God, Judgments and Ark of the Covenant.
How many Bible verses are about plague?
The Bible references plague in 11 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention plague?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Leviticus 26:21: “And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins. contrary: or, at all adventures with me”
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