Murrain

At a Glance

An archaic translation term for a devastating livestock disease or plague.

Key Points

• Mainly an older English Bible word, not a separate theological doctrine
• Linked especially to the fifth plague in Exodus
• The Hebrew term behind it is usually understood as “pestilence” or “plague”

Description

Murrain is an archaic English term meaning a fatal infectious disease among livestock. In Bible usage it is closely associated with the plague described in Exodus 9, where the Lord sent a severe pestilence on the livestock of Egypt as part of His judgment on Pharaoh. The term does not identify a specific modern veterinary disease; rather, it renders the biblical description of a devastating outbreak among the animals. Because the word belongs primarily to older English translation tradition, it should be understood as a Bible-word entry tied to Exodus rather than as a separate theological concept.

Biblical Context

In Exodus 9, the Lord warns Pharaoh that a grievous disease will strike the livestock of Egypt while the animals belonging to Israel are spared. The point of the narrative is not medical diagnosis but divine judgment and distinction between Egypt and Israel.

Historical Context

Murrain is an old English term used in earlier Bible translations and older literature for epidemic disease among cattle or other livestock. It is now largely obsolete outside historical or biblical discussion.

Jewish and Ancient Context

In the Hebrew text of Exodus, the underlying word is commonly understood as a general term for pestilence or plague. The focus is on the severity of the affliction, not on naming a particular disease.

Primary Key Texts

• Exodus 9:1-7

Secondary Key Texts

• Exodus 9:8-12

Original Language Note

The Hebrew term behind the translation is commonly understood as a word for pestilence or plague, rather than a precise modern disease name.

Theological Significance

Murrain in Exodus highlights the Lord’s sovereign power over creation, His ability to judge Egypt, and His protection of His covenant people. It also shows that biblical miracles are signs with theological purpose, not merely displays of power.

Philosophical Explanation

The term illustrates how older language can name an observable effect without offering a technical explanation. Scripture uses such language to communicate the reality and significance of God’s acts, not to provide a veterinary classification.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not treat murrain as a technical medical diagnosis. Do not overread the term as a separate doctrinal topic. Its significance comes from the Exodus narrative, not from the English word itself.

Major Views

Readers generally agree that murrain is an archaic translation term for a livestock plague. The main interpretive question is linguistic rather than doctrinal: how the older English rendering relates to the Hebrew term in Exodus.

Doctrinal Boundaries

This entry should not be used to build doctrine apart from the Exodus context. It supports the biblical teaching on God’s judgment, holiness, and providential rule, but it does not establish additional doctrinal claims beyond the text.

Practical Significance

Murrain reminds readers that God’s judgments in Scripture are real, purposeful, and historically grounded. It also encourages careful reading of older Bible vocabulary in its original context.

Related Entries

• plague
• Exodus
• Pharaoh
• pestilence
• Egypt
• livestock

See Also

• Exodus 9
• Fifth plague
• Pestilence
• Plague