King James Version

What Does Exodus 1:12 Mean?

Exodus 1:12 in the King James Version says “But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Is...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. But: Heb. And as they afflicted them, so they multiplied, etc”

Exodus 1:12 · KJV

Context

10

Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.

11

Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.

12

But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. But: Heb. And as they afflicted them, so they multiplied, etc

13

And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour:

14

And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew (וְכַאֲשֶׁר יְעַנּוּ אֹתוֹ כֵּן יִרְבֶּה וְכֵן יִפְרֹץ, vekha'asher ye'anu oto ken yirbeh vekhen yifrots)—The Hebrew structure creates emphatic contrast: "the more... the more." Grew (פָּרַץ, parats) means "break out/burst forth"—an irrepressible expansion despite oppression. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel (וַיָּקֻצוּ, vayakutsu, "they felt dread/loathing"). This verse reveals a spiritual principle: God's blessing cannot be suppressed by human opposition. The Egyptians' mounting dread anticipates their terror at the Red Sea (14:10-12). Satan's attacks on God's people often produce the opposite of intended results.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This phenomenon defied Egyptian expectations and natural demographic patterns under oppression. Mortality typically rises and birth rates decline under harsh slavery. The supernatural multiplication testified to God's covenant faithfulness and set the stage for Pharaoh's more drastic infanticide policy (v. 16).

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you seen God's purposes advance precisely through opposition meant to stop them?
  2. What does this verse teach about trusting God's blessing even when circumstances seem designed to crush you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְכַֽאֲשֶׁר֙1 of 11
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יְעַנּ֣וּ2 of 11

“But the more they afflicted”

H6031

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

אֹת֔וֹ3 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְכֵ֣ן4 of 11

“them the more”

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יִרְבֶּ֖ה5 of 11

“they multiplied”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

וְכֵ֣ן6 of 11

“them the more”

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יִפְרֹ֑ץ7 of 11

“and grew”

H6555

to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

וַיָּקֻ֕צוּ8 of 11

“And they were grieved”

H6973

to be (causatively, make) disgusted or anxious

מִפְּנֵ֖י9 of 11

“because”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בְּנֵ֥י10 of 11

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃11 of 11

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 1:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 1:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 105:24Exodus 1:9Romans 8:28Acts 5:28-33Acts 4:2-4John 12:19

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