King James Version

What Does Exodus 11:3 Mean?

Exodus 11:3 in the King James Version says “And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants, and in the sight of the people.

Exodus 11:3 · KJV


Context

1

And the LORD said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.

2

Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.

3

And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants, and in the sight of the people.

4

And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:

5

And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians' reverses their earlier hatred. Moses himself 'was very great in the land of Egypt'—even Pharaoh's servants and people respect him. God transforms Moses from hunted fugitive to honored leader.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern cultures valued reputation highly. God's granting favor demonstrates His ability to change human perception. Moses's greatness anticipates the greater prophet (Deut 18:15) whom Israel must hear.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has God transformed your reputation from what you feared it would be?
  2. What does Moses's elevation teach about God vindicating His servants?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיִּתֵּ֧ן1 of 19

gave

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְהוָ֛ה2 of 19

And the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת3 of 19
H853

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

חֵ֥ן4 of 19

favour

H2580

graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)

הָעָֽם׃5 of 19

of the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וּבְעֵינֵ֥י6 of 19

and in the sight

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

מִצְרַ֔יִם7 of 19

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

גַּ֣ם׀8 of 19
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הָאִ֣ישׁ9 of 19

Moreover the man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מֹשֶׁ֗ה10 of 19

Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

גָּד֤וֹל11 of 19

great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

מְאֹד֙12 of 19

was very

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ13 of 19

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֔יִם14 of 19

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וּבְעֵינֵ֥י15 of 19

and in the sight

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

עַבְדֵֽי16 of 19

servants

H5650

a servant

פַרְעֹ֖ה17 of 19

of Pharaoh's

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וּבְעֵינֵ֥י18 of 19

and in the sight

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

הָעָֽם׃19 of 19

of the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock


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 11:3 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 11:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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