King James Version

What Does Exodus 12:36 Mean?

Exodus 12:36 in the King James Version says “And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they requi...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.”

Exodus 12:36 · KJV

Context

34

And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders. kneadingtroughs: or, dough

35

And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:

36

And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.

37

And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children.

38

And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle. a mixed: Heb. a great mixture

Read Exodus 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The LORD giving Israel 'favour in the sight of the Egyptians' fulfills His promise (Exodus 3:21, 11:3). The verb 'lent' (sha'al, שָׁאַל) means 'gave' or 'granted'—Egyptians gave freely, knowing Israel would not return. The phrase 'they spoiled the Egyptians' (vayinatzlu, וַיְנַצְּלוּ—plundered/stripped) uses covenant-lawsuit language: Israel received legal compensation for injustice. Egypt's wealth transfers to God's people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This transfer of wealth fulfilled God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would 'come out with great substance' (Genesis 15:14). The gold and silver later became tabernacle materials.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's justice in compensating Israel teach that He sees and rectifies all wrongs, even if delayed?
  2. What does Egypt's wealth becoming Israel's possession illustrate about God's sovereignty over material resources?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַֽיהוָ֞ה1 of 11

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

נָתַ֨ן2 of 11

“gave”

H5414

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

אֶת3 of 11
H853

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

חֵ֥ן4 of 11

“favour”

H2580

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

הָעָ֛ם5 of 11

“the people”

H5971

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

בְּעֵינֵ֥י6 of 11

“in the sight”

H5869

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

מִצְרָֽיִם׃7 of 11

“of the Egyptians”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וַיַּשְׁאִל֑וּם8 of 11

“so that they lent”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

וַֽיְנַצְּל֖וּ9 of 11

“unto them such things as they required And they spoiled”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

אֶת10 of 11
H853

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

מִצְרָֽיִם׃11 of 11

“of the Egyptians”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

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 12:36 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 12:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 15:14Acts 7:10Exodus 11:3Psalms 105:37Exodus 3:21-22Genesis 39:21

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Exodus 12 →

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