King James Version

What Does Exodus 14:11 Mean?

Exodus 14:11 in the King James Version says “And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? where...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?”

Exodus 14:11 · KJV

Context

9

But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon.

10

And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.

11

And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?

12

Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.

13

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. for the: or, for whereas ye have seen the Egyptians to day

Read Exodus 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Israel's complaint 'Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness?' uses bitter sarcasm—Egypt had plenty of graves (pyramids!). The accusation against Moses challenges his leadership and questions God's purposes. The phrase 'wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?' shows how quickly gratitude for deliverance turns to accusation under pressure. Fear produces irrational blame.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Egypt was famous for elaborate tombs and burial practices. The sarcastic reference to graves emphasizes how fear made slavery seem preferable to current danger—a tragic memory lapse about bondage's reality.

Reflection Questions

  1. How quickly do you forget bondage to sin when sanctification's path seems difficult?
  2. What does irrational preference for familiar slavery over uncertain freedom teach about fear's power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֮1 of 16

“And they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל2 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁה֒3 of 16

“unto Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

הַֽמִבְּלִ֤י4 of 16
H1097

properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc

אֵין5 of 16
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

קְבָרִים֙6 of 16

“Because there were no graves”

H6913

a sepulcher

מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃7 of 16

“in Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לְקַחְתָּ֖נוּ8 of 16

“hast thou taken us away”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לָמ֣וּת9 of 16

“to die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר10 of 16

“in the wilderness”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

מַה11 of 16
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

זֹּאת֙12 of 16

“wherefore”

H2063

this (often used adverb)

עָשִׂ֣יתָ13 of 16

“hast thou dealt”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָּ֔נוּ14 of 16
H0
לְהֽוֹצִיאָ֖נוּ15 of 16

“thus with us to carry us forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃16 of 16

“in Egypt”

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 14:11 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 14:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 106:7-8Numbers 14:1-4Exodus 15:23-24Exodus 17:2-3Exodus 16:2-3Numbers 11:15

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Exodus 14 →

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