King James Version

What Does Exodus 14:5 Mean?

Exodus 14:5 in the King James Version says “And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?

Exodus 14:5 · KJV


Context

3

For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in.

4

And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so.

5

And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?

6

And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:

7

And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The report to Pharaoh 'that the people fled' triggers regret. The question 'Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?' reveals the economic motive behind slavery—losing workforce, not concern for Israel's welfare. The phrase 'Pharaoh and his servants' indicates both king and court reversed position. Hardened hearts forget terror quickly when inconvenience arises. This illustrates human tendency to prioritize comfort over righteousness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The timing suggests Israel had traveled several days, perhaps three. Egypt's reversal shows how quickly fear-driven releases reverse once immediate danger passes. Economic interests outweigh recent trauma.

Reflection Questions

  1. How quickly do you forget God's judgments when inconvenience makes sin seem attractive again?
  2. What does Egypt's regret over losing slaves teach about valuing people as tools rather than image-bearers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיֻּגַּד֙1 of 21

And it was told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְמֶ֣לֶךְ2 of 21

the king

H4428

a king

מִצְרַ֔יִם3 of 21

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

כִּ֥י4 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בָרַ֖ח5 of 21

fled

H1272

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly

הָעָ֔ם6 of 21

against the people

H5971

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

וַ֠יֵּֽהָפֵךְ7 of 21

was turned

H2015

to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert

לְבַ֨ב8 of 21

and the heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

פַּרְעֹ֤ה9 of 21

of Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וַֽעֲבָדָיו֙10 of 21

and of his servants

H5650

a servant

אֶל11 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעָ֔ם12 of 21

against the people

H5971

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

וַיֹּֽאמרוּ֙13 of 21

and they said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מַה14 of 21
H4100

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

זֹּ֣את15 of 21
H2063

this (often used adverb)

עָשִׂ֔ינוּ16 of 21

Why have we done

H6213

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

כִּֽי17 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שִׁלַּ֥חְנוּ18 of 21

go

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶת19 of 21
H853

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל20 of 21

this that we have let Israel

H3478

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

מֵֽעָבְדֵֽנוּ׃21 of 21

from serving

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc


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 14:5 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 14:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study