King James Version

What Does Exodus 3:22 Mean?

Exodus 3:22 in the King James Version says “But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians. the Egyptians: or, Egypt

Exodus 3:22 · KJV


Context

20

And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.

21

And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty:

22

But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians. the Egyptians: or, Egypt


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians (וְשָׁאֲלָה אִשָּׁה מִשְּׁכֶנְתָּהּ וּמִגָּרַת בֵּיתָהּ כְּלֵי־כֶסֶף וּכְלֵי זָהָב וּשְׂמָלֹת... וְנִצַּלְתֶּם אֶת־מִצְרָיִם)—The method: borrow (שָׁאַל, sha'al, more accurately "ask/request") items from neighbors. Jewels of silver and gold, and raiment—valuable portable wealth. Put them upon your sons and daughters—adorning the next generation. Ye shall spoil the Egyptians (וְנִצַּלְתֶּם אֶת־מִצְרָיִם, venitsaltem et-Mitsrayim)—spoil (נָצַל, natsal) means "plunder/strip." This is poetic justice: Egypt exploited Israel's labor for centuries; now Israel takes Egypt's wealth. The fulfillment (12:35-36) shows Egyptians giving willingly, eager for Israel to leave. God orchestrates recompense and provides resources for wilderness journey and tabernacle worship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'borrowing' language (KJV) misled some to think Israel acted deceptively. Better translation: 'ask/request.' Exodus 12:35-36 shows Egyptians gave willingly—after the tenth plague, they were desperate for Israel to leave and gave generously (12:33). This wealth transfer reversed economic exploitation and fulfilled God's promise of leaving 'with great substance' (Genesis 15:14). The silver and gold later funded tabernacle construction (Exodus 25-40).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the 'spoiling of Egypt' illustrate God's justice in compensating the oppressed and judging oppressors economically as well as physically?
  2. What does God's provision of resources before the journey teach about His care to equip His people for the missions He assigns?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְשָֽׁאֲלָ֨ה1 of 18

shall borrow

H7592

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

אִשָּׁ֤ה2 of 18

But every woman

H802

a woman

מִשְּׁכֶנְתָּהּ֙3 of 18

of her neighbour

H7934

a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen

וּמִגָּרַ֣ת4 of 18

and of her that sojourneth

H1481

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

בֵּיתָ֔הּ5 of 18

in her house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וּכְלֵ֥י6 of 18

and jewels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

כֶ֛סֶף7 of 18

of silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וּכְלֵ֥י8 of 18

and jewels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

זָהָ֖ב9 of 18

of gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וּשְׂמָלֹ֑ת10 of 18

and raiment

H8071

a dress, especially a mantle

וְשַׂמְתֶּ֗ם11 of 18

and ye shall put

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

עַל12 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּנֵיכֶם֙13 of 18

them upon your sons

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

וְעַל14 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּנֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם15 of 18

and upon your daughters

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

וְנִצַּלְתֶּ֖ם16 of 18

and ye shall spoil

H5337

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

אֶת17 of 18
H853

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

מִצְרָֽיִם׃18 of 18

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 3:22 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 3:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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