King James Version
Exodus 5:10 in the King James Version says “And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw.”
Exodus 5:10 · KJV
And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore , ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God.
Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words. Let there: Heb. Let the work be heavy upon the men
And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw.
Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished.
So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“went out”
H3318to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
“And the taskmasters”
H5065to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize
“of the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
“and their officers”
H7860properly, a scribe, i.e., (by analogy or implication) an official superintendent or magistrate
“of the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
“I will not give”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
“you straw”
H8401properly, material, i.e., (specifically) refuse haum or stalks of grain (as chopped in threshing and used for fodder)
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.
Exodus 5:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Exodus 5:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge