King James Version
Exodus 5:12 in the King James Version says “So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw.” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw.”
Exodus 5:12 · KJV
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.
And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw. your daily: Heb. a matter of a day in his day
And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore ?
KJV Study — Public Domain
“were scattered abroad”
H6327to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)
“So the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“instead of 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 5:12 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 5:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge