King James Version

What Does Exodus 5:19 Mean?

Exodus 5:19 in the King James Version says “And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish o...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task.”

Exodus 5:19 · KJV

Context

17

But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD.

18

Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks.

19

And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task.

20

And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh:

21

And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us. to be: Heb. to stink

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 19 content addresses the systematic oppression through impossible brick quotas. The removal of straw while maintaining production requirements embodies how evil systems break spirits through mathematically impossible demands.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Archaeological evidence confirms ancient Egyptian brick-making used straw as binding material. The escalating oppression in verses 6-19 follows documented patterns of ancient slave economies.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do impossible expectations create false guilt in modern systems?
  2. What does this passage teach about systemic injustice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיִּרְא֞וּ1 of 13

“did see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

שֹֽׁטְרֵ֧י2 of 13

“And the officers”

H7860

properly, a scribe, i.e., (by analogy or implication) an official superintendent or magistrate

בְנֵֽי3 of 13

“of the children”

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל4 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

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

אֹתָ֖ם5 of 13
H853

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

בְּרָ֣ע6 of 13

“that they were in evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

לֵאמֹ֑ר7 of 13

“case after it was said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹֽא8 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִגְרְע֥וּ9 of 13

“Ye shall not minish”

H1639

to scrape off; by implication, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold

מִלִּבְנֵיכֶ֖ם10 of 13

“ought from your bricks”

H3843

a brick (from the whiteness of the clay)

דְּבַר11 of 13

“task”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

בְּיוֹמֽוֹ׃12 of 13

“of your daily”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בְּיוֹמֽוֹ׃13 of 13

“of your daily”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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 5:19 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 5:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 4:1Ecclesiastes 5:8Deuteronomy 32:36

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