King James Version
What Does Exodus 5:20 Mean?
“And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh:”
Exodus 5:20 · KJV
Context
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
22
And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryVerse 20 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 6-20 follows documented patterns of ancient slave economies.
Reflection Questions
- How do impossible expectations create false guilt in modern systems?
- What does this passage teach about systemic injustice?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsוַֽיִּפְגְּעוּ֙1 of 10
“And they met”
H6293to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity
אֶת2 of 10
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶֽת4 of 10
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לִקְרָאתָ֑ם7 of 10
“in the way”
H7125an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
בְּצֵאתָ֖ם8 of 10
“as they came forth”
H3318to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מֵאֵ֥ת9 of 10
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
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 5:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.