King James Version

What Does Exodus 5:23 Mean?

Exodus 5:23 in the King James Version says “For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy peop... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all. neither: Heb. delivering thou hast not delivered

Exodus 5:23 · KJV


Context

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?

23

For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all. neither: Heb. delivering thou hast not delivered


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 23 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 6-23 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 · 14 words
וּמֵאָ֞ז1 of 14
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

בָּ֤אתִי2 of 14

For since I came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל3 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פַּרְעֹה֙4 of 14

to Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

לְדַבֵּ֣ר5 of 14

to speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בִּשְׁמֶ֔ךָ6 of 14

in thy name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הֵרַ֖ע7 of 14

he hath done evil

H7489

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

עַמֶּֽךָ׃8 of 14

thy people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הַזֶּ֑ה9 of 14
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

הִצַּ֖לְתָּ10 of 14

at all

H5337

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

לֹֽא11 of 14
H3808

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

הִצַּ֖לְתָּ12 of 14

at all

H5337

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

אֶת13 of 14
H853

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

עַמֶּֽךָ׃14 of 14

thy people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock


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 5:23 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 5:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study