King James Version

What Does Exodus 5:9 Mean?

Exodus 5:9 in the King James Version says “Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words. Let there: H...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Exodus 5:9 · KJV

Context

7

Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore : let them go and gather straw for themselves.

8

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.

9

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

10

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.

11

Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 9 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 6-9 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 · 10 words
תִּכְבַּ֧ד1 of 10

“be laid”

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

הָֽעֲבֹדָ֛ה2 of 10

“Let there more work”

H5656

work of any kind

עַל3 of 10
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֖ים4 of 10
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וְיַֽעֲשׂוּ5 of 10

“that they may labour”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בָ֑הּ6 of 10
H0
וְאַל7 of 10
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יִשְׁע֖וּ8 of 10

“therein and let them not regard”

H8159

to gaze at or about (properly, for help); by implication, to inspect, consider, compassionate, be nonplussed (as looking around in amazement) or bewil

בְּדִבְרֵי9 of 10

“words”

H1697

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

שָֽׁקֶר׃10 of 10

“vain”

H8267

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

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 5:9 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 5:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 18:20Malachi 3:14Zechariah 1:6Jeremiah 43:2Job 16:3Ephesians 5:6

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