Exodus 1:12
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
וְכַֽאֲשֶׁר֙
H834
וְכַֽאֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְעַנּ֣וּ
But the more they afflicted
H6031
יְעַנּ֣וּ
But the more they afflicted
Strong's:
H6031
Word #:
2 of 11
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)
אֹת֔וֹ
H853
אֹת֔וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְכֵ֣ן
them the more
H3651
וְכֵ֣ן
them the more
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
וְכֵ֣ן
them the more
H3651
וְכֵ֣ן
them the more
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
יִפְרֹ֑ץ
and grew
H6555
יִפְרֹ֑ץ
and grew
Strong's:
H6555
Word #:
7 of 11
to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)
וַיָּקֻ֕צוּ
And they were grieved
H6973
וַיָּקֻ֕צוּ
And they were grieved
Strong's:
H6973
Word #:
8 of 11
to be (causatively, make) disgusted or anxious
מִפְּנֵ֖י
because
H6440
מִפְּנֵ֖י
because
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
9 of 11
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Psalms 105:24And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.Exodus 1:9And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Historical Context
This phenomenon defied Egyptian expectations and natural demographic patterns under oppression. Mortality typically rises and birth rates decline under harsh slavery. The supernatural multiplication testified to God's covenant faithfulness and set the stage for Pharaoh's more drastic infanticide policy (v. 16).
Questions for Reflection
- How have you seen God's purposes advance precisely through opposition meant to stop them?
- What does this verse teach about trusting God's blessing even when circumstances seem designed to crush you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew (וְכַאֲשֶׁר יְעַנּוּ אֹתוֹ כֵּן יִרְבֶּה וְכֵן יִפְרֹץ, vekha'asher ye'anu oto ken yirbeh vekhen yifrots)—The Hebrew structure creates emphatic contrast: "the more... the more." Grew (פָּרַץ, parats) means "break out/burst forth"—an irrepressible expansion despite oppression. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel (וַיָּקֻצוּ, vayakutsu, "they felt dread/loathing"). This verse reveals a spiritual principle: God's blessing cannot be suppressed by human opposition. The Egyptians' mounting dread anticipates their terror at the Red Sea (14:10-12). Satan's attacks on God's people often produce the opposite of intended results.