Exodus 1:8
Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֥קָם
Now there arose up
H6965
וַיָּ֥קָם
Now there arose up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 10
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָדַ֖ע
which knew
H3045
יָדַ֖ע
which knew
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
8 of 10
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
Cross References
Historical Context
Most likely Ahmose I (c. 1550 BC) or a successor who drove out the Semitic Hyksos rulers. The new native Egyptian dynasty viewed all Asiatics with suspicion as potential collaborators with the hated foreigners. This explains the sudden reversal in Israel's fortune—from honored guests to suspected threats.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when authorities or cultures "forget" God's past works and turn hostile to faith?
- What does this verse teach about the transience of political favor and the permanence of God's purposes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph (וַיָּקָם מֶלֶךְ־חָדָשׁ עַל־מִצְרָיִם אֲשֶׁר לֹא־יָדַע אֶת־יוֹסֵף)—The verb arose (קוּם, qum) often signals hostile action in Hebrew narrative. New king likely indicates a dynastic change, possibly the expulsion of the Hyksos and rise of the 18th Dynasty. Knew not (לֹא־יָדַע, lo yada) means more than ignorance—it implies deliberate disregard or refusal to acknowledge. This king rejected the historical debt Egypt owed to Joseph. Theologically, this marks the beginning of Israel's "affliction" prophesied to Abraham (Genesis 15:13). Human power structures shift, but God's redemptive plan advances.