Exodus 1:9
And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:
Original Language Analysis
עַ֚ם
Behold the people
H5971
עַ֚ם
Behold the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 10
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
עַ֚ם
Behold the people
H5971
עַ֚ם
Behold the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 10
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 10
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 10
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
רַ֥ב
are more
H7227
רַ֥ב
are more
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
8 of 10
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern rulers commonly used demographic fears to justify harsh measures against minority populations. Egyptian texts from this period express xenophobic concerns about Asiatics. Pharaoh's public rhetoric aimed to unite Egyptian nationalism against a common "threat."
Questions for Reflection
- How do you recognize and resist fear-based rhetoric that demonizes others to gain political support?
- When has God turned your enemies' fears into opportunities for His glory to be displayed?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we (רַב וְעָצוּם מִמֶּנּוּ, rav ve'atsum mimenu)—Pharaoh's assessment reveals both truth and paranoid exaggeration. More (רַב, rav, "many/numerous") and mightier (עָצוּם, atsum, "strong/powerful") echo verse 7's description of Israel's growth. The phrase than we is likely hyperbolic—Israel was numerous but hardly outnumbered all Egypt. This is the rhetoric of fear used to justify oppression. Pharaoh's speech to his people suggests mobilizing popular support for his policies. The irony: the more Pharaoh oppresses, the more God multiplies (v. 12).