Exodus 11:2
Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.
Original Language Analysis
דַּבֶּר
Speak
H1696
דַּבֶּר
Speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 15
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
נָ֖א
H4994
נָ֖א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
2 of 15
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
בְּאָזְנֵ֣י
now in the ears
H241
בְּאָזְנֵ֣י
now in the ears
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
3 of 15
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
הָעָ֑ם
of the people
H5971
הָעָ֑ם
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְיִשְׁאֲל֞וּ
borrow
H7592
וְיִשְׁאֲל֞וּ
borrow
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
5 of 15
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
אִ֣ישׁ׀
and let every man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ׀
and let every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 15
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)
מֵאֵ֣ת
H853
מֵאֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מֵאֵ֣ת
H853
מֵאֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רְעוּתָ֔הּ
of her neighbour
H7468
רְעוּתָ֔הּ
of her neighbour
Strong's:
H7468
Word #:
11 of 15
a female associate; generally an additional one
וּכְלֵ֥י
and jewels
H3627
וּכְלֵ֥י
and jewels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
12 of 15
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
כֶ֖סֶף
of silver
H3701
כֶ֖סֶף
of silver
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
13 of 15
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
Cross References
Exodus 3:22But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.Psalms 24:1The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.Psalms 105:37He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.Proverbs 13:22A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.Matthew 20:15Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?Haggai 2:8The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern custom involved giving departing guests gifts. Egypt's willingness to give treasures indicates their terror and desire for Israel to leave immediately. This also represents back wages for generations of unpaid labor.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God ensure justice for past exploitation?
- What does this 'plundering of Egypt' foreshadow about kingdom economics?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God commands Israel to 'borrow' (שָׁאַל, sha'al—ask for, request) jewels of silver and gold from their neighbors. This fulfills the promise that Israel would not leave empty-handed (3:21-22). The verb suggests requesting gifts, not deceit—Egyptians will willingly give to expedite Israel's departure.