Exodus 12:33
And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.
Original Language Analysis
וַתֶּֽחֱזַ֤ק
were urgent
H2388
וַתֶּֽחֱזַ֤ק
were urgent
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
1 of 12
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
מִצְרַ֙יִם֙
And the Egyptians
H4714
מִצְרַ֙יִם֙
And the Egyptians
Strong's:
H4714
Word #:
2 of 12
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָעָ֔ם
upon the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
upon the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לְמַהֵ֖ר
in haste
H4116
לְמַהֵ֖ר
in haste
Strong's:
H4116
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)
לְשַׁלְּחָ֣ם
that they might send
H7971
לְשַׁלְּחָ֣ם
that they might send
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
6 of 12
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הָאָ֑רֶץ
them out of the land
H776
הָאָ֑רֶץ
them out of the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
8 of 12
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Historical Context
After losing their firstborn and experiencing ten devastating plagues, Egyptians feared continued presence of Israel would bring further catastrophe. Their terror accomplished what Pharaoh's decrees couldn't—immediate release.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Egyptians' panic demonstrate that those who oppress God's people ultimately fear them?
- What does God's method of making enemies desperate to release His people teach about His sovereignty over circumstances?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Egyptians' urgency—'were urgent upon the people'—reveals panic-driven haste. Their motivation, 'We be all dead men,' shows they recognized the pattern could continue until Egypt was completely destroyed. This fulfills God's promise that Egyptians would 'thrust' Israel out (Exodus 11:1). Those who once enslaved Israel now beg them to leave, demonstrating God's complete reversal of circumstances.