Exodus 12:36
And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיהוָ֞ה
And the LORD
H3068
וַֽיהוָ֞ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נָתַ֨ן
gave
H5414
נָתַ֨ן
gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
2 of 11
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
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)
חֵ֥ן
favour
H2580
חֵ֥ן
favour
Strong's:
H2580
Word #:
4 of 11
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
הָעָ֛ם
the people
H5971
הָעָ֛ם
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
בְּעֵינֵ֥י
in the sight
H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֥י
in the sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
6 of 11
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וַיַּשְׁאִל֑וּם
so that they lent
H7592
וַיַּשְׁאִל֑וּם
so that they lent
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
8 of 11
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
וַֽיְנַצְּל֖וּ
unto them such things as they required And they spoiled
H5337
וַֽיְנַצְּל֖וּ
unto them such things as they required And they spoiled
Strong's:
H5337
Word #:
9 of 11
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
Cross References
Acts 7:10And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.Genesis 15:14And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.Psalms 105:37He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.Genesis 39:21But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.Daniel 1:9Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.Acts 2:47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.Exodus 11:3And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants, and in the sight of the people.Proverbs 16:7When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Historical Context
This transfer of wealth fulfilled God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would 'come out with great substance' (Genesis 15:14). The gold and silver later became tabernacle materials.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's justice in compensating Israel teach that He sees and rectifies all wrongs, even if delayed?
- What does Egypt's wealth becoming Israel's possession illustrate about God's sovereignty over material resources?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The LORD giving Israel 'favour in the sight of the Egyptians' fulfills His promise (Exodus 3:21, 11:3). The verb 'lent' (sha'al, שָׁאַל) means 'gave' or 'granted'—Egyptians gave freely, knowing Israel would not return. The phrase 'they spoiled the Egyptians' (vayinatzlu, וַיְנַצְּלוּ—plundered/stripped) uses covenant-lawsuit language: Israel received legal compensation for injustice. Egypt's wealth transfers to God's people.