Exodus 3:21
And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty:
Original Language Analysis
וְנָֽתַתִּ֛י
And I will give
H5414
וְנָֽתַתִּ֛י
And I will give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 13
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 13
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 #:
3 of 13
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
הָֽעָם
this people
H5971
הָֽעָם
this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the sight
H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
6 of 13
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וְהָיָה֙
H1961
וְהָיָה֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
8 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תֵֽלֵכ֔וּן
H1980
תֵֽלֵכ֔וּן
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
10 of 13
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Exodus 12:36And 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.Psalms 105:37He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.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.Psalms 106:46He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.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.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.Nehemiah 1:11O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.
Historical Context
The 'plundering of Egypt' fulfilled Genesis 15:14 ('afterward shall they come out with great substance'). Archaeological evidence shows that slaves rarely possessed wealth; Israel's enrichment reversed their economic devastation. The gold and silver later used for tabernacle construction (Exodus 25-31, 35-40) came from these Egyptian gifts, showing God's providence—even pagan wealth serves His purposes when redirected to worship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's provision of Egyptian wealth to Israel illustrate that He compensates His servants for faithful endurance through suffering?
- What does the subsequent use of Egyptian gold for the tabernacle teach about redeeming secular resources for sacred purposes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty (וְנָתַתִּי אֶת־חֵן הָעָם־הַזֶּה בְּעֵינֵי מִצְרָיִם וְהָיָה כִּי תֵלֵכוּן לֹא תֵלְכוּ רֵיקָם)—God promises favour (חֵן, chen, "grace/favor") in Egyptians' eyes. Ye shall not go empty (לֹא תֵלְכוּ רֵיקָם)—Israel will receive compensation for their labor. This anticipates 11:2-3 and 12:35-36 when Egyptians give Israel gold, silver, and clothing. This isn't theft but just recompense—wages for 400 years of slavery (cf. Deuteronomy 15:13-14 which requires sending freed slaves away with provision). God ensures His people leave enriched, not impoverished, and these spoils later fund the tabernacle (25:1-7, 35:4-9).