Exodus 3:7
And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֔ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
רָאִ֛יתִי
I have surely
H7200
רָאִ֛יתִי
I have surely
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
רָאִ֛יתִי
I have surely
H7200
רָאִ֛יתִי
I have surely
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
4 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַמִּ֖י
of my people
H5971
עַמִּ֖י
of my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם
which are in Egypt
H4714
בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם
which are in Egypt
Strong's:
H4714
Word #:
9 of 18
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙
and have heard
H8085
שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙
and have heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
12 of 18
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
מִפְּנֵ֣י
by reason
H6440
מִפְּנֵ֣י
by reason
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
13 of 18
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
נֹֽגְשָׂ֔יו
of their taskmasters
H5065
נֹֽגְשָׂ֔יו
of their taskmasters
Strong's:
H5065
Word #:
14 of 18
to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
15 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָדַ֖עְתִּי
for I know
H3045
יָדַ֖עְתִּי
for I know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
16 of 18
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
Cross References
Psalms 145:19He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.Psalms 106:44Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:Psalms 34:6This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.Nehemiah 9:9And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea;Exodus 22:23If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;Isaiah 63:9In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.Psalms 34:4I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.Exodus 1:11Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.Genesis 29:32And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.1 Samuel 9:16To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.
Historical Context
This verse echoes 2:24-25 where God "heard," "remembered," "looked," and "knew." The repetition emphasizes that the Exodus springs from God's initiative, not human merit. Israel's cry has reached God (2:23); now He responds. The phrase "my people" establishes the relationship that will be developed through Sinai covenant: "You shall be My people, and I will be your God" (Exodus 6:7, Leviticus 26:12).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's emphatic 'I have surely seen' encourage you that He is aware of suffering even when He seems silent?
- What does God calling Israel 'My people' before they've done anything to earn it teach about the basis of His covenant love?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows (וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה רָאֹה רָאִיתִי אֶת־עֳנִי עַמִּי אֲשֶׁר בְּמִצְרַיִם וְאֶת־צַעֲקָתָם שָׁמַעְתִּי מִפְּנֵי נֹגְשָׂיו כִּי יָדַעְתִּי אֶת־מַכְאֹבָיו, vayomer YHWH ra'oh ra'iti et-oni ami asher beMitsrayim ve'et-tsa'akatam shamati mipnei nogasav ki yadati et-makh'ovav)—The emphatic Hebrew surely seen (רָאֹה רָאִיתִי, ra'oh ra'iti, infinitive + perfect) intensifies: "seeing I have seen" or "I have most certainly seen." My people (עַמִּי, ami)—God claims covenant relationship. Three verbs—seen, heard, know—show God's comprehensive awareness. Affliction (עֳנִי, oni), cry (צַעֲקָה, tsa'akah), sorrows (מַכְאֹב, makh'ov, "pains") describe Israel's suffering. God's compassion motivates the Exodus—not mere humanitarian concern but covenant faithfulness to His chosen people.