Exodus 4:31
And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיַּאֲמֵ֖ן
believed
H539
וַֽיַּאֲמֵ֖ן
believed
Strong's:
H539
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
הָעָ֑ם
And the people
H5971
הָעָ֑ם
And the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֡וּ
and when they heard
H8085
וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֡וּ
and when they heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
פָקַ֨ד
had visited
H6485
פָקַ֨ד
had visited
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
5 of 15
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
יְהוָ֜ה
that the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
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)
בְּנֵ֣י
the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
9 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְכִ֤י
H3588
וְכִ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רָאָה֙
and that he had looked
H7200
רָאָה֙
and that he had looked
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
11 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Exodus 3:18And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.Exodus 12:27That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD'S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.Exodus 3:16Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt:Exodus 2:25And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.Genesis 24:26And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD.Luke 8:13They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
Historical Context
Israel's positive reception of Moses contrasts with the Hebrew's earlier rejection (2:14). The difference: divine credentials (signs) and divine timing (their cry reached God, 2:23-25). This initial enthusiasm would waver during the wilderness (Exodus 16-17, Numbers 14), showing that crisis-faith requires cultivation into mature trust. But this moment of unified worship marked the birth of Israel's national consciousness as YHWH's covenant people.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Israel's worship response to God's visitation teach that true faith leads naturally to worship and submission?
- What does this verse teach about God's faithful response when His people cry out in affliction—He visits, sees, and acts to deliver?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped (וַיַּאֲמֵן הָעָם וַיִּשְׁמְעוּ כִּי־פָקַד יְהוָה אֶת־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְכִי רָאָה אֶת־עָנְיָם וַיִּקְּדּוּ וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲווּ)—Israel's response: the people believed (וַיַּאֲמֵן הָעָם). Despite Moses' fears (4:1), Israel accepts his message. The LORD had visited (פָקַד יְהוָה, fakad YHWH)—divine visitation for redemption (cf. Genesis 50:24-25 where Joseph prophesied this). Looked upon their affliction (רָאָה אֶת־עָנְיָם) echoes 3:7—God's compassionate awareness. Their response: bowed their heads and worshipped (וַיִּקְּדּוּ וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲווּ)—physical prostration in worship. This is Israel's first recorded corporate worship of YHWH in Egypt. They believe the message, trust the messenger, and worship the God who sees and acts. This initial faith will be tested through coming trials, but for now, hope dawns in the darkness of slavery.