Exodus 5:10
And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֨צְא֜וּ
went out
H3318
וַיֵּ֨צְא֜וּ
went out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
1 of 15
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
נֹֽגְשֵׂ֤י
And the taskmasters
H5065
נֹֽגְשֵׂ֤י
And the taskmasters
Strong's:
H5065
Word #:
2 of 15
to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize
הָעָ֖ם
of the people
H5971
הָעָ֖ם
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְשֹׁ֣טְרָ֔יו
and their officers
H7860
וְשֹׁ֣טְרָ֔יו
and their officers
Strong's:
H7860
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, a scribe, i.e., (by analogy or implication) an official superintendent or magistrate
הָעָ֖ם
of the people
H5971
הָעָ֖ם
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
כֹּ֚ה
H3541
כֹּ֚ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
אֵינֶ֛נִּי
H369
Historical Context
Archaeological evidence confirms ancient Egyptian brick-making used straw as binding material. The escalating oppression in verses 6-10 follows documented patterns of ancient slave economies.
Questions for Reflection
- How do impossible expectations create false guilt in modern systems?
- What does this passage teach about systemic injustice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Verse 10 content addresses the systematic oppression through impossible brick quotas. The removal of straw while maintaining production requirements embodies how evil systems break spirits through mathematically impossible demands.