Exodus 5:11
Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished.
Original Language Analysis
לְכ֨וּ
H1980
לְכ֨וּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
2 of 12
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
תֶּ֔בֶן
you straw
H8401
תֶּ֔בֶן
you straw
Strong's:
H8401
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, material, i.e., (specifically) refuse haum or stalks of grain (as chopped in threshing and used for fodder)
מֵֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
where
H834
מֵֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
where
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תִּמְצָ֑אוּ
ye can find
H4672
תִּמְצָ֑אוּ
ye can find
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
כִּ֣י
it yet
H3588
כִּ֣י
it yet
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִגְרָ֛ע
shall be diminished
H1639
נִגְרָ֛ע
shall be diminished
Strong's:
H1639
Word #:
10 of 12
to scrape off; by implication, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold
Historical Context
Archaeological evidence confirms ancient Egyptian brick-making used straw as binding material. The escalating oppression in verses 6-11 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 11 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.