Exodus 5:15
Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants?
Original Language Analysis
שֹֽׁטְרֵי֙
Then the officers
H7860
שֹֽׁטְרֵי֙
Then the officers
Strong's:
H7860
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, a scribe, i.e., (by analogy or implication) an official superintendent or magistrate
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 12
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיִּצְעֲק֥וּ
and cried
H6817
וַיִּצְעֲק֥וּ
and cried
Strong's:
H6817
Word #:
5 of 12
to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)
לָ֧מָּה
H4100
לָ֧מָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
תַֽעֲשֶׂ֦ה
Wherefore dealest
H6213
תַֽעֲשֶׂ֦ה
Wherefore dealest
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
Archaeological evidence confirms ancient Egyptian brick-making used straw as binding material. The escalating oppression in verses 6-15 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 15 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.