Exodus 5:16
There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people.
Original Language Analysis
תֶּ֗בֶן
There is no straw
H8401
תֶּ֗בֶן
There is no straw
Strong's:
H8401
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, material, i.e., (specifically) refuse haum or stalks of grain (as chopped in threshing and used for fodder)
נִתָּן֙
given
H5414
נִתָּן֙
given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
3 of 13
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
עֲשׂ֑וּ
to us Make
H6213
עֲשׂ֑וּ
to us Make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מֻכִּ֖ים
are beaten
H5221
מֻכִּ֖ים
are beaten
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
11 of 13
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
Archaeological evidence confirms ancient Egyptian brick-making used straw as binding material. The escalating oppression in verses 6-16 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 16 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.