Exodus 5:17
But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
נִרְפִּ֑ים
Ye are idle
H7503
נִרְפִּ֑ים
Ye are idle
Strong's:
H7503
Word #:
2 of 11
to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)
נִרְפִּ֑ים
Ye are idle
H7503
נִרְפִּ֑ים
Ye are idle
Strong's:
H7503
Word #:
4 of 11
to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּן֙
H3651
כֵּן֙
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
נֵֽלְכָ֖ה
H1980
נֵֽלְכָ֖ה
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
9 of 11
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
Archaeological evidence confirms ancient Egyptian brick-making used straw as binding material. The escalating oppression in verses 6-17 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 17 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.