Exodus 5:18
Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּה֙
H6258
לְכ֣וּ
H1980
לְכ֣וּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
2 of 10
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
עִבְד֔וּ
therefore now and work
H5647
עִבְד֔וּ
therefore now and work
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
3 of 10
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
וְתֶ֖בֶן
for there shall no straw
H8401
וְתֶ֖בֶן
for there shall no straw
Strong's:
H8401
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, material, i.e., (specifically) refuse haum or stalks of grain (as chopped in threshing and used for fodder)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִּתֵּֽנּוּ׃
be given
H5414
תִּתֵּֽנּוּ׃
be given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
6 of 10
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Historical Context
Archaeological evidence confirms ancient Egyptian brick-making used straw as binding material. The escalating oppression in verses 6-18 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 18 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.