Exodus 5:20
And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh:
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיִּפְגְּעוּ֙
And they met
H6293
וַֽיִּפְגְּעוּ֙
And they met
Strong's:
H6293
Word #:
1 of 10
to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶֽת
H853
וְאֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נִצָּבִ֖ים
who stood
H5324
נִצָּבִ֖ים
who stood
Strong's:
H5324
Word #:
6 of 10
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
לִקְרָאתָ֑ם
in the way
H7125
לִקְרָאתָ֑ם
in the way
Strong's:
H7125
Word #:
7 of 10
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
בְּצֵאתָ֖ם
as they came forth
H3318
בְּצֵאתָ֖ם
as they came forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
8 of 10
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
Historical Context
Archaeological evidence confirms ancient Egyptian brick-making used straw as binding material. The escalating oppression in verses 6-20 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 20 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.