Exodus 5:23
For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.
Original Language Analysis
וּמֵאָ֞ז
H227
בָּ֤אתִי
For since I came
H935
בָּ֤אתִי
For since I came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
2 of 14
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לְדַבֵּ֣ר
to speak
H1696
לְדַבֵּ֣ר
to speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
5 of 14
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בִּשְׁמֶ֔ךָ
in thy name
H8034
בִּשְׁמֶ֔ךָ
in thy name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
6 of 14
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
הֵרַ֖ע
he hath done evil
H7489
הֵרַ֖ע
he hath done evil
Strong's:
H7489
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
עַמֶּֽךָ׃
thy people
H5971
עַמֶּֽךָ׃
thy people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
8 of 14
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
הִצַּ֖לְתָּ
at all
H5337
הִצַּ֖לְתָּ
at all
Strong's:
H5337
Word #:
10 of 14
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הִצַּ֖לְתָּ
at all
H5337
הִצַּ֖לְתָּ
at all
Strong's:
H5337
Word #:
12 of 14
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
Historical Context
Archaeological evidence confirms ancient Egyptian brick-making used straw as binding material. The escalating oppression in verses 6-23 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 23 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.