Exodus 5:6
And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying,
Original Language Analysis
בַּיּ֣וֹם
the same day
H3117
בַּיּ֣וֹם
the same day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 10
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֑וּא
H1931
הַה֑וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
4 of 10
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַנֹּֽגְשִׂ֣ים
the taskmasters
H5065
הַנֹּֽגְשִׂ֣ים
the taskmasters
Strong's:
H5065
Word #:
6 of 10
to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize
בָּעָ֔ם
of the people
H5971
בָּעָ֔ם
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 10
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Exodus 5:10And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw.Exodus 5:19And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task.Exodus 1:11Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.
Historical Context
Archaeological evidence confirms ancient Egyptian brick-making used straw as binding material. The escalating oppression in verses 6-6 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 6 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.