Exodus 5:7
Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֹֽאסִפ֞וּן
Ye shall no more
H3254
תֹֽאסִפ֞וּן
Ye shall no more
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
2 of 14
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
לָתֵ֨ת
give
H5414
לָתֵ֨ת
give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
3 of 14
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
תֶּֽבֶן׃
straw
H8401
תֶּֽבֶן׃
straw
Strong's:
H8401
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, material, i.e., (specifically) refuse haum or stalks of grain (as chopped in threshing and used for fodder)
לָעָ֛ם
the people
H5971
לָעָ֛ם
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 14
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
כִּתְמ֣וֹל
H8543
כִּתְמ֣וֹל
Strong's:
H8543
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, ago, i.e., a (short or long) time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday
שִׁלְשֹׁ֑ם
as heretofore
H8032
שִׁלְשֹׁ֑ם
as heretofore
Strong's:
H8032
Word #:
9 of 14
trebly, i.e., (in time) day before yesterday
יֵֽלְכ֔וּ
H1980
יֵֽלְכ֔וּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
11 of 14
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 6-7 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 7 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.