Exodus 1:9
Exodus 1:9 in Multiple Translations
“Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us.
And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:
And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:
And he said to his people, See, the people of Israel are greater in number and in power than we are:
He conferred with his fellow Egyptians and said, “Look at these Israelites—there are more of them than us, and they're more powerful than us.
And he sayde vnto his people, Beholde, the people of the children of Israel are greater and mightier then we.
and he saith unto his people, 'Lo, the people of the sons of Israel [is] more numerous and mighty than we;
He said to his people, “Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we.
And he said to his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we.
And he said to his people: Behold the people of the children of Israel are numerous and stronger than we.
He said to his people, “Look at what has happened! The Israeli people have become so numerous and so powerful that they now might conquer us!
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 1:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 1:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
אֶל
עַמּ֑/וֹ
הִנֵּ֗ה
עַ֚ם
בְּנֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
רַ֥ב
וְ/עָצ֖וּם
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
עַמּ֑/וֹ
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
הִנֵּ֗ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
עַ֚ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
רַ֥ב
rab
H7227
many
Adj
וְ/עָצ֖וּם
ʻâtsûwm
H6099
mighty
Conj | Adj
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 1:9
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
עַמּ֑/וֹ
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
הִנֵּ֗ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
עַ֚ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
רַ֥ב
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
וְ/עָצ֖וּם
ʻâtsûwm
H6099
"mighty"
Conj | Adj
This word means mighty or powerful, often describing something as strong or numerous. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power and strength.
Definition: 1) mighty, vast, numerous 1a) mighty, strong (in number) 1b) numerous, countless
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] feeble, great, mighty, must, strong. See also: Genesis 18:18; Proverbs 7:26; Psalms 10:10.
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
Study Notes — Exodus 1:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 1:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 1:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 1:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 1:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 1:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 1:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 1:9
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 1:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 1:9
- Sermons on Exodus 1:9
Context — Oppression by a New King
7but the Israelites were fruitful and increased rapidly; they multiplied and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them.
8Then a new king, who did not know Joseph, came to power in Egypt.
9“Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us.
10Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country. ” 11So the Egyptians appointed taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor. As a result, they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 105:24–25 | And the LORD made His people very fruitful, more numerous than their foes, whose hearts He turned to hate His people, to conspire against His servants. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 4:4 | I saw that all labor and success spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. |
| 3 | James 3:14–16 | But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. |
| 4 | Proverbs 27:4 | Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy? |
| 5 | Proverbs 14:28 | A large population is a king’s splendor, but a lack of subjects is a prince’s ruin. |
| 6 | Titus 3:3 | For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. |
| 7 | Numbers 22:4–5 | So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time, he sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt,” said Balak. “They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. |
| 8 | James 4:5 | Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy? |
| 9 | Job 5:2 | For resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple. |
Exodus 1:9 Summary
The new king of Egypt was afraid of the Israelites because they had become very powerful and numerous, as stated in Exodus 1:9. This fear led him to want to control and oppress them, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty. This verse reminds us that God's people can be a blessing to those around them, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in Exodus 1:7 and Deuteronomy 4:6-8. By trusting in God's power and love, we can be a witness to others and bring glory to Him, as stated in Matthew 5:14-16 and 1 Peter 2:12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the new king of Egypt view the Israelites as a threat?
The king saw the Israelites as a threat because they had become too numerous and powerful, and he feared they might join Egypt's enemies and fight against them, as stated in Exodus 1:9-10, similar to the warnings given in Deuteronomy 28:25 and Joshua 23:12-13.
What does this verse reveal about the character of the new king of Egypt?
This verse shows that the new king was driven by fear and a desire to maintain power and control, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 21:1 and Psalm 37:3-7.
How does this verse relate to the promises made to Abraham in Genesis?
This verse is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation, as stated in Genesis 12:2 and Genesis 17:6, but it also shows how the world would respond to God's people with fear and hostility, as warned in Genesis 12:3.
What can we learn from the king's statement about the Israelites' power and numbers?
The king's statement highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the power and influence of God's people, as seen in Exodus 1:7 and Deuteronomy 4:6-8, and how this can be a witness to the surrounding nations, as stated in Isaiah 43:10-12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like the Israelites, can be a blessing to those around me, even in the face of opposition or adversity?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision when faced with fear or uncertainty, like the new king of Egypt?
- What are some ways that I can be a witness to the power and love of God in my own life and community, like the Israelites in Egypt?
- How can I balance the need to be wise and prudent in my decisions with the need to trust in God's guidance and provision, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 1:9
And he said unto his people,.... His princes, nobles, and courtiers about him, his principal ministers of state: behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we: which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 1:9
And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we: Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 1:9
This was not a true, but an invidious representation and aggravation of the matter, the better to justify the sororities which he designed.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 1:9
Exodus 1:9 And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel [are] more and mightier than we:Ver. 9. More and mightier.] He speaks as if he had looked through a multiplying glass.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 1:9
(9) He said unto his people.—It is not intended to represent the Egyptian monarch as summoning a popular assembly, and addressing it. “His people.” Is antithetical to “the people of the children of Israel,” and simply marks that those whom he addressed were of his own nation. No doubt they were his nobles, or, at any rate, his courtiers. More and mightier than we.—Heb., great and mighty in comparison with us. The more to impress his counsellors, and gain their consent to his designs, the king exaggerates. Ancient Egypt must have had a population of seven or eight millions, which would imply nearly two millions of adult males, whereas the adult male Israelites, near a century later, were no more than six hundred thousand (Exodus 12:37). Wicked men do not scruple at misrepresentation when they have an end to gain.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 1:9
Verse 9. He said unto his people] He probably summoned a council of his nobles and elders to consider the subject; and the result was to persecute and destroy them, as is afterwards stated.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 1:9
9. more and mightier] In the Heb. the two adjectives corresponding to the two verbs ‘increased,’ and ‘waxed mighty,’ in v. 7. The marg. is merely an alternative rendering of the Heb., bringing out more distinctly the sense intended (cf. 1 Kings 19:7, where the Heb. is similar).
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 1:9
9, 10. And he said unto his people — This implies consultation of a king with his counsellors in an epoch of transition or revolution, and suits well the time of Amosis.
Sermons on Exodus 1:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Our Attitude Toward God by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the emptiness of a life lived solely for material possessions and temporal things. He emphasizes the importance of living for Christ an |
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Envy by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks warns against the destructive nature of envy, describing it as a torment that gnaws at the soul and likening it to poison, a serpent, and a scourge. He emphasizes tha |
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Bitterness by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of bitterness in people's lives. He highlights how some individuals are constantly discontent and find fault in everything, whether |
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The Tongue by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the feeling of being left behind and the horror it brings. He relates this to the concept of failing in the school of God and having to go b |
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How to Be Free From Bitterness by Jim Wilson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of bitterness and its negative impact on our lives. He refers to Ephesians 4:31, which instructs believers to get rid of all bittern |
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Tongue Taming by David P. Murray | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the power and impact of our words. He uses various illustrations to emphasize how something small, like a bit in a horse's mouth or a rudder |
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How Satan Destroys a Church - Part 8 (God's Graduate School) by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the destructive fruits of envy and the importance of maintaining agreement in relationships. He emphasizes that envy and jealousy can quickly |