Exodus 3:9
Exodus 3:9 in Multiple Translations
And now the cry of the Israelites has reached Me, and I have seen how severely the Egyptians are oppressing them.
Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.
And now, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: moreover I have seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.
For now, truly, the cry of the children of Israel has come to me, and I have seen the cruel behaviour of the Egyptians to them.
Listen! The cries of the Israelites have reached me, and I have seen how badly the Egyptians are mistreating them.
And now lo, the crie of the children of Israel is come vnto me, and I haue also seene ye oppression, wherewith the Egyptians oppresse them.
'And now, lo, the cry of the sons of Israel hath come in unto Me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians are oppressing them,
Now, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come to me. Moreover I have seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them.
Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come to me: and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them.
For the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have seen their affliction, wherewith they are oppressed by the Egyptians.
Truly I have now heard my Israeli people crying [PRS]. I have seen how the Egyptians oppress them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 3:9
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 3:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּ֕ה
הִנֵּ֛ה
צַעֲקַ֥ת
בְּנֵי
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
בָּ֣אָה
אֵלָ֑/י
וְ/גַם
רָאִ֨יתִי֙
אֶת
הַ/לַּ֔חַץ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
מִצְרַ֖יִם
לֹחֲצִ֥ים
אֹתָֽ/ם
וְ/עַתָּ֕ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
הִנֵּ֛ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
צַעֲקַ֥ת
tsaʻăqâh
H6818
cry
N-fs
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
בָּ֣אָה
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
אֵלָ֑/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
רָאִ֨יתִי֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/לַּ֔חַץ
lachats
H3906
oppression
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
מִצְרַ֖יִם
Mitsrîy
H4713
Egyptian
N-proper
לֹחֲצִ֥ים
lâchats
H3905
to oppress
V-Qal
אֹתָֽ/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 3:9
וְ/עַתָּ֕ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
הִנֵּ֛ה
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.
צַעֲקַ֥ת
tsaʻăqâh
H6818
"cry"
N-fs
A cry or outcry is what this word represents, often a cry of distress that reaches God's ears, as seen in Exodus where the Israelites cry out against slavery.
Definition: 1) cry, outcry 1a) outcry (against) 1b) cry of distress (especially as heard by God)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: cry(-ing). See also: Genesis 18:21; Nehemiah 5:1; Psalms 9:13.
בְּנֵי
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
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.
בָּ֣אָה
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֵלָ֑/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
רָאִ֨יתִי֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/לַּ֔חַץ
lachats
H3906
"oppression"
Art | N-ms
Oppression is when someone is treated unfairly or cruelly, often by those in power. It can cause distress and suffering for the person being oppressed.
Definition: oppression, distress, pressure
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: affliction, oppression. See also: Exodus 3:9; Job 36:15; Psalms 42:10.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
מִצְרַ֖יִם
Mitsrîy
H4713
"Egyptian"
N-proper
In the Bible, this word refers to an Egyptian, someone from the country of Egypt. It appears in the Old Testament, describing people from this northeastern African nation. Egyptians are mentioned in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: Group of mits.ra.yim (מִצְרַ֫יִם "Egypt" H4714G) § Egyptian, of Egypt "double straits" Egyptian-an inhabitant or citizen of Egypt an Egyptian
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: Egyptian, of Egypt. See also: Genesis 12:12; Exodus 8:17; Ezra 9:1.
לֹחֲצִ֥ים
lâchats
H3905
"to oppress"
V-Qal
To oppress means to treat someone unfairly or cruelly, often by using power or force. This can include squeezing or pressing someone to get what you want.
Definition: 1) to squeeze, press, oppress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to squeeze, press 1a2) to oppress 1b) (Niphal) to squeeze oneself
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: afflict, crush, force, hold fast, oppress(-or), thrust self. See also: Exodus 3:9; 1 Samuel 10:18; Psalms 56:2.
אֹתָֽ/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Study Notes — Exodus 3:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 3:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 3:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 3:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 3:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 3:9
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 3:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 3:9
- Sermons on Exodus 3:9
Context — Moses at the Burning Bush
7The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings.
8I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.
9And now the cry of the Israelites has reached Me, and I have seen how severely the Egyptians are oppressing them.
10Therefore, go! I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt.” 11But Moses asked God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 22:22–23 | Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them. |
| 2 | Exodus 2:23 | After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned and cried out under their burden of slavery, and their cry for deliverance from bondage ascended to God. |
| 3 | Exodus 1:13–14 | They worked the Israelites ruthlessly and made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar, and with all kinds of work in the fields. Every service they imposed was harsh. |
| 4 | Exodus 3:7 | The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings. |
| 5 | Exodus 1:11 | So 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. |
| 6 | Exodus 1:22 | Then Pharaoh commanded all his people: “Every son born to the Hebrews you must throw into the Nile, but every daughter you may allow to live.” |
| 7 | Psalms 12:5 | “For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.” |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 5:8 | If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter; for one official is watched by a superior, and others higher still are over them. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 50:33–34 | This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “The sons of Israel are oppressed, and the sons of Judah as well. All their captors hold them fast, refusing to release them. Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of Hosts is His name. He will fervently plead their case so that He may bring rest to the earth, but turmoil to those who live in Babylon. |
| 10 | Micah 2:1–3 | Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands. They covet fields and seize them; they take away houses. They deprive a man of his home, a fellow man of his inheritance. Therefore this is what the LORD says: “I am planning against this nation a disaster from which you cannot free your necks. Then you will not walk so proudly, for it will be a time of calamity. |
Exodus 3:9 Summary
This verse means that God has heard the prayers and cries of the Israelites and has seen how badly they are being treated by the Egyptians. He is now taking action to rescue them, just like He promises to rescue us from our own struggles and hardships, as seen in Psalm 34:17-20, where it says that God is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. God is a compassionate and just God who cares about the suffering of His people, and He will always come to their rescue, as stated in Isaiah 41:10, where God says He will strengthen and help them, and uphold them with His righteous right hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the cry of the Israelites has reached God?
This means that God has heard the prayers and cries of the Israelites and is now taking action to rescue them, as seen in Exodus 3:9 and Exodus 2:23-25, where God hears their groaning and remembers His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as stated in Genesis 17:1-14 and Genesis 28:13-15.
Why did God allow the Israelites to suffer under the Egyptians for so long?
God allowed the Israelites to suffer under the Egyptians to test their faith and to prepare them for the Promised Land, as stated in Deuteronomy 8:2-5, where God says He led them through the wilderness to humble and test them, and to know what was in their hearts, and in Exodus 1:12, where the more the Israelites were oppressed, the more they multiplied.
What does this verse reveal about God's character?
This verse reveals that God is a compassionate and just God, who hears the cries of the oppressed and takes action to rescue them, as stated in Psalm 103:6, where it says that God executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed, and in Isaiah 30:18, where God says He will have mercy on them and delight in showing them compassion.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of God's redemption of His people, which is seen throughout the Bible, from the creation of the world in Genesis 1:1 to the ultimate redemption of all things in Revelation 21:1-4, where God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can cry out to God in my own times of oppression or struggle, and how can I trust that He will hear me?
- In what ways have I experienced God's compassion and justice in my own life, and how can I share that with others who may be suffering?
- How can I be an advocate for those who are oppressed or marginalized, and how can I use my own voice to cry out to God on their behalf?
- What are some ways that I can remember God's faithfulness and promises to me, even in times of uncertainty or doubt, and how can I hold onto those promises as I trust in His goodness?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 3:9
Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me,.... See Exodus 2:23: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them; which is repeated to observe
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 3:9
And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; I have surely seen the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 3:9
The cry of the children of Israel; either in prayer, or rather forced by their oppressions, as the next clause explains it.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 3:9
Exodus 3:9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.Ver. 9. The oppression wherewith.] We are oft more beholden to our enemies’ insolency than to any innoceney of our own.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 3:9
9. is come unto me] Genesis 18:21.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 3:9
MOSES IS CALLED, Exodus 3:7-10; AND GOD REVEALS THE NAME, Exodus 3:11-22. 7-10. God dispels the mystery, that had been so long thickening upon his providence, unfolds his plan, and gives Moses his commission.
Sermons on Exodus 3:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
This Is My Task by Aimee Semple McPherson | Aimee Semple McPherson preaches about the importance of fulfilling our task on earth, which is to spread the gospel to every corner of the world. She emphasizes the need to be will |
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The Power of the Holy Spirit by J.C. Ryle | In this sermon on suffering affliction, the preacher delves into the Greek word 'thlibo', which means to press, squash, or hem in, depicting the pressure and narrowness of afflicti |
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(Hebrews - Part 37): Faith Is a Pertubing Thing by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a moral rebound. He talks about his own past of indulging in drinking and reckless behavior, even on Christmas Eve. Howev |
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(Exodus) Exodus 6:1-5 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Exodus 6:2-4, where God reveals himself to Moses as Jehovah, the self-existing one. The preacher emphasizes that God is who he says he is an |
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The Spirit of Grace and Power by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of distributing the word of God rather than simply producing knowledge. He encourages ministers to focus on providing spiritua |
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Carry His Burden by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a burden for the world that is without God. He encourages the audience to bear the burden and care for others, belie |
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Take Heed of Sinning in Thought by Ralph Venning | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning away from vanity and avoiding evil. He explains that what we see and hear can greatly influence our thoughts and a |