Exodus 5:4
Exodus 5:4 in Multiple Translations
But the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you draw the people away from their work? Get back to your labor!”
And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.
And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, loose the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.
And the king of Egypt said to them, Why do you, Moses and Aaron, take the people away from their work? get back to your work.
“Moses and Aaron, why are you trying to take people away from their assigned labor?” Pharaoh asked. “Get back to work!” he ordered.
Then saide the King of Egypt vnto them, Moses and Aaron, why cause ye the people to cease from their workes? get you to your burdens.
And the king of Egypt saith unto them, 'Why, Moses and Aaron, do ye free the people from its works? go to your burdens.'
The king of Egypt said to them, “Why do you, Moses and Aaron, take the people from their work? Get back to your burdens!”
And the king of Egypt said to them, Why do ye, Moses and Aaron, hinder the people from their works; go you to your burdens.
The king of Egypt said to them: Why do you Moses and Aaron draw off the people from their works? Get you gone to your burdens.
But the king of Egypt said to them/us, “Moses and Aaron, ◄stop trying to keep the Israeli people from working/why are you preventing the Israeli people from working?► [RHQ] Tell those slaves to return to work!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 5:4
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 5:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
אֲלֵ/הֶם֙
מֶ֣לֶךְ
מִצְרַ֔יִם
לָ֚/מָּה
מֹשֶׁ֣ה
וְ/אַהֲרֹ֔ן
תַּפְרִ֥יעוּ
אֶת
הָ/עָ֖ם
מִ/מַּֽעֲשָׂ֑י/ו
לְכ֖וּ
לְ/סִבְלֹתֵי/כֶֽם
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲלֵ/הֶם֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
מִצְרַ֔יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
לָ֚/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
מֹשֶׁ֣ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
וְ/אַהֲרֹ֔ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
Conj | N-proper
תַּפְרִ֥יעוּ
pâraʻ
H6544
to lead
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
מִ/מַּֽעֲשָׂ֑י/ו
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
Prep | N-mp | Suff
לְכ֖וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לְ/סִבְלֹתֵי/כֶֽם
çᵉbâlâh
H5450
burden
Prep | N-fp | 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 5:4
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
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.
אֲלֵ/הֶם֙
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.
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
מִצְרַ֔יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
לָ֚/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
מֹשֶׁ֣ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
וְ/אַהֲרֹ֔ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
Conj | N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
תַּפְרִ֥יעוּ
pâraʻ
H6544
"to lead"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
To neglect or let something go is the meaning of this word, which can also imply exposing or dismissing something. In the Bible, it is used to describe turning away from God or neglecting responsibilities.
Definition: to lead, act as leader
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: avenge, avoid, bare, go back, let, (make) naked, set at nought, perish, refuse, uncover. See also: Exodus 5:4; 2 Chronicles 28:19; Proverbs 1:25.
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.
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | 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.
מִ/מַּֽעֲשָׂ֑י/ו
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
לְכ֖וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
לְ/סִבְלֹתֵי/כֶֽם
çᵉbâlâh
H5450
"burden"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
This word refers to forced labor or compulsory service, like being burdened with a heavy load. It is translated as 'burden' in the KJV and implies a sense of obligation or duty.
Definition: burden, forced labour, compulsory service, burden bearing
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: burden. See also: Exodus 1:11; Exodus 5:5; Exodus 6:7.
Study Notes — Exodus 5:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 5:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 5:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 5:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 5:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 5:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 5:4
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 5:4
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 5:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 5:4
- Sermons on Exodus 5:4
Context — Pharaoh’s First Refusal
2But Pharaoh replied, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go.”
3“The God of the Hebrews has met with us,” they answered. “Please let us go on a three-day journey into the wilderness to sacrifice to the LORD our God, or He may strike us with plagues or with the sword.”
4But the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you draw the people away from their work? Get back to your labor!”
5Pharaoh also said, “Look, the people of the land are now numerous, and you would be stopping them from their labor.” 6That same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their foremen:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Acts 24:5 | We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, |
| 3 | Amos 7:10 | Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent word to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land cannot bear all his words, |
| 4 | Luke 23:2 | And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.” |
| 5 | Jeremiah 38:4 | Then the officials said to the king, “This man ought to die, for he is discouraging the warriors who remain in this city, as well as all the people, by speaking such words to them; this man is not seeking the well-being of these people, but their ruin.” |
| 6 | Acts 16:20–21 | They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.” |
Exodus 5:4 Summary
In this verse, the king of Egypt is telling Moses and Aaron to stop distracting the Israelites from their work and get back to their labor. This shows that the king is more concerned with getting work done than with the spiritual well-being of the Israelites. This is similar to how people today may prioritize their work or daily responsibilities over their relationship with God (Matthew 6:33). As Christians, we are called to prioritize our relationship with God above all else, and to trust that He will provide for our needs (Philippians 4:19). By putting God first, we can find true fulfillment and purpose in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the king of Egypt's attitude towards the Israelites in this verse?
The king of Egypt is dismissive and unsympathetic towards the Israelites, prioritizing their labor over their spiritual needs, as seen in his command to Moses and Aaron to get back to work (Exodus 5:4). This attitude is reminiscent of Pharaoh's earlier statement, where he claims not to know the LORD (Exodus 5:2).
Why does the king of Egypt accuse Moses and Aaron of drawing the people away from their work?
The king of Egypt accuses Moses and Aaron of drawing the people away from their work because he sees their request to sacrifice to the LORD as a threat to his authority and the productivity of his labor force (Exodus 5:4), similar to how the Egyptians were concerned about the growing Israelite population (Exodus 1:9-10).
What can we learn from the king of Egypt's response to Moses and Aaron's request?
The king of Egypt's response teaches us that those who are opposed to God's will may try to silence or dismiss those who are advocating for it, as seen in the way he tries to intimidate Moses and Aaron (Exodus 5:4), but this is not a new tactic, as Satan has been trying to silence God's people since the beginning (Matthew 2:13-16).
How does the king of Egypt's command to Moses and Aaron relate to the broader theme of Exodus?
The king of Egypt's command to Moses and Aaron reflects the ongoing struggle between God's people and those who oppose them, a theme that is central to the book of Exodus (Exodus 1:1-18:27), and is reminiscent of the way God's people were treated in other parts of the Bible, such as in the book of Daniel (Daniel 3:1-30).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be prioritizing my work or daily responsibilities over my relationship with God, and how can I strike a better balance?
- How do I respond when faced with opposition or dismissal, like Moses and Aaron were in this verse?
- What are some ways in which I can be a good steward of my time and energy, while still prioritizing my spiritual growth and relationship with God?
- In what ways can I be a voice for God's will in my own community or workplace, even in the face of opposition or dismissal?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 5:4
And the king of Egypt said to them,.... For he was not struck dumb, as Artapanus (g), afore cited writer, says: wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 5:4
And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 5:4
Either, 1. Ye, the elders of Israel, who are here come with Moses and Aaron: see . Or, 2. Ye, Moses and Aaron. So far am I from granting the liberty which you desire for the people, that as a just punishment upon you for your seditious attempt, I command you also to go with the rest, and to take your share in their burdens, and to perform the task which shall be required of you. And that so cruel a tyrant did not proceed further against them, must be ascribed to the mighty power of God, who governs the spirits and restrains the hands of the greatest kings when he pleaseth.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 5:4
Exodus 5:4 And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.Ver 4. Let the people from their works.] Moses talks of sacrifice; Pharaoh of work. Anything seems due work to a carnal mind, saving God’ s service; nothing superfluous but religious duties. Seneca saith the Jews cast away a seventh part of their time upon a weekly Sabbath. "To what end is this loss?" said Judas. Aug., De Civit. Dei.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 5:4
Verse 4. Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron] He hints that the Hebrews are in a state of revolt, and charges Moses and Aaron as being ringleaders of the sedition. This unprincipled charge has been, in nearly similar circumstances, often repeated since. Men who have laboured to bring the mass of the common people from ignorance, irreligion, and general profligacy of manners, to an acquaintance with themselves and God, and to a proper knowledge of their duty to him and to each other, have been often branded as being disaffected to the state, and as movers of sedition among the people! See Clarke on Exodus 5:17. Let the people] תפריעו taphriu, from פרע para, to loose or disengage, which we translate to let, from the Anglo-Saxon [Anglo-Saxon] lettan, to hinder. Ye hinder the people from working. Get ye to your burdens. "Let religion alone, and mind your work." The language not only of tyranny, but of the basest irreligion also.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 5:4
4. The Pharaoh regards the pilgrimage as merely an excuse for a holiday; and bids Moses and Aaron no longer unsettle the people. burdens] Exodus 1:11, Exodus 2:11.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 5:4
Let - i. e. hinder.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 5:4
4. Wherefore do ye — Rather, Wherefore make ye the people cease from their work, by this conference with them and agitation? Then to the elders of Israel, who stood with Moses and Aaron, he says, Get you unto your burdens.
Sermons on Exodus 5:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Hospital Experience by Bud Robinson | The video is a summary of the life and ministry of Bud Robinson, a preacher in the early 20th century. Despite his lack of formal education, Robinson had a profound impact on thous |
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Lake Johanna Conference by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on various aspects of faith and the journey of a believer. The sermon begins with a question about a doctor's actions in the past, but quickly |
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Amos by Don Courville | Don Courville preaches on the life and character of Amos, emphasizing his humility, honesty, wisdom, boldness, and faithfulness as a prophet called by God. He illustrates how Amos, |
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Jesus Stands Trial Before Pilate John 18:28-19:16 by David Servant | David Servant delves into the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting Pilate's struggle to find Jesus guilty of a crime punishable by death, despite knowing the chief pr |
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Homily 18 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness, emphasizing that those who practice such sins will not inherit the kingdom of God. He warn |
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Lecture Xiv. - Measures to Promote Revivals. by Charles Finney | Charles Finney discusses the necessity of adopting new measures to promote revivals in the church, emphasizing that God has not established a fixed system of worship under the gosp |