Exodus 5:6
Exodus 5:6 in Multiple Translations
That same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their foremen:
And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying,
And the same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying,
The same day Pharaoh gave orders to the overseers and those who were responsible for the work, saying,
That very day he ordered the slave drivers and those in charge of the people:
Therefore Pharaoh gaue commandement the same day vnto the taskemasters of the people, and to their officers, saying,
And Pharaoh commandeth, on that day, the exactors among the people and its authorities, saying,
The same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their officers, saying,
And Pharaoh commanded the same day the task-masters of the people, and their officers, saying,
Therefore he commanded the same day the overseers of the works, and the taskmasters of the people, saying:
That same day the king commanded the Egyptian slave bosses and the Israeli men supervising the slaves,
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 5:6
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 5:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְצַ֥ו
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
הַ/ה֑וּא
אֶת
הַ/נֹּגְשִׂ֣ים
בָּ/עָ֔ם
וְ/אֶת
שֹׁטְרָ֖י/ו
לֵ/אמֹֽר
וַ/יְצַ֥ו
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הַ/ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/נֹּגְשִׂ֣ים
nâgas
H5065
to oppress
Art | V-Qal
בָּ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Prep | N-ms
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
שֹׁטְרָ֖י/ו
shôṭêr
H7860
official
V-Qal | Suff
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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 5:6
וַ/יְצַ֥ו
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
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/נֹּגְשִׂ֣ים
nâgas
H5065
"to oppress"
Art | V-Qal
To oppress or drive someone, like a taskmaster, and can also mean to exact or harass, as in Exodus 3:7.
Definition: 1) to press, drive, oppress, exact, exert demanding pressure 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to press, drive 1a2) to exact 1a3) driver, taskmaster, ruler, oppressor, tyrant, lord, exactor of tribute (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be hard pressed
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: distress, driver, exact(-or), oppress(-or), [idiom] raiser of taxes, taskmaster. See also: Exodus 3:7; Job 39:7; Isaiah 3:5.
בָּ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Prep | 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.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
שֹׁטְרָ֖י/ו
shôṭêr
H7860
"official"
V-Qal | Suff
This word refers to a high-ranking official or officer, often translated as 'officer', 'overseer', or 'ruler'. In the Bible, it describes a person with authority and responsibility, such as a scribe or magistrate.
Definition: (Qal) official, officer
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: officer, overseer, ruler. See also: Exodus 5:6; Deuteronomy 31:28; Proverbs 6:7.
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
Study Notes — Exodus 5:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 5:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 5:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 5:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 5:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 5:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 5:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 5:6
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 5:6
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 5:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 5:6
- Sermons on Exodus 5:6
Context — Bricks and Straw
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:
7“You shall no longer supply the people with straw for making bricks. They must go and gather their own straw. 8But require of them the same quota of bricks as before; do not reduce it. For they are lazy; that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 5:10 | So the taskmasters and foremen of the people went out and said to them, “This is what Pharaoh says: ‘I am no longer giving you straw. |
| 2 | Exodus 5:19 | The Israelite foremen realized they were in trouble when they were told, “You must not reduce your daily quota of bricks.” |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 16:18 | You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town that the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment. |
| 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 | Joshua 8:33 | All Israel, foreigners and citizens alike, with their elders, officers, and judges, stood on both sides of the ark of the covenant of the LORD facing the Levitical priests who carried it. Half of the people stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded earlier, to bless the people of Israel. |
| 7 | Exodus 5:13–15 | The taskmasters kept pressing them, saying, “Fulfill your quota each day, just as you did when straw was provided.” Then the Israelite foremen, whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over the people, were beaten and asked, “Why have you not fulfilled your quota of bricks yesterday or today, as you did before?” So the Israelite foremen went and appealed to Pharaoh: “Why are you treating your servants this way? |
| 8 | Joshua 24:4 | and to Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau. I gave Esau Mount Seir to possess, but Jacob and his sons went down to Egypt. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 26:11 | Uzziah had an army ready for battle that went out to war by assigned divisions, as recorded by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer under the direction of Hananiah, one of the royal officers. |
| 10 | Numbers 11:16 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Me seventy of the elders of Israel known to you as leaders and officers of the people. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them stand there with you. |
Exodus 5:6 Summary
This verse shows how Pharaoh tried to stop the Israelites from worshiping God by making their work even harder. He told the people in charge of the Israelites to make them work just as hard, but without giving them the materials they needed, as seen in Exodus 5:7. This was a way for Pharaoh to try to control the Israelites and keep them from following God, similar to how Satan tries to keep us from following God (1 Peter 5:8). By studying this verse, we can see how God's people have always faced opposition, but God is always with them, as promised in Exodus 3:12 and Deuteronomy 31:6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Pharaoh to give this command to the taskmasters?
Pharaoh gave this command in response to Moses and Aaron's request to let the Israelites go and worship their God, as seen in the previous verses, Exodus 5:1-5, and also because he believed the Israelites were lazy, as stated in Exodus 5:8.
Who are the taskmasters and foremen mentioned in this verse?
The taskmasters and foremen were the overseers appointed by Pharaoh to supervise the Israelites and ensure they completed their assigned tasks, similar to the role of the officers in Exodus 1:11.
What was the significance of Pharaoh commanding the taskmasters on the same day?
The fact that Pharaoh gave the command on the same day as Moses and Aaron's request suggests that he was trying to quickly counter their influence and maintain control over the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 5:4-5.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of the Israelites' slavery in Egypt?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' oppression in Egypt, as described in the book of Exodus, and highlights Pharaoh's refusal to let them go, despite God's instructions, as seen in Exodus 3:10 and Exodus 4:23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I try to maintain control over my life, and how can I surrender those areas to God?
- How do I respond when faced with opposition or adversity, and what can I learn from the Israelites' experience in Egypt?
- In what ways can I identify with the Israelites' desire for freedom and worship, and how can I apply that to my own life?
- What are some tasks or responsibilities in my life that feel oppressive or overwhelming, and how can I seek God's guidance and relief?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 5:6
And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people,.... Who were Egyptians, and whom Pharaoh sent for the same day, to give them orders to oppress them yet more and more, so far was he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 5:6
And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, Pharaoh commanded.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 5:6
The task-masters were Egyptians, and the officers were Israelites, under-officers to them, ,15,19.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 5:6
Exodus 5:6 And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying,Ver. 6. And Pharaoh commanded.] He raged the more for the message of dismission: so, wholesome admonitions make ill men worse. Corruptions increase and get bigger by the law.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 5:6
(6) Taskmasters . . . officers.—Three grades of officials are mentioned as employed in superintending the forced labours of the Hebrews—(1) “lords of service” (sarey massim), in Exodus 1:11; (2) “taskmasters” (nogeshim), here and in Exodus 5:10; Exodus 5:13-14; and (3) “officers”—literally, scribes (shoterim), here and in Exodus 5:11-21. The “lords of service” were probably a small body who exercised a general superintendence, and determined the works in which the Hebrews should be employed. They were, no doubt, native Egyptians. The nogeshim, or “taskmasters,” were their subordinates—Egyptians like themselves—comparatively numerous, and serving as intermediaries between the “lords” and the “officers.” These last were Hebrews, and engaged mainly in keeping the tale of the bricks, and seeing that the proper number was reached. Such an organisation is consonant with all that we know of the Egyptian governmental system, which was bureaucratic and complex, involving in every department the employment of several grades of officials.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 5:6
Verse 6. The task-masters of the people and their officers] The task-masters were Egyptians, (See Clarke on Exodus 1:11), the officers were Hebrews; See Clarke on Exodus 5:14. But it is probable that the task-masters Exodus 1:11, who are called שרי מסים sarey missim, princes of the burdens or taxes, were different from those termed taskmasters here, as the words are different; נגשים nogesim signifies exactors or oppressors - persons who exacted from them an unreasonable proportion either of labour or money. Officers. - שטרים shoterim; those seem to have been an inferior sort of officers, who attended on superior officers or magistrates to execute their orders. They are supposed to have been something like our sheriffs.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 5:6
6–9. The Pharaoh commands the Egyptian ‘taskmasters’ (whom he must be supposed—see v. 10—to have summoned to his presence) to increase the tasks imposed upon the Israelites: they are to find their straw themselves, and yet to make the same number of bricks. Bricks in Egypt (which in the earlier periods were much larger than our bricks, generally about 15 × 7 × 4½ in.) were made (on Exodus 1:14) from the mud of the Nile, mixed usually with chopped straw or reed, to give it coherence and prevent cracks while drying, and then dried in the sun (EB. i. 609; cf. L. and B. i. 165). These bricks remained black. Burnt red brick was first introduced into Egypt by the Romans.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 5:6
Their officers - Or scribes. Hebrews able to keep accounts in writing, appointed by the Egyptian superintendents, and responsible to them for the work; see Exodus 5:14.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 5:6
6-9. Increase of the oppression is the fierce and despotic reply to their request.
Sermons on Exodus 5:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Epistle 367 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the necessity of living a life of righteousness and holiness, as it is essential for seeing God and maintaining peace within a community. He warns that unholi |
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Apostolic Commission by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not panicking or feeling overwhelmed when trying to understand the message of God. He encourages the audience to take what |
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(Exodus) Exodus 3:3-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the encounter between Moses and God at the burning bush. He highlights the significance of Moses being instructed to take off his shoes as a |
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Nothingness - the Place of Humility by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and his call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The speaker emphasizes how Moses initially felt inadequate and unworthy f |
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The Exodus - From Egypt to Canaan - Sermon 1 of 5 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that all of humanity is under the domination of Satan due to sin. The power of Satan lies in sin, which gives him the ability to act as a ja |
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(1 Samuel) a Prophet Speaks to the Nation by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of looking at the big picture of our walk with God. He uses the example of Samuel addressing the people of Israel and reminding |
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Spiritual Awakening by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of God's spirit over human strength. He uses examples from the Bible, such as David facing Goliath and Moses confronting Pharaoh, t |