Exodus 5:7
Exodus 5:7 in Multiple Translations
“You shall no longer supply the people with straw for making bricks. They must go and gather their own straw.
Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves.
Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves.
Give these men no more dry stems for their brick-making as you have been doing; let them go and get the material for themselves.
“Don't give them any more straw to make bricks like before. Have them go and collect the straw themselves.
Ye shall giue the people no more strawe, to make bricke (as in time past) but let them goe and gather them strawe them selues:
'Ye do not add to give straw to the people for the making of the bricks, as heretofore — they go and have gathered straw for themselves;
“You shall no longer give the people straw to make brick, as before. Let them go and gather straw for themselves.
Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore; let them go and gather straw for themselves.
You shall give straw no more to the people to make brick, as before: but let them go and gather straw.
“Do not continue to give the Israeli people straw for making bricks, as you have done previously. Make them go into the fields and gather straw for themselves.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 5:7
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 5:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹ֣א
תֹאסִפ֞וּ/ן
לָ/תֵ֨ת
תֶּ֧בֶן
לָ/עָ֛ם
לִ/לְבֹּ֥ן
הַ/לְּבֵנִ֖ים
כִּ/תְמ֣וֹל
שִׁלְשֹׁ֑ם
הֵ֚ם
יֵֽלְכ֔וּ
וְ/קֹשְׁשׁ֥וּ
לָ/הֶ֖ם
תֶּֽבֶן
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תֹאסִפ֞וּ/ן
yâçaph
H3254
to add
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp | Suff
לָ/תֵ֨ת
nâthan
H5414
to give
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
תֶּ֧בֶן
teben
H8401
straw
N-ms
לָ/עָ֛ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Prep | N-ms
לִ/לְבֹּ֥ן
lâban
H3835
to whiten
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/לְּבֵנִ֖ים
lᵉbênâh
H3843
brick
Art | N-fp
כִּ/תְמ֣וֹל
tᵉmôwl
H8543
yesterday
Prep | Adv
שִׁלְשֹׁ֑ם
shilshôwm
H8032
three days ago
Adv
הֵ֚ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
יֵֽלְכ֔וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/קֹשְׁשׁ֥וּ
qâshash
H7197
to gather
Conj | V-m-3cp
לָ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
תֶּֽבֶן
teben
H8401
straw
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 5:7
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תֹאסִפ֞וּ/ן
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp | Suff
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
לָ/תֵ֨ת
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
תֶּ֧בֶן
teben
H8401
"straw"
N-ms
Teben refers to straw or stubble, often used as fodder for animals or building material. It is mentioned in the Bible as a material for constructing houses.
Definition: 1) straw, stubble 1a) as building material 1b) as fodder for livestock
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: chaff, straw, stubble. See also: Genesis 24:25; Exodus 5:18; Isaiah 11:7.
לָ/עָ֛ם
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.
לִ/לְבֹּ֥ן
lâban
H3835
"to whiten"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to make bricks, often from clay or mud. It's used to describe the process of building and construction, like the tower of Babel. The word is about creating something new.
Definition: 1) to be white 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to make white, become white, purify 1a2) to show whiteness, grow white 1b) (Hithpael) to become white, be purified (ethical)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: make brick, be (made, make) white(-r). See also: Genesis 11:3; Isaiah 1:18; Psalms 51:9.
הַ/לְּבֵנִ֖ים
lᵉbênâh
H3843
"brick"
Art | N-fp
A brick is a small, whitish block made of clay, used for building, like the altar in Exodus.
Definition: 1) tile, brick 1a) brick 1b) tile 1c) pavement Also spelled: liv.nah (לִבְנָה "brick" H3840)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (altar of) brick, tile. See also: Genesis 11:3; Exodus 5:18; Isaiah 9:9.
כִּ/תְמ֣וֹל
tᵉmôwl
H8543
"yesterday"
Prep | Adv
This Hebrew word means yesterday or a short time ago, like in Genesis when God reminds the Israelites of what happened the day before. It can also mean recently or formerly, as in the events of the past. It appears in various Bible verses as beforetime or heretofore.
Definition: 1) before, before that time, beforetime, heretofore, of late, of old, these days, time(s) past, yesterday, day before yesterday, recently, formerly 1a) yesterday 1a1) recently, formerly (usual usage) (fig) 1b) as formerly, so more recently 1c) from yesterday, already
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] before (-time), [phrase] these (three) days, [phrase] heretofore, [phrase] time past, yesterday. See also: Genesis 31:2; Joshua 3:4; Job 8:9.
שִׁלְשֹׁ֑ם
shilshôwm
H8032
"three days ago"
Adv
The Hebrew phrase shilshom means three days ago or day before yesterday, used to describe a past event. It is an idiom that conveys a sense of time, often used in the Bible to tell stories of what happened previously. This phrase helps to establish a timeline of events.
Definition: 1) day before yesterday, three days ago 1a) an idiom for 'heretofore in times past'
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] before (that time, -time), excellent things (from the margin), [phrase] heretofore, three days, [phrase] time past. See also: Genesis 31:2; Joshua 4:18; Proverbs 22:20.
הֵ֚ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
יֵֽלְכ֔וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
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.
וְ/קֹשְׁשׁ֥וּ
qâshash
H7197
"to gather"
Conj | V-m-3cp
This verb means to gather or assemble, like when the Israelites gathered straw in Exodus 5:7-12. It can also mean to forage for materials. The KJV translates it as gather.
Definition: to gather, collect, gather stubble or sticks
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: gather (selves) (together). See also: Exodus 5:7; Numbers 15:33; Zephaniah 2:1.
לָ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
תֶּֽבֶן
teben
H8401
"straw"
N-ms
Teben refers to straw or stubble, often used as fodder for animals or building material. It is mentioned in the Bible as a material for constructing houses.
Definition: 1) straw, stubble 1a) as building material 1b) as fodder for livestock
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: chaff, straw, stubble. See also: Genesis 24:25; Exodus 5:18; Isaiah 11:7.
Study Notes — Exodus 5:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 5:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 5:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 5:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 5:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 5:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 5:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 5:7
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 5:7
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 5:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 5:7
- Sermons on Exodus 5:7
Context — Bricks and Straw
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.’ 9Make the work harder on the men so they will be occupied and pay no attention to these lies.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 19:19 | even though there is both straw and feed for our donkeys, and bread and wine for me and the maidservant and young man with me. There is nothing that we, your servants, lack.” |
| 2 | Genesis 24:25 | Then she added, “We have plenty of straw and feed, as well as a place for you to spend the night.” |
Exodus 5:7 Summary
[In this verse, Pharaoh is making it harder for the Israelites by taking away the straw they need to make bricks, but still expecting them to make the same amount of bricks. This is similar to how God sometimes allows challenges to come into our lives to test our faith, as seen in James 1:2-4. By trusting in God and persevering through difficulties, we can grow in our faith and become stronger, just like the Israelites did during their time in Egypt. As it says in Exodus 1:12, the more the Israelites were oppressed, the more they multiplied, showing how God can use difficult circumstances to bring about good.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Pharaoh decide to stop supplying straw to the Israelites?
Pharaoh stopped supplying straw to the Israelites because he believed they were lazy and wanted to find ways to make their work harder, as seen in Exodus 5:8 where he says they are lazy and that is why they are crying out to sacrifice to their God, similar to the mindset of those who oppose God's people in Nehemiah 4:3.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?
This verse shows how God allows challenges to come into our lives, like the Israelites' increased workload, to test our faith and trust in Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:2-3 where God tested the Israelites in the wilderness to know what was in their hearts.
What can we learn from Pharaoh's actions in this verse?
We can learn from Pharaoh's actions that when we try to control or manipulate others, we are essentially acting in opposition to God's will, similar to the actions of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3:1-7 who tried to force the Israelites to worship his idol.
How does God use difficult circumstances to shape His people?
God uses difficult circumstances, like the Israelites' slavery in Egypt, to shape His people and prepare them for the work He has called them to do, as seen in Romans 8:28-30 where God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with increased difficulties or challenges in my life, and what can I learn from the Israelites' experience in this verse?
- In what ways can I trust God to provide for my needs, even when it seems like the resources are being taken away, as the Israelites experienced with the straw?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to control or manipulate others, and how can I surrender those areas to God?
- How can I use difficult circumstances as opportunities to grow in my faith and trust in God, rather than becoming bitter or resentful?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 5:7
Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick,.... Whether this was given and used to mix with the clay, as is done in some places (h), that the bricks made thereof might be firmer and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 5:7
Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. Ye shall no more give the people straw.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 5:7
The straw was used either to mingle with the clay, that’ it might not be too brittle; or to cover the clay when it was formed into bricks, that the heat of the sun might not dry them too much, which might easily be done in that hot country; or for fuel, either wholly or in part, to burn their bricks with, straw being abundant there, and much used for that purpose.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 5:7
Exodus 5:7 Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves.Ver. 7. Ye shall no more give the people straw.] Speculum tyrannidis semper augescentis atque invalescentis. "The matter mends with us," said those martyrs in prison, "as sour ale doth in summer." Act. and Mon.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 5:7
(7) Straw to make brick.—“The use of crude brick was general in Egypt for dwelling-houses, tombs, and ordinary buildings, the walls of towns, fortresses, and the sacred enclosures of temples, and for all purposes where stone was not required, which last was nearly confined to temples, quays, and reservoirs” (Wilkinson, in Rawlinson’s Herodotus, vol. ii. p. 213). These crude bricks were always made of the mud of the Nile, mixed with chopped straw, which served to bind them together (Rosellini, Monumenti Civili, vol. ii. p. 252). Let them go and gather straw.—It has been estimated that this requirement would “more than double” the people’s toils (Canon Cook). They would have to disperse themselves over the harvest fields, often lying at a considerable distance from the brick-fields, to detach the straw from the soil, gather it into bundles, and convey it to the scene of their ordinary labours. Having done this they were then required to complete the ordinary “tale.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 5:7
Verse 7. Straw to make brick] There have been many conjectures concerning the use of straw in making bricks. Some suppose it was used merely for burning them, but this is unfounded. The eastern bricks are often made of clay and straw kneaded together, and then not burned, but thoroughly dried in the sun. This is expressly mentioned by Philo in his life of Moses, who says, describing the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt, that some were obliged to work in clay for the formation of bricks, and others to gather straw for the same purpose, because straw is the bond by which the brick is held together, πλινθουγαραχοραδεσμος. - PHIL. Oper., edit. MANG., vol. ii., p. 86. And Philo's account is confirmed by the most intelligent travellers. Dr. Shaw says that the straw in the bricks still preserves its original colour, which is a proof that the bricks were never burned.
Some of these are still to be seen in the cabinets of the curious; and there are several from ancient Babylon now before me, where the straw which was amalgamated with the clay is still perfectly visible. From this we may see the reason of the complaint made to Pharaoh, Exodus 5:16: the Egyptians refused to give the necessary portion of straw for kneading the bricks, and yet they required that the full tale or number of bricks should be produced each day as they did when all the necessary materials were brought to hand; so the people were obliged to go over all the cornfields, and pluck up the stubble, which they were obliged to substitute for straw. See Exodus 5:12.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 5:7
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 5:7
Some of the most ancient buildings in Egypt were constructed of bricks not burned, but dried in the sun; they were made of clay, or more commonly of mud, mixed with straw chopped into small pieces.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 5:7
6-9. Increase of the oppression is the fierce and despotic reply to their request.
Sermons on Exodus 5:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Emblems From Their Bondage and Redemption by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson's sermon 'Emblems From Their Bondage and Redemption' explores the bitter bondage of the Israelites in Egypt as a metaphor for the enslavement of sin and Satan. He emph |