Exodus 5:9
Exodus 5:9 in Multiple Translations
Make the work harder on the men so they will be occupied and pay no attention to these lies.”
Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
Let heavier work be laid upon the men, that they may labor therein; and let them not regard lying words.
Give the men harder work, and see that they do it; let them not give attention to false words.
Make their work harder so they can get on with it and not pay any attention to all these lies!”
Lay more worke vpon the men, and cause them to do it, and let the not regard vaine words.
let the service be heavy on the men, and let them work at it, and not be dazzled by lying words.'
Let heavier work be laid on the men, that they may labor in it. Don’t let them pay any attention to lying words.”
Let more work be laid upon the men, that they may labor therein: and let them not regard vain words.
Let them be oppressed, with works, and let them fulfill them: that they may not regard lying words.
Force the men to work harder, so that they will not have time to listen to lies from their leaders!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 5:9
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 5:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תִּכְבַּ֧ד
הָ/עֲבֹדָ֛ה
עַל
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֖ים
וְ/יַעֲשׂוּ
בָ֑/הּ
וְ/אַל
יִשְׁע֖וּ
בְּ/דִבְרֵי
שָֽׁקֶר
תִּכְבַּ֧ד
kâbad
H3513
to honor
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
הָ/עֲבֹדָ֛ה
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
service
Art | N-fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֖ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-mp
וְ/יַעֲשׂוּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בָ֑/הּ
Prep | Suff
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Conj | Part
יִשְׁע֖וּ
shâʻâh
H8159
to gaze
V-Qal-Juss-3mp
בְּ/דִבְרֵי
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-mp
שָֽׁקֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 5:9
תִּכְבַּ֧ד
kâbad
H3513
"to honor"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.
הָ/עֲבֹדָ֛ה
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
"service"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word means service or work, including serving God or others. It appears in various forms in the Bible, such as in Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe labor or ministry.
Definition: : service[as_servant/slave] 1) labour, service 1a) labour, work 1b) labour (of servant or slave) 1c) labour, service (of captives or subjects) 1d) service (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: act, bondage, [phrase] bondservant, effect, labour, ministering(-try), office, service(-ile, -itude), tillage, use, work, [idiom] wrought. See also: Genesis 29:27; Numbers 18:6; Psalms 104:14.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֖ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וְ/יַעֲשׂוּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
בָ֑/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Conj | Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
יִשְׁע֖וּ
shâʻâh
H8159
"to gaze"
V-Qal-Juss-3mp
To gaze means to look carefully or intensely at something, often seeking help or guidance, like the Psalmist in Psalm 121:1-2.
Definition: 1) to look at or to, regard, gaze at or about 1a) (Qal) to gaze at, regard, behold, look about 1b) (Hiphil) to look away, cause gaze to turn away 1c) (Hithpael) to look in dismay, gaze about (in anxiety)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: depart, be dim, be dismayed, look (away), regard, have respect, spare, turn. See also: Genesis 4:4; Psalms 119:117; Psalms 39:14.
בְּ/דִבְרֵי
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
שָֽׁקֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
Study Notes — Exodus 5:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 5:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 5:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 5:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 5:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 5:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 5:9
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 5:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 5:9
- Sermons on Exodus 5:9
Context — Bricks and Straw
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.”
10So 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. 11Go and get your own straw wherever you can find it; but your workload will in no way be reduced.’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 18:20 | You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me? |
| 2 | Jeremiah 43:2 | Azariah son of Hoshaiah, Johanan son of Kareah, and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, “You are lying! The LORD our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to reside there.’ |
| 3 | Job 16:3 | Is there no end to your long-winded speeches? What provokes you to continue testifying? |
| 4 | Malachi 3:14 | You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts? |
| 5 | Zechariah 1:6 | But did not My words and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, overtake your fathers? They repented and said, ‘Just as the LORD of Hosts purposed to do to us according to our ways and deeds, so He has done to us.’” |
| 6 | Ephesians 5:6 | Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. |
Exodus 5:9 Summary
In Exodus 5:9, Pharaoh tries to make the work harder for the Israelites so they will be too busy to think about their desire to worship God. This shows how people may try to distract us from our faith, but we should stay focused on God and trust in His providence (as seen in Psalm 37:3-7). We can learn from this verse to prioritize our relationship with God and not let the pressures of everyday life distract us from our desire to worship and follow Him (see also Matthew 6:33). By trusting in God and staying focused on Him, we can overcome the challenges and pressures of life and stay true to our faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Exodus 5:9 and why did Pharaoh want to make the work harder on the men?
Pharaoh wanted to make the work harder on the men because he believed they were lazy and that is why they were crying out to go and sacrifice to their God, as seen in Exodus 5:8. By making the work harder, Pharaoh hoped to distract them from their desire to worship God.
How does Exodus 5:9 relate to the overall story of the Israelites' slavery in Egypt?
Exodus 5:9 is part of the narrative of the Israelites' slavery in Egypt, where Pharaoh increased the workload of the Israelites to prevent them from listening to Moses and Aaron, who were demanding that Pharaoh let the Israelites go, as seen in Exodus 5:1-4.
What can we learn from Pharaoh's actions in Exodus 5:9 about the nature of sin and rebellion against God?
Pharaoh's actions in Exodus 5:9 demonstrate the nature of sin and rebellion against God, as seen in Romans 1:18-32, where it is written that people suppress the truth about God and exchange it for lies. Pharaoh's attempt to distract the Israelites from their desire to worship God is a classic example of this phenomenon.
How does Exodus 5:9 relate to the theme of faith and trust in God's providence?
Exodus 5:9 highlights the theme of faith and trust in God's providence, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7, where it is written that we should trust in the Lord and do good, and He will give us the desires of our hearts. The Israelites' situation in Exodus 5:9 requires them to trust in God's providence despite their difficult circumstances.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can be distracted from my desire to worship and follow God, and how can I stay focused on Him?
- How can I trust in God's providence when faced with difficult circumstances, like the Israelites in Exodus 5:9?
- What are some 'lies' that I may be tempted to believe, and how can I replace them with the truth of God's Word?
- In what ways can I prioritize my relationship with God and make time for worship and prayer, despite the demands and pressures of everyday life?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 5:9
Let there more work be laid upon the men,.... Instead of lessening it, let it be increased, or "be heavy" (k) upon them, that it may oppress and afflict them and keep them down, and weaken their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 5:9
Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 5:9
The words of Moses and Aaron, which are vain or false, i.e. which they falsely pretend to come from God, when it is only an ill design of their own to advance themselves by raising sedition.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 5:9
Exodus 5:9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.Ver. 9. And not regard vain words.] Vain lying words. So this profane prince calleth and counteth the word of God. "What is truth?" saith Pilate, scoffingly.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 5:9
(9) Let them not regard vain words.—Or, false words. The reference is to the promises of deliverance wherewith Moses and Aaron had raised the people’s hopes (Exodus 4:30). Pharaoh supposed these to be “vain words,” as Sennacherib did those spoken by Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:20).
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 5:9
9. Let them be fully occupied with their work, and have no time to regard ‘lying words,’ as if God had really demanded a pilgrimage of them.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 5:9
6-9. Increase of the oppression is the fierce and despotic reply to their request.
Sermons on Exodus 5:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Now on Whom Dost Thou Trust? by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound trust that Hezekiah placed in God amidst the overwhelming might of the Assyrian king, Rabshakeh. He highlights that true confidence in God often |
|
(Basics) 51. Bringing Up Godly Children by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching children to be honest and responsible. He uses the example of a child stealing a pencil and explains how ignoring |
|
The Last Day Return to Discernment Part 1 by Carter Conlon | In the video, Brother Tom Larkin shares his experience in Zambia, where he witnessed the transformation of children living in desperate conditions. These children were once hopeles |
|
Malachi on Repentance and Faithfulness by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, Brother Stephen Kahn begins by praying for the congregation to be filled with God's love and to be able to hear His voice. He emphasizes the importance of serving G |
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(Revival) Revival Presupposes Declension - Part 2 by Michael L. Brown | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three steps that lead to the decline of the people of God. The first step is when the acts of God become only a memory, leading to skeptic |
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(Christ—the Way God Makes Man Righteous) 7. Conviction Leads to Repentance by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of both reform and regeneration in the life of a believer. He explains that reform without regeneration leads to failure and |
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Commandment vs. Eph. 5 by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following God's commandments and warns against deception and disobedience. He highlights the sins of covetousness, idolatr |