1
וְאַחַ֗ר בָּ֚אוּ מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְאַהֲרֹ֔ן וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ אֶל פַּרְעֹ֑ה כֹּֽה אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל שַׁלַּח֙ אֶת עַמִּ֔י וְיָחֹ֥גּוּ לִ֖י בַּמִּדְבָּֽר
Now afterward Moses and Aaron went in and said to Pharaoh, “Thus says YHWH, the God of Israel: Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.”
After the elders' meeting in ch.4, Moses and Aaron move directly to Pharaoh with YHWH's formal demand, framed as a royal messenger formula.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְאַחַ֗רand afterwardconj וְ + adv · אַחַר (H310)Temporal adverbial (resumptive transition)אַחַר (H310) 'after, behind, afterward'; resumes the narrative after the elders' assembly of 4:29-31, marking a new scene.
בָּ֚אוּcameQal perf 3cp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed act opening the sceneבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter, go in'; here of Moses and Aaron entering Pharaoh's presence for the first formal audience.
מֹשֶׁ֣הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject (first member of compound subject)מֹשֶׁה (H4872), proper name; traditionally connected to Egyptian msi 'to be born' and popularly to Hebrew מָשָׁה 'to draw out' (2:10).
וְאַהֲרֹ֔ןand Aaronconj וְ + N proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject (second member of compound subject)אַהֲרֹן (H175), Moses' brother and spokesman (4:14-16), here named alongside him as co-petitioner.
וַיֹּאמְר֖וּand they saidQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (narrative sequence, introducing direct speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the messenger-formula speech that follows.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
פַּרְעֹ֑הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Object of preposition אֶל (addressee)פַּרְעֹה (H6547), Egyptian pr-ꜥ3 'great house,' the royal title used throughout as the antagonist's name.
כֹּֽהthusadv · כֹּה (H3541)Adverbial modifier of אָמַר (messenger formula)כֹּה (H3541) 'thus, so'; opens the standard prophetic/royal messenger formula 'thus says X.'
אָמַ֤רsaysQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (messenger formula)→ Perfective used performatively: the classic 'thus says' formula, rendered in English presentאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the perfect functions performatively here, not as a past report.
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper (divine name) · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of אָמַריְהוָה (H3068), Israel's covenant God; Pharaoh's ignorance of this name (v.2) becomes the chapter's central conflict.
אֱלֹהֵ֣יGod ofN m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct noun in apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430), here in construct 'God of Israel,' identifying YHWH covenantally with the nation he is claiming.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people, here specified as the ones YHWH claims as his.
שַׁלַּח֙let goPiel impv 2ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb, direct quotation (imperative)→ Volitional: a direct command demanding releaseשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel 'to send away, release, let go'; the chapter's programmatic verb - Pharaoh's refusal to 'let go' drives the whole narrative.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of שַׁלַּח)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated, marking עַמִּי as the definite direct object.
עַמִּ֔יmy peopleN m sg constr + 1cs suffix · עַם (H5971)Direct object of שַׁלַּחעַם (H5971) 'people, nation'; the 1cs suffix ('my people') asserts YHWH's ownership of Israel against Pharaoh's ownership of their labor.
וְיָחֹ֥גּוּthat they may hold a feastconj וְ + Qal impf 3mp · חָגַג (H2287)Purpose clause verb, dependent on שַׁלַּח→ Yiqtol: purpose/result — the intended outcome of releaseחָגַג (H2287) 'to celebrate a pilgrim festival'; cognate with חַג and Arabic ḥajj — the stated purpose is worship, not permanent departure, which Pharaoh will exploit rhetorically.
לִ֖יto meprep לְ + 1cs suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, complement of וְיָחֹגּוּ (dative of the one honored)לְ marking the festival as directed 'to me' (YHWH) — the feast's proper object.
בַּמִּדְבָּֽרin the wildernessprep בְּ + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative prepositional phraseמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness, uninhabited pastureland,' from a root meaning 'to drive (flocks)'; the destination outside Egyptian territory, later expanded to a three-day journey (v.3).
2
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֔ה מִ֤י יְהוָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶשְׁמַ֣ע בְּקֹל֔וֹ לְשַׁלַּ֖ח אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל לֹ֤א יָדַ֨עְתִּי֙ אֶת יְהוָ֔ה וְגַ֥ם אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֹ֥א אֲשַׁלֵּֽחַ
But Pharaoh said, “Who is YHWH, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I do not know YHWH, and moreover I will not let Israel go.”
Pharaoh's reply is a rhetorical question denying YHWH's authority, followed by flat refusal; his stated ignorance of YHWH becomes the narrative's driving problem (cf. 7:5,17; 14:4,18).
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); Pharaoh's reply, the first of his refusals.
פַּרְעֹ֔הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subjectפַּרְעֹה (H6547); see v.1 for the title's Egyptian background.
מִ֤יwhointerrog pron · מִי (H4310)Interrogative predicate of the nominal clauseמִי (H4310) 'who?'; Pharaoh's rhetorical question denies YHWH any standing to command him — the theological crux of the chapter (cf. 7:17; 8:10; 9:14, 'that you may know').
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of the interrogative clauseיְהוָה (H3068); see v.1-2 for the name's centrality to the chapter's conflict.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause qualifying the questionאֲשֶׁר (H834): 'that I should obey his voice.'
אֶשְׁמַ֣עI should obeyQal impf 1cs · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb of the relative/purpose clause→ Yiqtol: modal — obligation implied ('that I should')שָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, listen, obey'; with בְּקוֹל idiomatically 'to obey.'
בְּקֹל֔וֹhis voiceprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · קוֹל (H6963)Prepositional phrase, complement of אֶשְׁמַע (idiom 'obey')קוֹל (H6963) 'voice, sound'; שָׁמַע בְּקוֹל is the standing idiom for obedience — precisely what Pharaoh refuses.
לְשַׁלַּ֖חto let goprep לְ + Piel inf constr · שָׁלַח (H7971)Purpose/result infinitive, complement of אֶשְׁמַע→ Infinitive: purpose — the entailment of obeyingשָׁלַח (H7971), same verb demanded in v.1; Pharaoh quotes the request back mockingly.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks יִשְׂרָאֵל as definite object of לְשַׁלַּח.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Direct objectיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people whose release is at issue throughout.
לֹ֤אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יָדַעְתִּילֹא (H3808), the ordinary negative; Pharaoh's denial is total.
יָדַ֨עְתִּי֙I knowQal perf 1cs · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb, main clause→ Perfective (stative): a settled state of non-recognitionיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; relational/covenantal knowledge, not mere information — ironically reversed by the plague cycle's repeated 'that you may know that I am YHWH.'
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), the untranslated object marker; see Gen 1:1 gold exemplar.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Direct object of יָדַעְתִּייְהוָה (H3068); see v.1-2 for the name's centrality to the chapter's conflict.
וְגַ֥םand moreoverconj וְ + adv · גַּם (H1571)Additive adverbial conjunction, emphaticגַּם (H1571) 'also, even, moreover'; intensifies the refusal — not only ignorance, but resolve.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), the untranslated object marker; see Gen 1:1 gold exemplar.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Direct object (fronted for emphasis) of אֲשַׁלֵּחַיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people whose release is at issue throughout.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates אֲשַׁלֵּחַלֹא (H3808), the ordinary Hebrew negative.
אֲשַׁלֵּֽחַwill I let goPiel impf 1cs · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb, main clause→ Yiqtol: future/volitional negation — firm resolve, not mere predictionשָׁלַח (H7971); Pharaoh's flat refusal closes the verse with the same root that opened the demand, framing the conflict as a contest over this one verb.
3
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ אֱלֹהֵ֥י הָעִבְרִ֖ים נִקְרָ֣א עָלֵ֑ינוּ נֵ֣לֲכָה נָּ֡א דֶּרֶךְ֩ שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת יָמִ֜ים בַּמִּדְבָּ֗ר וְנִזְבְּחָה֙ לַֽיהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ פֶּ֨ן יִפְגָּעֵ֔נוּ בַּדֶּ֖בֶר א֥וֹ בֶחָֽרֶב
And they said, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Please let us go a three days’ journey into the wilderness and sacrifice to YHWH our God, lest he fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword.”
Moses and Aaron restate the request more modestly (a three-day journey, a sacrifice) and add a motive clause naming the danger of disobeying their own God, though Pharaoh has already rejected the premise in v.2.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּand they saidQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceMoses and Aaron speak again, softening the demand after Pharaoh's rebuff.
אֱלֹהֵ֥יthe God ofN m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject (construct chain)אֱלֹהִים (H430); see v.1 for the construct usage.
הָעִבְרִ֖יםthe Hebrewsart + gentilic N m pl abs · עִבְרִי (H5680)Genitive complement of construct chainעִבְרִי (H5680) 'Hebrew'; an outsider's/ethnic designation (cf. Gen 39:14; 43:32), tactically chosen instead of the covenantal 'YHWH the God of Israel' of v.1.
נִקְרָ֣אhas met withNiphal perf 3ms · קָרָה (H7122)Predicate verb→ Perfective (Niphal, reflexive-passive): a completed divine self-disclosureקָרָה (H7122) Niphal 'to meet, present oneself, befall'; claims a genuine theophanic encounter (cf. 3:1-4:17) as grounds for the request.
עָלֵ֑ינוּupon usprep עַל + 1cp suffix · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, complement of נִקְרָאעַל (H5921) here 'upon, to' with a verb of encounter.
נֵ֣לֲכָהlet us goQal cohortative 1cp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb, main clause (self-exhortation)→ Cohortative: volitional request — softened, first-person pleaהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'; the cohortative marks courteous petition, unlike v.1's imperative שַׁלַּח.
נָּ֡אpleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Enclitic particle of entreaty softening נֵלֲכָהנָא (H4994), particle of polite request; reinforces the diplomatic tone of the second approach.
דֶּרֶךְ֩a journey ofN common sg constr · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Adverbial accusative, construct with שְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִיםדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road, journey'; functions adverbially, 'a three-days' journey.'
שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁתthreecardinal number m sg constr · שָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969)Construct modifier of יָמִיםשָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969); the specific figure — a limited, modest request meant to be granted.
יָמִ֜יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive complement of the construct chainיוֹם (H3117) 'day', plural.
בַּמִּדְבָּ֗רinto the wildernessprep בְּ + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative/directional prepositional phraseמִדְבָּר (H4057); see v.1.
וְנִזְבְּחָה֙and let us sacrificeconj וְ + Qal cohortative 1cp · זָבַח (H2076)Predicate verb, coordinate with נֵלֲכָה→ Cohortative: stated purpose of the journey — worshipזָבַח (H2076) 'to slaughter, sacrifice'; names the concrete religious act, giving Pharaoh a specific, bounded request to weigh.
לַֽיהוָ֣הto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase, recipient of the sacrificeיְהוָה (H3068), object of the dative preposition marking the recipient of worship.
אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּour GodN m pl constr + 1cp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהThe 1cp suffix ('our God') presses covenant solidarity — this is the nation's God, not a private deity.
פֶּ֨ןlestconj · פֶּן (H6435)Negative purpose conjunction introducing the feared consequenceפֶּן (H6435) 'lest'; introduces the motive clause — the stated danger of disobedience to their own God.
יִפְגָּעֵ֔נוּhe may fall upon usQal impf 3ms + 1cp suffix · פָּגַע (H6293)Predicate verb of the פֶּן-clause→ Yiqtol: feared contingency — a modal, not-yet-realized threatפָּגַע (H6293) 'to meet, strike (with hostile force)'; the same root recurs in v.20 of the foremen 'meeting' Moses and Aaron.
בַּדֶּ֖בֶרwith pestilenceprep בְּ + N m sg abs · דֶּבֶר (H1698)Instrumental prepositional phraseדֶּבֶר (H1698) 'pestilence, plague'; one of two stock covenant-curse calamities (cf. Lev 26; Deut 28).
א֥וֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Coordinating disjunctive conjunctionאוֹ (H176), disjunctive coordinating conjunction.
בֶחָֽרֶבwith the swordprep בְּ + N f sg abs · חֶרֶב (H2719)Instrumental prepositional phrase (second disjunct)חֶרֶב (H2719) 'sword'; ironically, Pharaoh will later be accused of putting swords quite literally in reach (v.21).
4
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֲלֵהֶם֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרַ֔יִם לָ֚מָּה מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְאַהֲרֹ֔ן תַּפְרִ֥יעוּ אֶת הָעָ֖ם מִמַּֽעֲשָׂ֑יו לְכ֖וּ לְסִבְלֹתֵיכֶֽם
But the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you let the people run loose from their work? Get to your burdens!”
Pharaoh ignores the religious claim entirely and reduces the appeal to a threat against productivity, addressing Moses and Aaron directly by name.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceThe narrator now titles Pharaoh 'king of Egypt' rather than by name, framing his response as an act of state policy.
אֲלֵהֶם֙to themprep אֶל + 3mp suffix · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, complement of וַיֹּאמֶראֶל (H413) 'to', with pronominal suffix.
מֶ֣לֶךְthe king ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Subject (construct chain)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; this title (rather than 'Pharaoh') stresses the political register of his reply.
מִצְרַ֔יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive complementמִצְרַיִם (H4714), the land of bondage.
לָ֚מָּהwhyprep לְ + interrog · מָה (H4100)Interrogative adverbial opening the rebukeמָה (H4100) 'what'; לָמָּה 'for what, why' — an accusatory rhetorical question, not a real inquiry.
מֹשֶׁ֣הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Vocative (direct address)מֹשֶׁה (H4872); see v.1.
וְאַהֲרֹ֔ןand Aaronconj + N proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Vocative (direct address, coordinate)אַהֲרֹן (H175); see v.1.
תַּפְרִ֥יעוּdo you let run looseHiphil impf 2mp · פָּרַע (H6544)Predicate verb, main clause (rhetorical question)→ Yiqtol: present-durative accusation — an ongoing, habitual chargeפָּרַע (H6544) Hiphil 'to let loose, cause to neglect one's task' (cf. 32:25); Pharaoh recasts worship as insubordination.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), the untranslated object marker; see Gen 1:1 gold exemplar.
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct objectעַם (H5971) 'people, nation', with the article referring back to Israel as a body.
מִמַּֽעֲשָׂ֑יוfrom their laborsprep מִן + N m pl constr + 3ms suffix · מַעֲשֶׂה (H4639)Prepositional phrase, complement of תַּפְרִיעוּמַעֲשֶׂה (H4639) 'work, deed, task'; the 3ms suffix treats עָם as a singular collective ('its/their works').
לְכ֖וּgo!Qal impv 2mp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb, imperative clause→ Volitional: a curt dismissalהָלַךְ (H3212); Pharaoh's terse imperative answers Moses' polite cohortative נֵלֲכָה of v.3 with contemptuous command.
לְסִבְלֹתֵיכֶֽםto your burdensprep לְ + N f pl constr + 2mp suffix · סִבְלָה (H5450)Prepositional phrase, complement of לְכוּסִבְלָה (H5450) 'forced labor, burden' from √סבל 'to bear, carry'; the term for Israel's slave-labor since 1:11; 2:11.
5
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֔ה הֵן רַבִּ֥ים עַתָּ֖ה עַ֣ם הָאָ֑רֶץ וְהִשְׁבַּתֶּ֥ם אֹתָ֖ם מִסִּבְלֹתָֽם
And Pharaoh said, “Behold, the people of the land are now many, and you would make them cease from their burdens!”
Pharaoh justifies dismissal by appeal to the sheer number of the people, since their multiplication (Exod 1) now serves as the very reason to keep them working.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); see v.1.
פַּרְעֹ֔הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subjectפַּרְעֹה (H6547); see v.1 for the title's Egyptian background.
הֵןbeholdpresentative particle · הֵן (H2005)Presentative particle introducing Pharaoh's observationהֵן (H2005) 'behold, look'; draws attention to the (to Pharaoh, alarming) fact of Israel's numbers — the very fruitfulness of 1:7,12 now cited as the problem.
רַבִּ֥יםmanyadj m pl abs · רַב (H7227)Predicate adjective of the nominal clauseרַב (H7227) 'much, many, numerous'; echoes 1:9's own Pharaoh-language about Israel's threatening multiplication.
עַתָּ֖הnowadv · עַתָּה (H6258)Temporal adverb modifying the predicate clauseעַתָּה (H6258) 'now'; underscores the present, ongoing scale of the population as justification.
עַ֣םthe people ofN m sg constr · עַם (H5971)Subject (construct chain)עַם (H5971), construct chain 'the people of the land'.
הָאָ֑רֶץthe landart + N common sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive complementאֶרֶץ (H776); 'the people of the land' — Pharaoh views Israel simply as a demographic/labor mass within Egypt, not as YHWH's covenant nation.
וְהִשְׁבַּתֶּ֥םyet you would make ceaseconj וְ + Hiphil perf 2mp · שָׁבַת (H7673)Predicate verb, continuing the exclamation→ Perfective used with exclamatory/hypothetical force: 'and you would have them cease!'שָׁבַת (H7673) Hiphil 'to cause to cease, make rest'; the same root behind שַׁבָּת — Pharaoh treats any interruption of forced labor as absurd.
אֹתָ֖םthemobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of וְהִשְׁבַּתֶּם)אֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, definite object 'them'.
מִסִּבְלֹתָֽםfrom their burdensprep מִן + N f pl constr + 3mp suffix · סִבְלָה (H5450)Prepositional phrase, complement of וְהִשְׁבַּתֶּםסִבְלָה (H5450); see v.4.
6
וַיְצַ֥ו פַּרְעֹ֖ה בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֑וּא אֶת הַנֹּגְשִׂ֣ים בָּעָ֔ם וְאֶת שֹׁטְרָ֖יו לֵאמֹֽר
So that same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters over the people and their foremen, saying,
The chapter turns from dialogue to command; 'that very day' marks swift punitive escalation aimed at both Egyptian overseers and Israelite foremen.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיְצַ֥וand commandedPiel wayyiqtol 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb, main clause→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the pivot from speech to retaliatory actionצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command, charge'; the verse turns from dialogue to decree.
פַּרְעֹ֖הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subjectפַּרְעֹה (H6547); see v.1 for the title's Egyptian background.
בַּיּ֣וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117), temporal 'day' with locative preposition.
הַה֑וּאthatart + demonstrative pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Attributive demonstrative modifying בַּיּוֹם ('that same day')הוּא (H1931); the immediacy of 'that very day' marks swift, deliberate retaliation with no delay for reflection.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), the untranslated object marker; see Gen 1:1 gold exemplar.
הַנֹּגְשִׂ֣יםthe taskmastersart + Qal ptc m pl abs · נָגַשׂ (H5065)Substantival participle, direct object of וַיְצַו (addressee)→ Participle: a durative role/office — habitual oppressive functionנָגַשׂ (H5065) 'to press, drive, exact labor'; the Egyptian overseers who directly coerce the labor, distinct from the Israelite שֹׁטְרִים.
בָּעָ֔םover the peopleprep בְּ + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Prepositional phrase specifying the taskmasters' chargeעַם (H5971), specifying the taskmasters' charge.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second addressee)אֵת (H853) with conjunction, marking a second coordinate direct object.
שֹׁטְרָ֖יוhis officersQal ptc m pl constr + 3ms suffix · שֹׁטֵר (H7860)Substantival participle, second direct object of וַיְצַו→ Participle: an ongoing administrative officeשֹׁטֵר (H7860), from √שׁטר 'to write, register' (cf. Akkadian šatāru); Israelite foremen/registrars subordinate to the Egyptian נֹגְשִׂים — the men who will absorb the coming violence (v.14).
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing direct speech→ Infinitive: introduces the quoted commandStandard formula introducing direct discourse.
7
לֹ֣א תֹאסִפ֞וּן לָתֵ֨ת תֶּ֧בֶן לָעָ֛ם לִלְבֹּ֥ן הַלְּבֵנִ֖ים כִּתְמ֣וֹל שִׁלְשֹׁ֑ם הֵ֚ם יֵֽלְכ֔וּ וְקֹשְׁשׁ֥וּ לָהֶ֖ם תֶּֽבֶן
“You shall no longer give the people straw to make bricks as before; let them go and gather straw for themselves.”
Continues the command of v.6 without a fresh verb of speaking: stop supplying straw, let the workers forage for their own.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תֹאסִפוּןלֹא (H3808), the ordinary Hebrew negative.
תֹאסִפ֞וּןshall you continueHiphil impf 2mp (+ paragogic nun) · יָסַף (H3254)Predicate verb, main clause (negated command)→ Yiqtol used as prohibition: 'you shall no longer'יָסַף (H3254) Hiphil 'to add, continue (doing)'; לֹא תֹסִיפוּ + infinitive is the idiom for 'stop doing X' — the paragogic ן lends emphatic solemnity to the decree.
לָתֵ֨תto giveprep לְ + Qal inf constr · נָתַן (H5414)Complementary infinitive of תֹאסִפוּן→ Infinitive: the specific action being forbiddenנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the supply Pharaoh is cutting off.
תֶּ֧בֶןstrawN m sg abs · תֶּבֶן (H8401)Direct object of לָתֵתתֶּבֶן (H8401) 'straw, chopped stalks'; the binding agent mixed into mud brick, whose withdrawal is the chapter's central cruelty.
לָעָ֛םto the peopleprep לְ + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Prepositional phrase, indirect object of לָתֵתעַם (H5971), with the dative preposition marking the addressee.
לִלְבֹּ֥ןto make bricksprep לְ + Qal inf constr · לָבַן (H3835)Purpose infinitive, modifying the withheld supply→ Infinitive: stated purpose of the strawלָבַן (H3835), denominative from לְבֵנָה 'brick', root meaning 'to be white'; 'to brick, make bricks.'
הַלְּבֵנִ֖יםthe bricksart + N f pl abs · לְבֵנָה (H3843)Direct object of לִלְבֹּןלְבֵנָה (H3843) 'brick'; sun-dried mudbrick construction, well attested in Egyptian building records and tomb paintings of foreign laborers.
כִּתְמ֣וֹלas yesterdayprep כְּ + adv · תְּמוֹל (H8543)Adverbial phrase of comparison (temporal)תְּמוֹל (H8543) 'yesterday'; paired with שִׁלְשֹׁם in the fixed idiom 'as before, heretofore.'
שִׁלְשֹׁ֑םand beforeadv · שִׁלְשׁוֹם (H8032)Second member of the fixed idiom כִּתְמוֹל שִׁלְשׁוֹםשִׁלְשׁוֹם (H8032) 'day before yesterday'; the compound idiom means simply 'as in the past, as usual.'
הֵ֚םtheyindependent pronoun 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Emphatic resumptive subject of יֵלְכוּהֵם (H1992), independent pronoun; emphatic — 'let THEM go,' throwing the burden of supply onto the workers themselves.
יֵֽלְכ֔וּlet them goQal impf 3mp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (jussive/imperatival force)→ Yiqtol with jussive nuance: command relayed as an injunctionהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'.
וְקֹשְׁשׁ֥וּand let them gatherconj וְ + Polel weqatal 3cp · קָשַׁשׁ (H7197)Predicate verb, coordinate with יֵלְכוּ, continuing its injunctive force→ Weqatal continuing a volitive: 'and gather'קָשַׁשׁ (H7197) Polel 'to gather (stubble, straw)'; a rare verb whose narrow semantic range drives home the degrading, scavenging nature of the new task.
לָהֶ֖םfor themselvesprep לְ + 3mp suffix · לְPrepositional phrase (dative of self-interest), complement of וְקֹשְׁשׁוּלְ, dative of self-interest.
תֶּֽבֶןstrawN m sg abs · תֶּבֶן (H8401)Direct object of וְקֹשְׁשׁוּתֶּבֶן (H8401); see v.7 for its role as the withheld binding material.
8
וְאֶת מַתְכֹּ֨נֶת הַלְּבֵנִ֜ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר הֵם֩ עֹשִׂ֨ים תְּמ֤וֹל שִׁלְשֹׁם֙ תָּשִׂ֣ימוּ עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם לֹ֥א תִגְרְע֖וּ מִמֶּ֑נּוּ כִּֽי נִרְפִּ֣ים הֵ֔ם עַל כֵּ֗ן הֵ֤ם צֹֽעֲקִים֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר נֵלְכָ֖ה נִזְבְּחָ֥ה לֵאלֹהֵֽינוּ
“But the quota of bricks that they were making before you shall impose on them; you shall not diminish it, for they are idle; therefore they cry out, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God.”
The brick quota stays fixed even though the material supply is cut, revealing the charge as a deliberate trap to expose the Israelites as 'lazy.'
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
וְאֶתyet [obj]conj + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker, fronted for emphasisThe object מַתְכֹּנֶת is fronted before its verb תָּשִׂימוּ for emphasis — 'the quota... you shall impose.'
מַתְכֹּ֨נֶתthe quota ofN f sg constr · מַתְכֹּנֶת (H4971)Head noun of the fronted object phrase (construct chain)מַתְכֹּנֶת (H4971) 'measure, quota, prescribed amount,' from √תכן 'to measure' — a rare, almost bureaucratic term for the fixed brick-tally.
הַלְּבֵנִ֜יםthe bricksart + N f pl abs · לְבֵנָה (H3843)Genitive complement of the construct chainלְבֵנָה (H3843); see v.7.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause modifying מַתְכֹּנֶתאֲשֶׁר (H834), the all-purpose Hebrew relative particle.
הֵם֩theyindependent pronoun 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Emphatic subject of עֹשִׂים within the relative clauseהֵם (H1992), independent 3mp pronoun, resumptive/emphatic subject.
עֹשִׂ֨יםwere makingQal ptc m pl abs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate participle of the relative clause (past-durative)→ Participle: ongoing, habitual action up to nowעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; the participle marks the established, prior quota as the ongoing baseline standard — now to be met without the needed material.
תְּמ֤וֹלyesterdayadv · תְּמוֹל (H8543)Temporal adverb (first half of the idiom)תְּמוֹל (H8543); see v.7 for the fixed idiom כִּתְמוֹל שִׁלְשׁוֹם.
שִׁלְשֹׁם֙and beforeadv · שִׁלְשׁוֹם (H8032)Second member of the idiom, modifying עֹשִׂיםשִׁלְשׁוֹם (H8032); see v.7.
תָּשִׂ֣ימוּyou shall imposeQal impf 2mp · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb, main clause→ Yiqtol as command: an unyielding administrative directiveשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, place, set, impose'; the quota is 'placed upon' the workers as a fixed burden regardless of the withdrawn straw.
עֲלֵיהֶ֔םupon themprep עַל + 3mp suffix · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, complement of תָּשִׂימוּעַל (H5921) with pronominal suffix.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תִגְרְעוּלֹא (H3808), the ordinary Hebrew negative.
תִגְרְע֖וּyou shall diminishQal impf 2mp · גָּרַע (H1639)Predicate verb, coordinate main clause→ Yiqtol as prohibition: the quota is fixed, non-negotiableגָּרַע (H1639) 'to diminish, withhold, restrain'; repeated in v.19 by the trapped foremen, who quote this very order back.
מִמֶּ֑נּוּfrom itprep מִן + suffix (form ambiguous: 3ms/1cp) · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase, complement of תִגְרְעוּמִן (H4480); מִמֶּנּוּ is spelled identically for 'from him/it' (3ms) and 'from us' (1cp). Context (the quota) requires 'from it,' though the form is technically ambiguous — a minor genuine MT crux.
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing Pharaoh's rationaleכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the (false) diagnosis that follows.
נִרְפִּ֣יםidleNiphal ptc m pl abs · רָפָה (H7503)Predicate participle of the nominal clause (substantized adjective)→ Participle: a durative, characterizing state — 'they ARE slack'רָפָה (H7503) Niphal 'to be slack, relaxed, idle'; Pharaoh's manufactured diagnosis, repeated by him again in v.17.
הֵ֔םtheyindependent pronoun 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Resumptive subject of נִרְפִּיםהֵם (H1992), independent 3mp pronoun, resumptive/emphatic subject.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)First element of the idiom עַל־כֵּן ('therefore')עַל (H5921), first element of the idiom עַל־כֵּן 'therefore'.
כֵּ֗ןthereforeadv · כֵּן (H3651)Second element of עַל־כֵּן, forming a causal-inferential adverbialכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; עַל־כֵּן 'therefore' draws Pharaoh's (specious) inference from idleness to the workers' request to worship.
הֵ֤םtheyindependent pronoun 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Subject of צֹעֲקִיםהֵם (H1992), independent 3mp pronoun, resumptive/emphatic subject.
צֹֽעֲקִים֙cry outQal ptc m pl abs · צָעַק (H6817)Predicate participle, main clause→ Participle: present-durative — their ongoing petitioningצָעַק (H6817) 'to cry out'; the same verb used of Israel's oppressed cry in 2:23; 3:7,9 is here cynically recast by Pharaoh as mere pretext for shirking work.
לֵאמֹ֔רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing the quoted request→ Infinitive: introduces direct speechאָמַר (H559); the standard infinitival formula introducing direct discourse.
נֵלְכָ֖הlet us goQal cohortative 1cp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb, quoted cohortative→ Cohortative, quoted mockinglyEchoes v.3's request verbatim, now cited with scorn.
נִזְבְּחָ֥הlet us sacrificeQal cohortative 1cp · זָבַח (H2076)Predicate verb, coordinate cohortative→ Cohortative, quoted mockinglyזָבַח (H2076); see v.3 for the concrete religious act the request names.
לֵאלֹהֵֽינוּto our Godprep לְ + N m pl constr + 1cp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Prepositional phrase, complement of נִזְבְּחָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 1cp suffix; see v.3.
9
תִּכְבַּ֧ד הָעֲבֹדָ֛ה עַל הָאֲנָשִׁ֖ים וְיַעֲשׂוּ בָ֑הּ וְאַל יִשְׁע֖וּ בְּדִבְרֵי שָֽׁקֶר
“Let heavier work be laid on the men, that they may labor at it and pay no attention to lying words.”
Jussive verbs state the intended effect: crush the men with heavier work so they have no leisure to attend to 'lying words' — Pharaoh's label for the appeal to worship YHWH.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
תִּכְבַּ֧דlet it be heavyQal impf 3fs · כָּבֵד (H3513)Predicate verb, main clause (jussive-force imperfect)→ Yiqtol/jussive: an imposed intensification, volitional in forceכָּבֵד (H3513) 'to be heavy, weighty'; the same root behind כָּבוֹד ('glory/weight') and Pharaoh's own 'hardened' (כָּבֵד) heart later in the plague cycle — an ironic verbal thread.
הָעֲבֹדָ֛הthe laborart + N f sg abs · עֲבֹדָה (H5656)Subject of תִּכְבַּדעֲבֹדָה (H5656) 'labor, service, work'; the chapter's key term for the forced-labor regime (cf. 1:14; 2:23).
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, complement of תִּכְבַּדעַל (H5921) 'upon, against'.
הָאֲנָשִׁ֖יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Object of preposition עַלאִישׁ (H376) 'man', plural אֲנָשִׁים.
וְיַעֲשׂוּand let them laborconj וְ + Qal impf 3mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb, coordinate purpose/result clause→ Yiqtol/jussive: intended result — occupied, exhausting toilעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, work (at)'; here intransitive, 'let them labor at it.'
בָ֑הּat itprep בְּ + 3fs suffix · בְּPrepositional phrase, complement of וְיַעֲשׂוּ (referring to הָעֲבֹדָה)בְּ, bare preposition with 3fs suffix referring back to הָעֲבֹדָה.
וְאַלand let notconj + negative particle · אַל (H408)Negates the jussive יִשְׁעוּ (prohibitive)אַל (H408), negative particle used specifically with jussive/volitive forms (contrast the plain indicative negative לֹא).
יִשְׁע֖וּlet them pay heedQal jussive 3mp · שָׁעָה (H8159)Predicate verb, prohibitive clause→ Jussive: negated wish — Pharaoh's intended isolation of the workers from the worship-appealשָׁעָה (H8159) 'to gaze, regard, pay attention to'; Pharaoh wants exhaustion to crowd out further thought of the festival request.
בְּדִבְרֵיto words ofprep בְּ + N m pl constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Prepositional phrase, complement of יִשְׁעוּדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter', construct with שֶׁקֶר.
שָֽׁקֶרfalsehoodN m sg abs · שֶׁקֶר (H8267)Genitive complement of the construct chainשֶׁקֶר (H8267) 'falsehood, lie, deception'; Pharaoh brands the worship-request itself as a lie — the narrative's irony is that Pharaoh, not Moses, is the one who does not 'know' the truth (v.2).
10
וַיֵּ֨צְא֜וּ נֹגְשֵׂ֤י הָעָם֙ וְשֹׁ֣טְרָ֔יו וַיֹּאמְר֥וּ אֶל הָעָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֑ר כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר פַּרְעֹ֔ה אֵינֶ֛נִּי נֹתֵ֥ן לָכֶ֖ם תֶּֽבֶן
So the taskmasters of the people and their foremen went out and said to the people, “Thus says Pharaoh: I will not give you straw.”
The taskmasters and foremen transmit Pharaoh's decree verbatim to the people, opening with the same royal-messenger formula used in v.1.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיֵּ֨צְא֜וּand went outQal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb, main clause→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; the officials leave Pharaoh's presence to execute the decree.
נֹגְשֵׂ֤יthe taskmasters ofQal ptc m pl constr · נָגַשׂ (H5065)Substantival participle, subject (construct chain)→ Participle: standing officeנָגַשׂ (H5065); see v.6 for the Egyptian overseer's office.
הָעָם֙the peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Genitive complement of the construct chainעַם (H5971) 'people, nation', with the article referring back to Israel as a body.
וְשֹׁ֣טְרָ֔יוand its foremenconj + Qal ptc m pl constr + 3ms suffix · שֹׁטֵר (H7860)Coordinate subject (construct chain, 3ms suffix referring to הָעָם as collective)→ Participle: standing officeשֹׁטֵר (H7860); see v.6.
וַיֹּאמְר֥וּand they saidQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb, main clause→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); see v.1.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of preposition אֶלעַם (H5971) 'people, nation', with the article referring back to Israel as a body.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing direct speech→ Infinitive: introduces quotationאָמַר (H559); the standard infinitival formula introducing direct discourse.
כֹּ֚הthusadv · כֹּה (H3541)Adverbial modifier of אָמַר (messenger formula)The taskmasters relay Pharaoh's decree using the identical royal-messenger formula of v.1 — a pointed structural parallel between the two 'kings.'
אָמַ֣רsaysQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (messenger formula)→ Perfective used performativelyאָמַר (H559); see v.1 on the performative 'thus says' formula.
פַּרְעֹ֔הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subject of אָמַרפַּרְעֹה (H6547); see v.1 for the title's Egyptian background.
אֵינֶ֛נִּיI am notnegative particle + 1cs suffix · אַיִן (H369)Negative existential predicate, main clauseאַיִן (H369) 'there is not'; with a pronominal suffix and a following participle, forms the standard construction for negating a present/durative action.
נֹתֵ֥ןgivingQal ptc m sg abs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate participle completing the אֵינֶנִּי construction→ Participle: present-durative negated actionנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the participle with אֵינֶנִּי expresses ongoing/future refusal, not merely a past denial.
לָכֶ֖םto youprep לְ + 2mp suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, indirect object of נֹתֵןלְ, bare preposition with pronominal suffix.
תֶּֽבֶןstrawN m sg abs · תֶּבֶן (H8401)Direct object of נֹתֵןתֶּבֶן (H8401); see v.7 for its role as the withheld binding material.
11
אַתֶּ֗ם לְכ֨וּ קְח֤וּ לָכֶם֙ תֶּ֔בֶן מֵאֲשֶׁ֖ר תִּמְצָ֑אוּ כִּ֣י אֵ֥ין נִגְרָ֛ע מֵעֲבֹדַתְכֶ֖ם דָּבָֽר
“Go yourselves, get straw wherever you can find it, for none of your work will be diminished at all.”
Continuing Pharaoh's message, the Israelites are told to source their own straw, with the double imperative intensifying the burden.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
אַתֶּ֗םyouindependent pronoun 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Emphatic fronted subjectאַתֶּם (H859), independent pronoun; emphatic — 'YOU yourselves go,' throwing the entire logistical burden back on the workers.
לְכ֨וּgo!Qal impv 2mp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb, imperative→ Volitional: commandהָלַךְ (H3212); see v.4 for Pharaoh's terse imperative.
קְח֤וּtake!Qal impv 2mp · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb, coordinate imperative→ Volitional: commandלָקַח (H3947) 'to take, get'; paired with לְכוּ, the double imperative underscores the self-help burden now imposed.
לָכֶם֙for yourselvesprep לְ + 2mp suffix · לְPrepositional phrase (dative of self-interest), complement of קְחוּלְ, dative of self-interest.
תֶּ֔בֶןstrawN m sg abs · תֶּבֶן (H8401)Direct object of קְחוּתֶּבֶן (H8401); see v.7 for its role as the withheld binding material.
מֵאֲשֶׁ֖רfrom whereverprep מִן + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Prepositional phrase introducing a relative/indefinite clause of sourceאֲשֶׁר (H834) with מִן: 'from wherever you find' — an open-ended, unhelpful concession.
תִּמְצָ֑אוּyou findQal impf 2mp · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: indefinite/iterative — wherever and whenever they manage to find itמָצָא (H4672) 'to find'; the workers must scavenge with no allotted source.
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'.
אֵ֥יןthere is notnegative particle · אַיִן (H369)Negative existential predicateאַיִן (H369) 'there is not'; see v.10-11 for the negative-existential construction.
נִגְרָ֛עdiminishedNiphal ptc m sg abs · גָּרַע (H1639)Predicate participle completing the אֵין construction→ Participle (passive sense, Niphal): a fixed, unreducible stateגָּרַע (H1639) Niphal 'to be diminished, reduced'; regardless of the impossible search for straw, the quota itself will not budge 'at all.'
מֵעֲבֹדַתְכֶ֖םfrom your workprep מִן + N f sg constr + 2mp suffix · עֲבֹדָה (H5656)Prepositional phrase, complement of נִגְרָעעֲבֹדָה (H5656); see v.9.
דָּבָֽרa thingN m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Adverbial accusative intensifying the negation ('not a thing, i.e. not at all')דָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'; idiomatic use as an emphatic negative-polarity item — 'nothing at all.'
12
וַיָּ֥פֶץ הָעָ֖ם בְּכָל אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם לְקֹשֵׁ֥שׁ קַ֖שׁ לַתֶּֽבֶן
So the people scattered throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw.
The people disperse throughout Egypt seeking stubble in place of straw, a concrete, exhausting image of the increased labor.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיָּ֥פֶץand scatteredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · פּוּץ (H6327)Predicate verb, main clause (intransitive Hiphil)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceפּוּץ (H6327) Hiphil (here intransitive) 'to scatter, disperse'; the people fan out across the whole land — the geographic scale of the imposed search.
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject of וַיָּפֶץעַם (H5971) 'people, nation', with the article referring back to Israel as a body.
בְּכָלthroughout allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Locative prepositional phrase (construct chain)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; stresses the totality of the search across Egypt.
אֶ֣רֶץthe land ofN common sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive complement of the construct chainאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land', construct with מִצְרַיִם.
מִצְרָ֑יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive complementמִצְרַיִם (H4714), the land of bondage.
לְקֹשֵׁ֥שׁto gatherprep לְ + Polel inf constr · קָשַׁשׁ (H7197)Purpose infinitive→ Infinitive: purposeקָשַׁשׁ (H7197); see v.7.
קַ֖שׁstubbleN m sg abs · קַשׁ (H7179)Direct object of לְקֹשֵׁשׁקַשׁ (H7179) 'stubble, chaff'; the inferior substitute the people must gather in place of proper straw.
לַתֶּֽבֶןfor strawprep לְ + N m sg abs · תֶּבֶן (H8401)Prepositional phrase of purpose/substitutionתֶּבֶן (H8401); see v.7.
13
וְהַנֹּגְשִׂ֖ים אָצִ֣ים לֵאמֹ֑ר כַּלּ֤וּ מַעֲשֵׂיכֶם֙ דְּבַר י֣וֹם בְּיוֹמ֔וֹ כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר בִּהְי֥וֹת הַתֶּֽבֶן
And the taskmasters were pressing them, saying, “Finish your work, your daily task, as when there was straw.”
The Egyptian taskmasters press without relief, demanding the unchanged daily quota.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְהַנֹּגְשִׂ֖יםand the taskmastersconj + art + Qal ptc m pl abs · נָגַשׂ (H5065)Subject, substantival participle→ Participle: standing office/roleנָגַשׂ (H5065); see v.6.
אָצִ֣יםwere pressingQal ptc m pl abs · אוּץ (H213)Predicate participle, main clause→ Participle: durative pressure, ongoing harassmentאוּץ (H213) 'to press, urge, hasten'; a rare verb intensifying the sense of relentless, real-time coercion.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing direct speech→ Infinitive: introduces quotationאָמַר (H559); the standard infinitival formula introducing direct discourse.
כַּלּ֤וּfinish!Piel impv 2mp · כָּלָה (H3615)Predicate verb, imperative→ Volitional: commandכָּלָה (H3615) Piel 'to complete, finish'; the demand that the fixed quota be met in full despite the changed conditions.
מַעֲשֵׂיכֶם֙your worksN m pl constr + 2mp suffix · מַעֲשֶׂה (H4639)Direct object of כַּלּוּמַעֲשֶׂה (H4639); see v.4.
דְּבַרthe matter ofN m sg constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Adverbial accusative, construct chain specifying the quota-idiomדָּבָר (H1697); דְּבַר יוֹם בְּיוֹמוֹ 'the matter of a day in its day' is the fixed idiom for a daily quota (cf. 16:4 of the manna).
י֣וֹםa dayN m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive complement of the construct chainיוֹם (H3117); part of the fixed idiom דְּבַר יוֹם בְּיוֹמוֹ, see v.13.
בְּיוֹמ֔וֹin its dayprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · יוֹם (H3117)Prepositional phrase completing the idiomיוֹם (H3117) with suffix, completing the daily-quota idiom; see v.13.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֖רjust asprep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction introducing the temporal clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834) with comparative כְּ.
בִּהְי֥וֹתwhen there wasprep בְּ + Qal inf constr · הָיָה (H1961)Temporal infinitive clause→ Infinitive: temporal, 'when X was the case'הָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; the clause recalls the former condition (when straw was supplied) as the impossible standard now demanded.
הַתֶּֽבֶןthe strawart + N m sg abs · תֶּבֶן (H8401)Subject of the infinitive clause בִּהְיוֹתתֶּבֶן (H8401); see v.7.
14
וַיֻּכּ֗וּ שֹֽׁטְרֵי֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֲשֶׁר שָׂ֣מוּ עֲלֵהֶ֔ם נֹגְשֵׂ֥י פַרְעֹ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר מַדּ֡וּעַ לֹא֩ כִלִּיתֶ֨ם חָקְכֶ֤ם לִלְבֹּן֙ כִּתְמ֣וֹל שִׁלְשֹׁ֔ם גַּם תְּמ֖וֹל גַּם הַיּֽוֹם
And the foremen of the Israelites, whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, were beaten and asked, “Why have you not completed your prescribed amount of bricks, either yesterday or today, as before?”
The Israelite foremen, themselves under Egyptian taskmasters, bear the violence for a quota the people cannot meet; their taskmasters' rhetorical question will echo through the rest of the chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַיֻּכּ֗וּand were beatenHophal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָכָה (H5221)Predicate verb, main clause (passive)→ Wayyiqtol (passive): the narrative's decisive act of violenceנָכָה (H5221) Hophal 'to be struck, beaten'; the officials appointed to enforce the quota now suffer physical punishment for its failure.
שֹֽׁטְרֵי֙the officers ofQal ptc m pl constr · שֹׁטֵר (H7860)Subject (construct chain)→ Participle: office/titleשֹׁטֵר (H7860); see v.6 for the term's administrative background.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive complement (construct chain)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct with יִשְׂרָאֵל, the standing designation for the covenant people.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complementיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people whose release is at issue throughout.
אֲשֶׁרwhomrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause identifying the appointersאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle.
שָׂ֣מוּhad setQal perf 3cp · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: an antecedent, completed appointmentשִׂים (H7760); see v.8.
עֲלֵהֶ֔םover themprep עַל + 3mp suffix · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, complement of שָׂמוּעַל (H5921) with pronominal suffix.
נֹגְשֵׂ֥יthe taskmasters ofQal ptc m pl constr · נָגַשׂ (H5065)Subject of שָׂמוּ (construct chain)→ Participle: officeנָגַשׂ (H5065); see v.6 for the Egyptian overseer's office.
פַרְעֹ֖הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Genitive complementפַּרְעֹה (H6547); see v.1 for the title's Egyptian background.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing direct speech→ Infinitive: introduces quotationאָמַר (H559); the standard infinitival formula introducing direct discourse.
מַדּ֡וּעַwhyinterrog adv · מַדּוּעַ (H4069)Interrogative adverbial opening the accusationמַדּוּעַ (H4069) 'why?'; the taskmasters' accusatory question, which the beaten foremen pointedly repeat back to Pharaoh (v.15) and then to Moses (vv.20-21).
לֹא֩notnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates כִלִּיתֶםלֹא (H3808), the ordinary Hebrew negative.
כִלִּיתֶ֨םhave you completedPiel perf 2mp · כָּלָה (H3615)Predicate verb, main clause (rhetorical accusation)→ Perfective: a completed-action question demanding accountכָּלָה (H3615); see v.13.
חָקְכֶ֤םyour quotaN m sg constr + 2mp suffix · חֹק (H2706)Direct object of כִלִּיתֶםחֹק (H2706) 'statute, prescribed portion, fixed allotment'; here the assigned brick-quota, treated with the weight of a legal decree.
לִלְבֹּן֙for brickmakingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · לָבַן (H3835)Purpose infinitive modifying חָקְכֶם→ Infinitive: purposeלָבַן (H3835); see v.7.
כִּתְמ֣וֹלas yesterdayprep כְּ + adv · תְּמוֹל (H8543)Adverbial phrase of comparisonתְּמוֹל (H8543); see v.7-8.
שִׁלְשֹׁ֔םand beforeadv · שִׁלְשׁוֹם (H8032)Second element of the idiomשִׁלְשׁוֹם (H8032); see v.7.
גַּםbothadv · גַּם (H1571)Additive adverb, first of a paired גַּם...גַּם constructionגַּם...גַּם 'both...and'; intensifies the accusation across both reference points in time.
תְּמ֖וֹלyesterdayadv · תְּמוֹל (H8543)Temporal adverb, object of the first גַּםתְּמוֹל (H8543); see v.7 for the fixed idiom כִּתְמוֹל שִׁלְשׁוֹם.
גַּםandadv · גַּם (H1571)Second element of the גַּם...גַּם constructionגַּם (H1571), second half of the גַּם...גַּם pairing.
הַיּֽוֹםtodayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal adverbial, object of the second גַּםיוֹם (H3117) with article, 'today'; closes the accusation — the shortfall spans yesterday AND today, an unbroken pattern.
15
וַיָּבֹ֗אוּ שֹֽׁטְרֵי֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וַיִּצְעֲק֥וּ אֶל פַּרְעֹ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר לָ֧מָּה תַעֲשֶׂ֦ה כֹ֖ה לַעֲבָדֶֽיךָ
Then the foremen of the Israelites came and cried out to Pharaoh, saying, “Why do you deal this way with your servants?”
The beaten foremen go over the taskmasters' heads directly to Pharaoh, opening with the same rhetorical 'why' used against them in v.14.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיָּבֹ֗אוּand cameQal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb, main clause→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceThe beaten foremen now go directly to the top.
שֹֽׁטְרֵי֙the officers ofQal ptc m pl constr · שֹׁטֵר (H7860)Subject (construct chain)→ Participle: officeשֹׁטֵר (H7860); see v.6 for the term's administrative background.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive complementבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct with יִשְׂרָאֵל, the standing designation for the covenant people.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complementיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people whose release is at issue throughout.
וַיִּצְעֲק֥וּand cried outQal wayyiqtol 3mp · צָעַק (H6817)Predicate verb, coordinate main clause→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance, urgent appealצָעַק (H6817); the same verb Pharaoh dismissively assigned to their worship-plea in v.8 — here a genuine cry of distress directed at him.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
פַּרְעֹ֖הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Object of prepositionפַּרְעֹה (H6547); see v.1 for the title's Egyptian background.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement→ Infinitive: introduces quotationאָמַר (H559); the standard infinitival formula introducing direct discourse.
לָ֧מָּהwhyprep לְ + interrog · מָה (H4100)Interrogative adverbial opening the complaintThe foremen throw the taskmasters' own מַדּוּעַ (v.14) back toward the throne as לָמָּה — the accusation now travels up the chain of command.
תַעֲשֶׂ֦הdo you dealQal impf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb, main clause (rhetorical question)→ Yiqtol: present-durative accusationעָשָׂה (H6213); see v.8-9.
כֹ֖הthusadv · כֹּה (H3541)Adverbial modifier of תַעֲשֶׂהכֹּה (H3541); ironically the same adverb that opens the royal messenger formula (vv.1,10) now indicts the manner of Pharaoh's own dealing.
לַעֲבָדֶֽיךָto your servantsprep לְ + N m pl constr + 2ms suffix · עֶבֶד (H5650)Prepositional phrase, complement of תַעֲשֶׂהעֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant, slave'; the foremen adopt the standard deferential self-designation before the king even while lodging a grievance.
16
תֶּ֗בֶן אֵ֤ין נִתָּן֙ לַעֲבָדֶ֔יךָ וּלְבֵנִ֛ים אֹמְרִ֥ים לָ֖נוּ עֲשׂ֑וּ וְהִנֵּ֧ה עֲבָדֶ֛יךָ מֻכִּ֖ים וְחָטָ֥את עַמֶּֽךָ
“No straw is given to your servants, yet they say to us, Make bricks! And behold, your servants are beaten, but you have sinned against your own people.”
The foremen lay out the impossible situation and name their own beating, closing with the accusation that turns Pharaoh's own vocabulary of sin back on him.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
תֶּ֗בֶןstrawN m sg abs · תֶּבֶן (H8401)Fronted subject/topic of the passive clause (casus pendens)תֶּבֶן (H8401); see v.7 for its role as the withheld binding material.
אֵ֤יןthere is notnegative particle · אַיִן (H369)Negative existential predicateאַיִן (H369) 'there is not'; see v.10-11 for the negative-existential construction.
נִתָּן֙givenNiphal ptc m sg abs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate participle completing the אֵין construction (passive)→ Participle (Niphal, passive): a standing, unresolved deprivationנָתַן (H5414) Niphal 'to be given'; the same verb of Pharaoh's own refusal in v.10 (אֵינֶנִּי נֹתֵן), now quoted back as the foremen's opening grievance.
לַעֲבָדֶ֔יךָto your servantsprep לְ + N m pl constr + 2ms suffix · עֶבֶד (H5650)Prepositional phrase, indirect objectעֶבֶד (H5650); see v.15.
וּלְבֵנִ֛יםyet bricksconj + N f pl abs · לְבֵנָה (H3843)Fronted object/topic (adversative vav)The adversative force of the vav highlights the contradiction: no material, yet the demand for the product continues.
אֹמְרִ֥יםthey sayQal ptc m pl abs · אָמַר (H559)Predicate participle, main clause→ Participle: present-durative, an ongoing demandאָמַר (H559); participle, ongoing demand.
לָ֖נוּto usprep לְ + 1cp suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, complement of אֹמְרִיםלְ, bare preposition with 1cp suffix.
עֲשׂ֑וּmake!Qal impv 2mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb, quoted imperative→ Volitional: the quoted commandעָשָׂה (H6213), the quoted imperative demand.
וְהִנֵּ֧הand beholdconj + presentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle introducing the vivid, present evidence of abuseהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; draws Pharaoh's attention to the immediate, visible fact of the beatings.
עֲבָדֶ֛יךָyour servantsN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · עֶבֶד (H5650)Subject of the nominal clauseעֶבֶד (H5650); see v.15.
מֻכִּ֖יםare beatenHophal ptc m pl abs · נָכָה (H5221)Predicate participle (passive), main clause→ Participle (Hophal, passive): an ongoing, repeated state of injuryPicks up the same root as the narrator's report in v.14.
וְחָטָ֥אתyet you have sinnedQal perf 2ms (archaic/rare ־ָת ending) · חָטָא (H2398)Predicate verb, main clause — the foremen's climactic accusation→ Perfective: a completed, decisive charge — 'you [Pharaoh] have wronged'חָטָא (H2398) 'to sin, be at fault'; the form חָטָאת preserves a rare, old 2ms perfect ending in ־ָת (cf. GKC §44l) rather than the usual ־ָתָ. Many translations soften this to a noun ('the fault is...'), but grammatically it is the foremen accusing Pharaoh himself of sin against his own people — the sharpest line in their complaint.
עַמֶּֽךָyour peopleN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · עַם (H5971)Direct object of וְחָטָאת (accusative of specification, 'sinned against/regarding')עַם (H5971) with 2ms suffix — the foremen pointedly call Israel 'YOUR own people,' turning Pharaoh's earlier dismissive 'the people of the land' (v.5) back on him.
17
וַיֹּ֛אמֶר נִרְפִּ֥ים אַתֶּ֖ם נִרְפִּ֑ים עַל כֵּן֙ אַתֶּ֣ם אֹֽמְרִ֔ים נֵלְכָ֖ה נִזְבְּחָ֥ה לַֽיהוָֽה
But he said, “You are idle, idle! Therefore you say, Let us go and sacrifice to YHWH.”
Pharaoh repeats his own 'idle' charge from the taskmasters' script (v.8), then quotes the Israelites' worship-request back at them with scorn.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיֹּ֛אמֶרbut he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb, main clause→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); see v.1.
נִרְפִּ֥יםidleNiphal ptc m pl abs · רָפָה (H7503)Predicate participle of the nominal clause (fronted for emphasis)→ Participle: characterizing state, doubled for emphasisPharaoh repeats his own manufactured charge of v.8 nearly verbatim.
אַתֶּ֖םyou (are)independent pronoun 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Subject of the nominal clauseאַתֶּם (H859); see v.11.
נִרְפִּ֑יםidleNiphal ptc m pl abs · רָפָה (H7503)Predicate participle, repeated for emphatic effect→ Participle: emphatic repetitionThe doubling נִרְפִּים...נִרְפִּים ('idle, idle!') is emphatic contempt, dismissing the foremen's complaint outright.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)First element of עַל־כֵּן ('therefore')עַל (H5921), first element of the idiom עַל־כֵּן 'therefore'.
כֵּן֙thereforeadv · כֵּן (H3651)Second element of the idiomכֵּן (H3651); see v.8 for the idiom עַל־כֵּן.
אַתֶּ֣םyouindependent pronoun 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Subject, resumedאַתֶּם (H859); see v.11.
אֹֽמְרִ֔יםsayQal ptc m pl abs · אָמַר (H559)Predicate participle→ Participle: present-durativeאָמַר (H559), participle.
נֵלְכָ֖הlet us goQal cohortative 1cp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb, quoted cohortative→ Cohortative, quoted with scornEchoes vv.3,8's request, again thrown back mockingly — now attributed directly to the foremen rather than to Moses.
נִזְבְּחָ֥הlet us sacrificeQal cohortative 1cp · זָבַח (H2076)Predicate verb, coordinate cohortative, quoted→ Cohortative, quoted with scornזָבַח (H2076); see v.3 for the concrete religious act the request names.
לַֽיהוָֽהto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase, complement of נִזְבְּחָהיְהוָה (H3068), object of the dative preposition marking the recipient of worship.
18
וְעַתָּה֙ לְכ֣וּ עִבְד֔וּ וְתֶ֖בֶן לֹא יִנָּתֵ֣ן לָכֶ֑ם וְתֹ֥כֶן לְבֵנִ֖ים תִּתֵּֽנּוּ
“Now go, work! No straw will be given you, yet you must deliver the full quota of bricks.”
Continuing Pharaoh's speech, the order is restated in the imperative — go, work, no straw, yet the tale of bricks must be delivered — closing the loop begun in v.7.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְעַתָּה֙now thenconj + adv · עַתָּה (H6258)Adverbial transition introducing the renewed commandעַתָּה (H6258) 'now'; marks the shift from accusation to peremptory command.
לְכ֣וּgo!Qal impv 2mp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb, imperative→ Volitional: commandהָלַךְ (H3212); see v.4 for Pharaoh's terse imperative.
עִבְד֔וּwork!Qal impv 2mp · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate verb, coordinate imperative→ Volitional: commandעָבַד (H5647) 'to work, serve'; the same root behind עֲבֹדָה (forced labor) and עֶבֶד (servant/slave) — Pharaoh's command doubles down on the very bondage-vocabulary the foremen had just invoked.
וְתֶ֖בֶןyet strawconj + N m sg abs · תֶּבֶן (H8401)Fronted object/topic (adversative, 'but straw...')תֶּבֶן (H8401); see v.7.
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יִנָּתֵןלֹא (H3808), the ordinary Hebrew negative.
יִנָּתֵ֣ןwill be givenNiphal impf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (passive), main clause→ Yiqtol (Niphal, passive): future/durative refusalנָתַן (H5414); see v.16 for the Niphal passive of this same verb.
לָכֶ֑םto youprep לְ + 2mp suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, indirect object of יִנָּתֵןלְ, bare preposition with pronominal suffix.
וְתֹ֥כֶןyet the quota ofconj + N m sg constr · תֹּכֶן (H8506)Fronted object/topic (construct chain)תֹּכֶן (H8506) 'measure, quota,' from √תכן 'to measure' — a synonym of v.8's מַתְכֹּנֶת from the same root.
לְבֵנִ֖יםbricksN f pl abs · לְבֵנָה (H3843)Genitive complement of the construct chainלְבֵנָה (H3843); see v.7.
תִּתֵּֽנּוּyou shall deliverQal impf 2mp · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb, main clause→ Yiqtol as command: the fixed obligation restatedנָתַן (H5414); see v.7,10.
19
וַיִּרְא֞וּ שֹֽׁטְרֵ֧י בְנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל אֹתָ֖ם בְּרָ֣ע לֵאמֹ֑ר לֹא תִגְרְע֥וּ מִלִּבְנֵיכֶ֖ם דְּבַר י֥וֹם בְּיוֹמֽוֹ
The foremen of the Israelites saw that they were in trouble when they were told, “You shall not diminish your daily quota of bricks.”
The foremen's dawning realization frames the coming confrontation with Moses and Aaron; the clause quotes back the fixed daily quota verbatim.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיִּרְא֞וּand sawQal wayyiqtol 3mp · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb, main clause→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — a moment of dawning realizationרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; here perceptive/cognitive — 'realized, recognized' their trapped situation.
שֹֽׁטְרֵ֧יthe officers ofQal ptc m pl constr · שֹׁטֵר (H7860)Subject (construct chain)→ Participle: officeשֹׁטֵר (H7860); see v.6 for the term's administrative background.
בְנֵֽיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive complementבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct with יִשְׂרָאֵל, the standing designation for the covenant people.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complementיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people whose release is at issue throughout.
אֹתָ֖םthemselvesobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (reflexive-idiomatic object of וַיִּרְאוּ)אֵת (H853) + 3mp suffix; idiomatically 'they saw [that] themselves [were]...' — expressing subjective realization about one's own condition.
בְּרָ֣עin troubleprep בְּ + adj m sg abs · רַע (H7451)Predicate complement of the perception clauseרַע (H7451) 'evil, bad, trouble'; describes their desperate circumstances — trapped between an impossible quota and royal contempt.
לֵאמֹ֑רwhen toldprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing the report that triggers their realization→ Infinitive: introduces the quoted directiveאָמַר (H559); introduces the quoted directive.
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תִגְרְעוּלֹא (H3808), the ordinary Hebrew negative.
תִגְרְע֥וּyou shall diminishQal impf 2mp · גָּרַע (H1639)Predicate verb, quoted command→ Yiqtol as prohibitionSee v.8; the identical order is now explicitly quoted to the foremen themselves.
מִלִּבְנֵיכֶ֖םfrom your bricksprep מִן + N f pl constr + 2mp suffix · לְבֵנָה (H3843)Prepositional phrase, complement of תִגְרְעוּלְבֵנָה (H3843); see v.7.
דְּבַרthe matter ofN m sg constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Adverbial accusative (construct chain, idiom)דָּבָר (H1697); see v.13 for the דְּבַר יוֹם בְּיוֹמוֹ idiom.
י֥וֹםa dayN m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive complementיוֹם (H3117); part of the fixed idiom דְּבַר יוֹם בְּיוֹמוֹ, see v.13.
בְּיוֹמֽוֹin its dayprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · יוֹם (H3117)Prepositional phrase completing the idiomיוֹם (H3117) with suffix, completing the daily-quota idiom; see v.13.
20
וַֽיִּפְגְּעוּ֙ אֶת מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְאֶֽת אַהֲרֹ֔ן נִצָּבִ֖ים לִקְרָאתָ֑ם בְּצֵאתָ֖ם מֵאֵ֥ת פַּרְעֹֽה
As they came out from Pharaoh, they met Moses and Aaron, who were standing to meet them,
The scene shifts: as the foremen exit from Pharaoh, Moses and Aaron are physically waiting, setting up direct blame.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַֽיִּפְגְּעוּ֙and they metQal wayyiqtol 3mp · פָּגַע (H6293)Predicate verb, main clause→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance, setting up confrontationפָּגַע (H6293) 'to meet, encounter'; the same root feared in v.3 ('lest he fall upon us') now describes an all-too-human collision — the foremen meeting their own leaders in anger.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), the untranslated object marker; see Gen 1:1 gold exemplar.
מֹשֶׁ֣הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Direct objectמֹשֶׁה (H4872); see v.1.
וְאֶֽתand [obj]conj + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת (H853) with conjunction, marking a second coordinate direct object.
אַהֲרֹ֔ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Direct object (coordinate)אַהֲרֹן (H175); see v.1.
נִצָּבִ֖יםstandingNiphal ptc m pl abs · נָצַב (H5324)Predicate participle, circumstantial (describing Moses and Aaron)→ Participle: circumstantial, ongoing posture at the moment of encounterנָצַב (H5324) Niphal 'to station oneself, stand'; Moses and Aaron are found waiting — deliberately positioned — as the foremen emerge from the palace.
לִקְרָאתָ֑םto meet themprep לְ + N (idiom) + 3mp suffix · קְרָאת (H7125)Prepositional phrase of purpose/direction, complement of נִצָּבִיםקְרָאת (H7125), used only in the fixed idiom לִקְרַאת 'to meet, toward' (from the same root as v.3's נִקְרָא); reinforces the collision imagery of the verse.
בְּצֵאתָ֖םas they came outprep בְּ + Qal inf constr + 3mp suffix · יָצָא (H3318)Temporal infinitive clause→ Infinitive: temporal, simultaneityיָצָא (H3318); see v.10,12.
מֵאֵ֥תfromcompound prep (מִן + אֵת) · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase, source-complement of בְּצֵאתָםאֵת (H854, a homonym of the object-marker H853) 'with'; the compound מֵאֵת 'from with, from the presence of' marks the point of departure — Pharaoh's court.
פַּרְעֹֽהPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Object of the compound prepositionפַּרְעֹה (H6547); see v.1 for the title's Egyptian background.
21
וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֲלֵהֶ֔ם יֵ֧רֶא יְהוָ֛ה עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם וְיִשְׁפֹּ֑ט אֲשֶׁ֧ר הִבְאַשְׁתֶּ֣ם אֶת רֵיחֵ֗נוּ בְּעֵינֵ֤י פַרְעֹה֙ וּבְעֵינֵ֣י עֲבָדָ֔יו לָֽתֶת חֶ֥רֶב בְּיָדָ֖ם לְהָרְגֵֽנוּ
and they said to them, “May YHWH look on you and judge, because you have made us a stench in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of his servants, putting a sword in their hand to kill us.”
Their curse ('may YHWH look and judge') inverts a plea for deliverance into a plea for divine judgment against the deliverers, blaming them for making the people 'stink' before Pharaoh and putting a sword in Egyptian hands.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיֹּאמְר֣וּand they saidQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb, main clause→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); see v.1.
אֲלֵהֶ֔םto themprep אֶל + 3mp suffix · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, complement of וַיֹּאמְרוּאֶל (H413) 'to', with pronominal suffix.
יֵ֧רֶאmay he lookQal impf 3ms (jussive) · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb, main clause (imprecatory jussive)→ Jussive: an imprecation invoking divine scrutinyרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; here jussive, 'may YHWH look' — an appeal for God to observe and act, but directed against Moses and Aaron rather than against Pharaoh.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יֵרֶאיְהוָה (H3068); see v.1-2 for the name's centrality to the chapter's conflict.
עֲלֵיכֶ֖םupon youprep עַל + 2mp suffix · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, complement of יֵרֶאעַל (H5921) with pronominal suffix.
וְיִשְׁפֹּ֑טand judgeconj + Qal impf 3ms (jussive) · שָׁפַט (H8199)Predicate verb, coordinate jussive→ Jussive: imprecation continuedשָׁפַט (H8199) 'to judge'; the foremen invoke YHWH as judge against the very men sent to deliver them — a bitter irony Moses will echo back to YHWH in vv.22-23.
אֲשֶׁ֧רbecauserelative/causal particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Causal clause marker introducing the grounds for the imprecationאֲשֶׁר (H834), here causal 'because'.
הִבְאַשְׁתֶּ֣םyou have made stinkHiphil perf 2mp · בָּאַשׁ (H887)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act of ruinבָּאַשׁ (H887) Hiphil 'to make stink, make odious/abhorrent'; a vivid metaphor for destroyed reputation.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), the untranslated object marker; see Gen 1:1 gold exemplar.
רֵיחֵ֗נוּour smellN m sg constr + 1cp suffix · רֵיחַ (H7381)Direct object of הִבְאַשְׁתֶּםרֵיחַ (H7381) 'smell, scent, odor'; figurative for reputation/standing — 'made us a stench.'
בְּעֵינֵ֤יin the eyes ofprep בְּ + N common dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase (construct chain), locus of the ruined reputationעַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; בְּעֵינֵי is the standard idiom for 'in the estimation/opinion of.'
פַרְעֹה֙PharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Genitive complement of the construct chainפַּרְעֹה (H6547); see v.1 for the title's Egyptian background.
וּבְעֵינֵ֣יand in the eyes ofconj + prep בְּ + N common dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Coordinate prepositional phrase (construct chain)עַיִן (H5869); see the preceding word in this verse.
עֲבָדָ֔יוhis servantsN m pl constr + 3ms suffix · עֶבֶד (H5650)Genitive complement of the construct chainעֶבֶד (H5650); see v.15-16.
לָֽתֶתby puttingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · נָתַן (H5414)Result/means infinitive, explicating the consequence of the ruined reputation→ Infinitive: result — the practical danger that followsנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, put'; here 'to put (a sword) in [their] hand' — an idiom for providing pretext/means for violence.
חֶ֥רֶבa swordN f sg abs · חֶרֶב (H2719)Direct object of לָתֶתThe very calamity Moses and Aaron once cited to Pharaoh as a divine threat (v.3) is now what the foremen fear from Pharaoh's own hand.
בְּיָדָ֖םin their handprep בְּ + N common sg constr + 3mp suffix · יָד (H3027)Prepositional phrase, complement of לָתֶתיָד (H3027) 'hand'.
לְהָרְגֵֽנוּto kill usprep לְ + Qal inf constr + 1cp suffix · הָרַג (H2026)Purpose infinitive, complement of the preceding clause→ Infinitive: stated purpose/result — the feared endpointהָרַג (H2026) 'to kill, slay'; the foremen's rhetoric escalates from reputational ruin to mortal danger — a fear that materializes only later, at the sea (14:9ff).
22
וַיָּ֧שָׁב מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶל יְהוָ֖ה וַיֹּאמַ֑ר אֲדֹנָ֗י לָמָ֤ה הֲרֵעֹ֨תָה֙ לָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֔ה לָ֥מָּה זֶּ֖ה שְׁלַחְתָּֽנִי
Then Moses returned to YHWH and said, “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me?”
Moses turns from human accusers to God, echoing the foremen's language of Pharaoh 'doing evil' but redirecting the charge to YHWH himself, and questioning his own commission.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיָּ֧שָׁבand returnedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb, main clause→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — the scene shifts from human confrontation to prayerשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return, turn back'; Moses withdraws from the confrontation with the foremen to bring the crisis directly before YHWH.
מֹשֶׁ֛הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872); see v.1.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of prepositionיְהוָה (H3068); see v.1-2 for the name's centrality to the chapter's conflict.
וַיֹּאמַ֑רand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb, coordinate main clause→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); see v.1.
אֲדֹנָ֗יO LordN m pl constr + 1cs suffix (divine title) · אֲדֹנָי (H136)Vocative, addressing YHWHאֲדֹנָי (H136), a fossilized plural-of-majesty form with 1cs suffix, used as a reverent title for YHWH; Moses' address is respectful even as his words are a raw complaint.
לָמָ֤הwhyprep לְ + interrog · מָה (H4100)Interrogative adverbial opening the first questionמָה (H4100); see v.4,14-15 for this recurring accusatory question.
הֲרֵעֹ֨תָה֙have you done evilHiphil perf 2ms · רָעַע (H7489)Predicate verb, main clause (rhetorical/lament question)→ Perfective: a completed act now laid at YHWH's door — the chapter's central accusation, redirected from Pharaoh to God himselfרָעַע (H7489) Hiphil 'to do evil, harm, mistreat'; startlingly, Moses uses of YHWH the very verb that describes Pharaoh's oppression (cf. v.23), voicing raw protest.
לָעָ֣םto the peopleprep לְ + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Prepositional phrase, complement of הֲרֵעֹתָהעַם (H5971), with the dative preposition marking the addressee.
הַזֶּ֔הthisart + demonstrative pron 3ms · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָעָםזֶה (H2088) 'this'; demonstrative modifying הָעָם.
לָ֥מָּהwhyprep לְ + interrog · מָה (H4100)Interrogative adverbial opening the second questionThe repeated לָמָּה...לָמָּה structures Moses' complaint as a double accusation — first for the people's suffering, then for his own commissioning.
זֶּ֖הis it thatdemonstrative pron ms · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative used adverbially, intensifying the interrogativeזֶה (H2088) 'this'; used almost as an emphatic particle after an interrogative, a common Hebrew intensifying idiom (cf. Gen 3:13; Judg 18:23).
שְׁלַחְתָּֽנִיyou sent meQal perf 2ms + 1cs suffix · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb, main clause→ Perfective: a completed act now under scrutiny — Moses questions his own commission (cf. 3:10-4:17)שָׁלַח (H7971); the same root demanded of Pharaoh throughout ('let my people go') now turns reflexively on Moses' own sending.
23
וּמֵאָ֞ז בָּ֤אתִי אֶל פַּרְעֹה֙ לְדַבֵּ֣ר בִּשְׁמֶ֔ךָ הֵרַ֖ע לָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֑ה וְהַצֵּ֥ל לֹא הִצַּ֖לְתָּ אֶת עַמֶּֽךָ
“For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.”
Continuing Moses' complaint, he summarizes the net result since his first audience with Pharaoh: things have only gotten worse, and YHWH has not yet delivered the people at all, setting up YHWH's reply in 6:1.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וּמֵאָ֞זand sinceconj + prep מִן + adv · אָז (H227)Temporal adverbial phrase opening the clauseאָז (H227) 'then, at that time'; מֵאָז 'from then, since' marks the time-span of Moses' mission as the measure of its (apparent) failure.
בָּ֤אתִיI cameQal perf 1cs · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb of the temporal clause→ Perfective: the initiating act, now bracketed against its resultבּוֹא (H935); see v.1.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
פַּרְעֹה֙PharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Object of prepositionפַּרְעֹה (H6547); see v.1 for the title's Egyptian background.
לְדַבֵּ֣רto speakprep לְ + Piel inf constr · דָּבַר (H1696)Purpose infinitive, complement of בָּאתִי→ Infinitive: purposeדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; the stated purpose of the first audience (v.1).
בִּשְׁמֶ֔ךָin your nameprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 2ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Prepositional phrase, complement of לְדַבֵּרשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; Moses stresses he spoke as YHWH's authorized representative — making the outcome all the more troubling to him.
הֵרַ֖עhe has done evilHiphil perf 3ms · רָעַע (H7489)Predicate verb, main clause→ Perfective: a completed, ongoing-effect actSee v.22; here the subject is Pharaoh, matching Moses' own charge against YHWH with an almost identical verb form.
לָעָ֣םto the peopleprep לְ + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Prepositional phrase, complement of הֵרַעעַם (H5971), with the dative preposition marking the addressee.
הַזֶּ֑הthisart + demonstrative pron 3ms · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָעָםזֶה (H2088) 'this'; demonstrative modifying הָעָם.
וְהַצֵּ֥לand to deliverconj + Hiphil inf abs · נָצַל (H5337)Infinitive absolute functioning as a finite verb (continuing the complaint), emphatic→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic negation with the following finite verb — 'as for delivering, you have not delivered at all'נָצַל (H5337) Hiphil 'to snatch away, rescue, deliver'; the infinitive absolute before the negated finite form is an emphatic construction underscoring total non-deliverance — the last, bluntest word of Moses' complaint.
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates הִצַּלְתָּלֹא (H3808), the ordinary Hebrew negative.
הִצַּ֖לְתָּyou have deliveredHiphil perf 2ms · נָצַל (H5337)Predicate verb, main clause, negated→ Perfective, negated: the summary verdict on the mission thus farThe chapter closes on unresolved crisis — deliverance still future, setting up YHWH's response in 6:1ff.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), the untranslated object marker; see Gen 1:1 gold exemplar.
עַמֶּֽךָyour peopleN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · עַם (H5971)Direct object of הִצַּלְתָּעַם (H5971) with 2ms suffix ('your people') — Moses throws the possessive back onto YHWH, just as the foremen had thrown it onto Pharaoh in v.16, framing the outstanding responsibility for deliverance squarely on God.