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Get back to your work!&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Pharaoh replied, “Moses and Aaron, why are you distracting the people from their tasks? Get back to work!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you take the people away from their work? Get back to your burdens.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you draw the people away from their work? Get back to your labor!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you take the people from their work? Get <i>back</i> to your labor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you let the people neglect their work? Get <i>back</i> to your labors!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But the king of Egypt said to them, &#8220Moses and Aaron, why do you draw the people away from their work? Get back to your labors!&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you draw the people away from their work? Get <i>back</i> to your labors!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you draw the people away from their work? Get <i>back</i> to your hard labors!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But the king of Egypt said to Moses and Aaron, “Why do you take the people away from their work? Get back to your burdens!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why are you causing the people to neglect their work? Get to your labor! ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The king of Egypt said to them, &#8220Moses and Aaron, why are you causing the people to neglect their work? Get to your work!&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, loose the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, loose the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The king of Egypt said to them, "Moses and Aaron, why are you distracting the people from their work? Get back to work!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The king said to Moses and Aaron, "What do you mean by making the people neglect their work? Get those slaves back to work! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The king of Egypt replied to them, "Moses and Aaron, why are you keeping the people from their labor? Go back to your work!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the king of Egypt said to them, ?Moses and Aaron, why do you draw the people away from their work? Get back to your labor!?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The king of Egypt said to them, "Moses and Aaron, why do you cause the people to refrain from their work? Return to your labor!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The king of Egypt said to them, "Why do you, Moses and Aaron, take the people from their work? Get back to your burdens."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the king of Egypt said to them, Why do ye, Moses and Aaron, hinder the people from their works; go you to your burdens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The king of Egypt said to them, “Why do you, Moses and Aaron, take the people from their work? Get back to your burdens!” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king of Egypt says to them, “Why, Moses and Aaron, do you free the people from its works? Go to your burdens.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the king of Egypt saith unto them, 'Why, Moses and Aaron, do ye free the people from its works? go to your burdens.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the king of Egypt will say to them, For what Moses and Aaron, will ye let go loose the people from their works? go ye to your burdens.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The king of Egypt said to them: Why do you Moses and Aaron draw off the people from their works? Get you gone to your burdens. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The king of Egypt said to them: “Why do you, Moses and Aaron, distract the people from their works? Go back to your burdens.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The king of Egypt answered them, “Why, Moses and Aaron, do you make the people neglect their work? Off to your labors!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why are you taking the people away from their work? Get to your labors!”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the king of Egypt said to them, Wherefore do you, Moses and Aaron, cause the people to stop from their work? Go back to your tasks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the King of Egypt said to them, “Why do you, Moshe and Aaron, stop the people from their works? Go to your work.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the king of Egypt said unto them: 'Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, cause the people to break loose from their work? get you unto your burdens.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the king of Egypt said to them, Why do ye, Moses and Aaron, turn the people from their works? depart each of you to your works.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/5-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=978" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/5.htm">Pharaoh's First Refusal</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>“The God of the Hebrews has met with us,” they answered. “Please let us go on a three-day journey into the wilderness to sacrifice to the LORD our God, or He may strike us with plagues or with the sword.” <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">But the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: miṣ·ra·yim (N-proper-fs) -- A son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in N.W. Africa. Dual of matsowr; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt.">of Egypt</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. ">to them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">“Moses</a> <a href="/hebrew/175.htm" title="175: wə·’a·hă·rōn (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- An elder brother of Moses. Of uncertain derivation; Aharon, the brother of Moses.">and Aaron,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: lām·māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">why</a> <a href="/hebrew/6544.htm" title="6544: tap̄·rî·‘ū (V-Hifil-Imperf-2mp) -- A primitive root; to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin.">do you draw</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4639.htm" title="4639: mim·ma·‘ă·śāw (Prep-m:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A deed, work. From asah; an action; generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product or property.">away from their work?</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lə·ḵū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">Get back</a> <a href="/hebrew/5450.htm" title="5450: lə·siḇ·lō·ṯê·ḵem (Prep-l:: N-fpc:: 2mp) -- A burden. From cebel; porterage.">to your labor!”</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Pharaoh also said, “Look, the people of the land are now numerous, and you would be stopping them from their labor.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/1-11.htm">Exodus 1:11-14</a></span><br />So the Egyptians appointed taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor. As a result, they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. / But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and flourished; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. / They worked the Israelites ruthlessly ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/3-7.htm">Exodus 3:7-10</a></span><br />The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings. / I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. / And now the cry of the Israelites has reached Me, and I have seen how severely the Egyptians are oppressing them. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/6-6.htm">Exodus 6:6-9</a></span><br />Therefore tell the Israelites: ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians and deliver you from their bondage. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. / I will take you as My own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. / And I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD!’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/7-16.htm">Exodus 7:16</a></span><br />Then say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to tell you: Let My people go, so that they may worship Me in the wilderness. But until now you have not listened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/8-1.htm">Exodus 8:1-2</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and tell him that this is what the LORD says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may worship Me. / But if you refuse to let them go, I will plague your whole country with frogs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/9-1.htm">Exodus 9:1-2</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and tell him that this is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may worship Me. / But if you continue to restrain them and refuse to let them go,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/10-3.htm">Exodus 10:3-4</a></span><br />So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and told him, “This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go, so that they may worship Me. / But if you refuse to let My people go, I will bring locusts into your territory tomorrow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-12.htm">Exodus 14:12</a></span><br />Did we not say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone so that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-12.htm">Exodus 23:12</a></span><br />For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the son of your maidservant may be refreshed, as well as the foreign resident.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-15.htm">Deuteronomy 5:15</a></span><br />Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-9.htm">Nehemiah 9:9-10</a></span><br />You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt; You heard their cry at the Red Sea. / You performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, all his officials, and all the people of his land, for You knew they had acted with arrogance against our fathers. You made a name for Yourself that endures to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/81-6.htm">Psalm 81:6-7</a></span><br />“I relieved his shoulder of the burden; his hands were freed from the basket. / You called out in distress, and I rescued you; I answered you from the cloud of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-3.htm">Isaiah 14:3-4</a></span><br />On the day that the LORD gives you rest from your pain and torment, and from the hard labor into which you were forced, / you will sing this song of contempt against the king of Babylon: How the oppressor has ceased, and how his fury has ended!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/34-13.htm">Jeremiah 34:13-14</a></span><br />“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I made a covenant with your forefathers when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, saying: / Every seventh year, each of you must free his Hebrew brother who has sold himself to you. He may serve you six years, but then you must let him go free. But your fathers did not listen or incline their ear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-34.htm">Acts 7:34</a></span><br />I have indeed seen the oppression of My people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the king of Egypt said to them, Why do you, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you to your burdens.</p><p class="hdg">wherefore.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Jeremiah 38:4</a></b></br> Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/amos/7-10.htm">Amos 7:10</a></b></br> Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/23-2.htm">Luke 23:2</a></b></br> And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this <i>fellow</i> perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.</p><p class="hdg">let.</p><p class="hdg">burdens.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/1-11.htm">Exodus 1:11</a></b></br> Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/5-1.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/genesis/27-40.htm">Break</a> <a href="/exodus/2-11.htm">Burdens</a> <a href="/exodus/4-31.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/exodus/3-5.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/exodus/4-21.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/genesis/49-21.htm">Free</a> <a href="/genesis/24-56.htm">Hinder</a> <a href="/exodus/3-5.htm">Loose</a> <a href="/exodus/5-1.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/3-3.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/exodus/2-11.htm">Work</a> <a href="/genesis/47-3.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/5-20.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/exodus/9-9.htm">Break</a> <a href="/exodus/5-5.htm">Burdens</a> <a href="/exodus/8-5.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/exodus/12-21.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/exodus/5-12.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/exodus/6-6.htm">Free</a> <a href="/exodus/26-22.htm">Hinder</a> <a href="/exodus/32-25.htm">Loose</a> <a href="/exodus/5-20.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/5-14.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/exodus/5-5.htm">Work</a> <a href="/exodus/5-13.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/5-1.htm">Pharaoh chides Moses and Aaron for their message.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/5-6.htm">He increases the Israelites' task.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/5-16.htm">He ignores their complaints.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/5-19.htm">They cry out to Moses and Aaron.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/5-22.htm">Moses complains to God.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But the king of Egypt said to them</b><br>This phrase introduces Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, who is a central figure in the narrative of the Israelites' enslavement and subsequent liberation. Pharaoh's hardened heart is a recurring theme, illustrating the spiritual blindness and resistance to God's will. Historically, Pharaohs were considered divine or semi-divine figures, which adds to the tension between him and the God of Israel. This confrontation sets the stage for the ensuing plagues and the eventual Exodus.<p><b>Moses and Aaron</b><br>Moses and Aaron are the leaders chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from bondage. Moses, raised in Pharaoh's household, is uniquely positioned to confront the Egyptian ruler. Aaron, his brother, serves as his spokesperson. Their partnership is significant, as it demonstrates God's provision and the importance of obedience and faith in His plan. This duo prefigures the prophetic and priestly roles fulfilled in Jesus Christ.<p><b>why do you draw the people away from their work?</b><br>Pharaoh's question reveals his concern over losing control of the Israelite labor force, which was crucial to Egypt's economy and infrastructure. The Israelites were enslaved to build cities and monuments, a common practice in ancient civilizations. This phrase highlights the oppressive nature of their bondage and Pharaoh's disregard for their well-being. It also foreshadows the struggle between divine liberation and human oppression.<p><b>Get back to your labor!</b><br>Pharaoh's command underscores his authority and the harsh conditions under which the Israelites labored. This directive reflects the broader theme of slavery and freedom that runs throughout the book of Exodus. The Israelites' forced labor is symbolic of spiritual bondage, from which God seeks to deliver His people. This command also sets the stage for the subsequent plagues, as God demonstrates His power over Pharaoh and the false gods of Egypt.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a></b><br>The king of Egypt, representing the oppressive power and authority that enslaved the Israelites. His heart was hardened against God's command to let His people go.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The chosen leader of the Israelites, called by God to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage. Moses is a central figure in the account of Exodus, representing obedience to God's call.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/aaron.htm">Aaron</a></b><br>Moses' brother and spokesperson, who assisted Moses in confronting Pharaoh. Aaron played a crucial role in communicating God's demands to Pharaoh.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The enslaved people of God in Egypt, whose labor was exploited by Pharaoh. They represent God's chosen people, longing for freedom and deliverance.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The land where the Israelites were enslaved, symbolizing a place of bondage and oppression. It serves as a backdrop for God's mighty acts of deliverance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_oppression.htm">Understanding Oppression</a></b><br>Pharaoh's response highlights the nature of oppressive systems that prioritize productivity over people. Reflect on modern parallels and the importance of valuing human dignity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_call_to_leadership.htm">God's Call to Leadership</a></b><br>Moses and Aaron's roles remind us of the importance of answering God's call, even in the face of opposition. Consider how God might be calling you to lead or serve in challenging circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_obedience.htm">The Cost of Obedience</a></b><br>Obeying God's commands can lead to increased resistance and hardship, as seen in Pharaoh's reaction. Be prepared for challenges when following God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_deliverance.htm">Trust in God's Deliverance</a></b><br>Despite Pharaoh's refusal, God's plan for deliverance was unwavering. Trust in God's promises and His ability to overcome any obstacle.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/rest_in_god's_provision.htm">Rest in God's Provision</a></b><br>Contrast the burdens of labor under Pharaoh with the spiritual rest offered by God. Seek rest in God's presence and provision, especially during times of stress and toil.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/exodus_6_6__why_no_evidence_for_exodus.htm">Exodus 6:6: How can we reconcile the lack of archaeological evidence for a large-scale exodus with the biblical narrative?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_1_kings_5_13-16's_labor_force_plausible.htm">How plausible is the vast conscripted labor force of tens of thousands in 1 Kings 5:13-16, given population estimates of the time?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_israelites_meet_brick_quotas.htm">Exodus 5:7: How could the Israelites maintain the same brick quota without Egyptian-provided straw under harsh labor conditions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_don't_sources_mention_solomon's_peace.htm">Why do other historical sources not mention Solomon's supposed peaceful reign 'on every side' in 1 Kings 5:4?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - The king makes no direct reply to this appeal, but turns upon his petitioners, and charges them with an offence against the crown. Why do they, Moses and Aaron, by summoning the people to meet together, and exciting their minds with vague hopes, "<span class="cmt_word">let the people from their works</span>." This is damage to the crown, whoso labourers the people are, and he, the Pharaoh, will not have it. "<span class="cmt_word">Get you</span> - all of you, people and leaders together - to your appointed tasks - <span class="cmt_word">your burdens</span>." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/5-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But the king</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶ֣לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Egypt</span><br /><span class="heb">מִצְרַ֔יִם</span> <span class="translit">(miṣ·ra·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4714.htm">Strong's 4714: </a> </span><span class="str2">Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to them,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲלֵהֶם֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·lê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Moses</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹשֶׁ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(mō·šeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Aaron,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַהֲרֹ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’a·hă·rōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_175.htm">Strong's 175: </a> </span><span class="str2">Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses</span><br /><br /><span class="word">why</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֚מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(lām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do you draw</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּפְרִ֥יעוּ</span> <span class="translit">(tap̄·rî·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6544.htm">Strong's 6544: </a> </span><span class="str2">To loosen, to expose, dismiss, absolve, begin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the people</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">away from their work?</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמַּֽעֲשָׂ֑יו</span> <span class="translit">(mim·ma·‘ă·śāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4639.htm">Strong's 4639: </a> </span><span class="str2">An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Get back</span><br /><span class="heb">לְכ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḵū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to your work!”</span><br /><span class="heb">לְסִבְלֹתֵיכֶֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·siḇ·lō·ṯê·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5450.htm">Strong's 5450: </a> </span><span class="str2">Porterage</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/5-4.htm">Exodus 5:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/5-4.htm">Exodus 5:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/5-4.htm">Exodus 5:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/5-4.htm">Exodus 5:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/5-4.htm">Exodus 5:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/5-4.htm">Exodus 5:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/5-4.htm">Exodus 5:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/5-4.htm">Exodus 5:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/5-4.htm">Exodus 5:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/5-4.htm">Exodus 5:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/5-4.htm">OT Law: Exodus 5:4 The king of Egypt said to them (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/5-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 5:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 5:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/5-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 5:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 5:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>