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Exodus 1:12

Exodus 1:12 in Multiple Translations

But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and flourished; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites.

But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.

But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.

But the more cruel they were to them, the more their number increased, till all the land was full of them. And the children of Israel were hated by the Egyptians.

But the more the Israelites were mistreated, the more they grew in numbers and spread out—and the more the Egyptians detested them.

But the more they vexed them, the more they multiplied and grewe: therefore they were more grieued against the children of Israel.

and as they afflict it, so it multiplieth, and so it breaketh forth, and they are vexed because of the sons of Israel;

But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread out. They started to dread the children of Israel.

But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.

But the more they oppressed them, the more they were multiplied, and increased:

But the more cruelly they treated the Israeli people, the bigger the Israeli population grew, and they became more numerous all over the land. So the Egyptian people began to be afraid of the Israeli people.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 1:12

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 1:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/כַ/אֲשֶׁר֙ יְעַנּ֣וּ אֹת֔/וֹ כֵּ֥ן יִרְבֶּ֖ה וְ/כֵ֣ן יִפְרֹ֑ץ וַ/יָּקֻ֕צוּ מִ/פְּנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וְ/כַ/אֲשֶׁר֙ ʼăsher H834 which Conj | Prep | Rel
יְעַנּ֣וּ ʻânâh H6031 be occupied V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
אֹת֔/וֹ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
כֵּ֥ן kên H3651 right Part
יִרְבֶּ֖ה râbâh H7235 to multiply V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/כֵ֣ן kên H3651 right Conj | Part
יִפְרֹ֑ץ pârats H6555 to break through V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וַ/יָּקֻ֕צוּ qûwts H6973 to loathe Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp
בְּנֵ֥י bên H1121 son N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 1:12

וְ/כַ/אֲשֶׁר֙ ʼăsher H834 "which" Conj | Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יְעַנּ֣וּ ʻânâh H6031 "be occupied" V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To afflict or oppress someone, making them feel low or depressed. In the Bible, it can also mean to humble oneself, as seen in Psalm 35:13. It involves being put down or becoming weak.
Definition: (Qal) to be occupied, be busied with
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abase self, afflict(-ion, self), answer (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), speak (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), submit self, weaken, [idiom] in any wise. See also: Genesis 15:13; 2 Kings 17:20; Psalms 35:13.
אֹת֔/וֹ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כֵּ֥ן kên H3651 "right" Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
יִרְבֶּ֖ה râbâh H7235 "to multiply" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
וְ/כֵ֣ן kên H3651 "right" Conj | Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
יִפְרֹ֑ץ pârats H6555 "to break through" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To break through means to burst out or force one's way, like when a baby is born or a wall is broken down. This word is used in many situations, like when God breaks through to help someone or when a crowd breaks out in violence.
Definition: 1) to break through or down or over, burst, breach 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to break or burst out (from womb or enclosure) 1a2) to break through or down, make a breach in 1a3) to break into 1a4) to break open 1a5) to break up, break in pieces 1a6) to break out (violently) upon 1a7) to break over (limits), increase 1a8) to use violence 1a9) to burst open 1a10) to spread, distribute 1b) (Niphal) to be broken through 1c) (Pual) to be broken down 1d) (Hithpael) to break away
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abroad, (make a) breach, break (away, down, -er, forth, in, up), burst out, come (spread) abroad, compel, disperse, grow, increase, open, press, scatter, urge. See also: Genesis 28:14; 2 Chronicles 25:23; Psalms 60:3.
וַ/יָּקֻ֕צוּ qûwts H6973 "to loathe" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to feel disgusted or anxious, like when the Israelites loathed the manna in Numbers 21:5. It can also mean to be grieved or abhor something, as in Psalm 119:163. It's about strong feelings of dislike.
Definition: 1) to be grieved, loathe, abhor, feel a loathing or abhorrence or sickening dread 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel a loathing at, abhor 1a2) to feel a sickening dread 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause sickening dread 1b2) to cause loathing
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: abhor, be distressed, be grieved, loathe, vex, be weary. See also: Genesis 27:46; Numbers 22:3; Proverbs 3:11.
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
בְּנֵ֥י bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — Exodus 1:12

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 105:24 And the LORD made His people very fruitful, more numerous than their foes,
2 Exodus 1:9 “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us.
3 Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
4 Acts 5:28–33 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man’s blood.” But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging Him on a tree. God exalted Him to His right hand as Prince and Savior, in order to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” When the Council members heard this, they were enraged, and they resolved to put the apostles to death.
5 John 12:19 Then the Pharisees said to one another, “You can see that this is doing you no good. Look how the whole world has gone after Him!”
6 Acts 4:2–4 greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in custody until the next day. But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.
7 Proverbs 27:4 Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?
8 Hebrews 12:6–11 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live? Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.
9 Job 5:2 For resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.
10 Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.

Exodus 1:12 Summary

[This verse shows that even when the Israelites were treated unfairly and forced to work hard, they still grew in number and became stronger, which is a testament to God's power and promise to them, as seen in Genesis 12:2. It's a reminder that God can work in any situation, even the difficult ones, to bring about good, as stated in Romans 8:28. The Egyptians were afraid of the Israelites because they saw how strong and resilient they were, despite being oppressed. This verse encourages us to trust God, even when things seem tough, because He is always working for our good and His glory.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that the Israelites 'multiplied and flourished' despite being oppressed?

This phrase indicates that the Israelites experienced numerical and spiritual growth, despite the hardships they faced, much like the promise given to them in Genesis 12:2, where God says He will make them a great nation.

Why did the Egyptians come to dread the Israelites?

The Egyptians came to dread the Israelites because they saw how resilient and prolific they were, even under oppression, which made them fear that the Israelites could become a threat to their power and way of life, similar to the concerns expressed in Exodus 1:10.

Is this verse suggesting that oppression can never stop God's people from growing?

While Exodus 1:12 does show the Israelites thriving despite oppression, it's also important to remember that God's people can face real challenges and hardships, as seen in Psalm 42:3, where the psalmist cries out to God in distress, but ultimately, God is sovereign and can use any situation for His glory and the growth of His people.

How does this verse relate to the broader story of the Israelites in Egypt?

This verse is part of the narrative of the Israelites' time in Egypt, where they went from being welcomed guests to being oppressed slaves, as seen in Exodus 1:8-14, and it sets the stage for the events that will unfold, including the plagues and the Exodus, as God works to redeem His people and demonstrate His power over the Egyptians.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I have seen God work in my life despite difficult circumstances, similar to the Israelites' experience in Exodus 1:12?
  2. How can I apply the principle of thriving under pressure, as seen in this verse, to my own life and challenges?
  3. In what ways can I trust God to work in my life, even when faced with oppression or hardship, and what Bible verses can I turn to for encouragement, such as Romans 8:28 or Psalm 23:4?
  4. What does this verse teach me about God's sovereignty and His ability to work in any situation, and how can I apply this to my own faith journey?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 1:12

But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew,.... Became more numerous, "and broke out" (b), as it may be rendered, like water which breaks out and spreads itself; so the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 1:12

But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 1:12

They multiplied, through God’ s overruling providence and singular blessing, which God gave them purposely to hasten first their sorer affliction, and next, and by that means, their glorious deliverance. They were grieved, through envy and fear.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 1:12

Exodus 1:12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.Ver. 12. The more they multiplied.] As the ground is most fruitful that is most harrowed; and as the walnut tree bears best when most beaten. Fish thrive better in cold and salt waters, than in warm and fresh. And they were grieved.] Or, irked, as Moab likewise was because of Israel: they did fret and vex at them. Yet they wero allied, and passed by them in peace: no other reason but the old enmity, Genesis 3:15, and that utter antipathy, Proverbs 29:27.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 1:12

(12) The more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew.—This result was not natural. It can only be ascribed to God’s superintending Providence, whereby “the fierceness of man” was made to “turn to his praise.” Naturally, severe and constant labour exhausts a nation, and causes its numbers to diminish. They were grieved.—This is scarcely strong enough. Translate, “They were sore distressed.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 1:12

Verse 12. But the more they afflicted them] The margin has pretty nearly preserved the import of the original: And as they afflicted them, so they multiplied and so they grew That is, in proportion to their afflictions was their prosperity; and had their sufferings been greater, their increase would have been still more abundant.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 1:12

12. But the measure proved ineffectual: the more the Israelites were oppressed, the more they increased, so that the Egyptians felt an uneasy dread of them. spread abroad] Lit. brake through (limits): fig. for expanded, spread abroad. So Genesis 28:14; Genesis 30:30; Genesis 30:43 (all J), Isaiah 54:3 al. were grieved because of] Render felt a loathing for. Both ‘grief’ and ‘grieve’ were used formerly (see DB. s.vv.; and cf. on Exodus 8:24) in various acceptations which have now passed out of use,—Tindale for instance uses it in Exodus 7:18 ‘shall grieve to drink of the water of the river,’ where AV. has ‘loathe.’ Here, at least to a modern reader, it conveys an entirely false idea of the meaning intended: RVm. abhorred (so Numbers 22:3 RVm.; Isaiah 7:16) is better; felt a loathing for (lit. because of) would be better still, as it would be also in Numbers 22:3, Isaiah 7:16 : cf. the same verb in Numbers 21:5 (EVV. ‘loatheth this worthless bread’).

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 1:12

12. More they afflicted… more they multiplied — But God was with the oppressed, and the immense national vitality which has made Israel the wonder of history began to be developed in proportion to

Sermons on Exodus 1:12

SermonDescription
Thomas Watson Kiss the Son by Thomas Watson Thomas Watson preaches on the importance of kissing the Son, Jesus Christ, as a sign of adoration, subjection, and love. He emphasizes the futility of opposing Christ, highlighting
F.B. Meyer Our Daily Homily - Exodus by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes that the affliction of the Hebrews in Egypt led to their multiplication, illustrating that God's people often thrive under persecution. He draws parallels bet
Jackie Pullinger God Uses Foolish Things by Jackie Pullinger In this video, the speaker discusses the importance of scoring a three, two, and four in a specific process. They mention the idea of a snow-covered holiday and walking on snow. Th
Kathryn Kuhlman God Directs Our Lives by Kathryn Kuhlman In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that God is a person. They share personal anecdotes about their relationship with their earthly father, highl
Paul Washer Be a Man (At Home and at Church) by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of bringing every aspect of our lives under the lordship of Christ. He highlights the need to bring our thought life, eyes, e
David Wilkerson (Nicaragua) I Have Labored in Vain by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a missionary who became discouraged after five years of laboring in a certain nation without seeing any results. Despite God's promi
Paul Washer Destroying Pop-Christian Views of Marital Bliss - Part 1 by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of a man loving his wife as God loves her. He highlights how many great preachers and missionaries often neglect their wives,

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