Exodus 1:8
Exodus 1:8 in Multiple Translations
Then a new king, who did not know Joseph, came to power in Egypt.
Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.
Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who knew not Joseph.
Now a new king came to power in Egypt, who had no knowledge of Joseph.
Then a new king came to power who didn't know anything about Joseph.
Then there rose vp a newe King in Egypt, who knewe not Ioseph.
And there riseth a new king over Egypt, who hath not known Joseph,
Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who didn’t know Joseph.
Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who knew not Joseph.
In the mean time there arose a new king over Egypt, that knew not Joseph:
Then several hundred years later, a new king began to rule [MTY] in Egypt. He did not know what Joseph had done for the people of Egypt long ago.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 1:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 1:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֥קָם
מֶֽלֶךְ
חָדָ֖שׁ
עַל
מִצְרָ֑יִם
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
לֹֽא
יָדַ֖ע
אֶת
יוֹסֵֽף
וַ/יָּ֥קָם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
חָדָ֖שׁ
châdâsh
H2319
new
Adj
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָדַ֖ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יוֹסֵֽף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 1:8
וַ/יָּ֥קָם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
חָדָ֖שׁ
châdâsh
H2319
"new"
Adj
The Hebrew word for new or fresh, used to describe something recently created or renewed, as seen in God's creation of a new heaven and earth. It emphasizes the idea of something being recent or modern.
Definition: new, new thing, fresh Aramaic equivalent: cha.dat (חֲדַ֑ת "new" H2323)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: fresh, new thing. See also: Exodus 1:8; Psalms 40:4; Psalms 33:3.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
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.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָדַ֖ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
יוֹסֵֽף
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
Study Notes — Exodus 1:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 1:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 1:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 1:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 1:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 1:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 1:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 1:8
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 1:8
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 1:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 1:8
- Sermons on Exodus 1:8
Context — Oppression by a New King
6Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died,
7but the Israelites were fruitful and increased rapidly; they multiplied and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them.
8Then a new king, who did not know Joseph, came to power in Egypt.
9“Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us. 10Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country. ”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 7:18 | Then another king, who knew nothing of Joseph, arose over Egypt. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 2:18–19 | I hated all for which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who comes after me. And who knows whether that man will be wise or foolish? Yet he will take over all the labor at which I have worked skillfully under the sun. This too is futile. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 9:15 | Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. |
Exodus 1:8 Summary
This verse tells us that a new king came to power in Egypt who did not know Joseph, which means he did not have the same positive relationship with the Israelites that the previous king had. This change in leadership led to a shift in how the Israelites were treated, and it set the stage for the events that would unfold in the rest of the book of Exodus, including the persecution of the Israelites and their eventual deliverance by God (as seen in Exodus 14:13-31). We can learn from this verse that human leadership and power are not always stable, and that we should trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as expressed in Psalm 23:4 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did a new king come to power in Egypt who did not know Joseph?
The new king did not know Joseph because Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation had died, as mentioned in Exodus 1:6, and a new generation had risen to power in Egypt, leading to a change in leadership and a shift in how the Israelites were perceived.
What is the significance of the phrase 'who did not know Joseph'?
The phrase 'who did not know Joseph' signifies a change in the relationship between the Egyptians and the Israelites, as Joseph had been a trusted leader in Egypt, and his legacy had protected the Israelites, but now a new king had risen who did not have the same knowledge or appreciation of Joseph's contributions, much like the warnings in Deuteronomy 8:14 and Psalm 78:11.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Exodus?
This verse sets the stage for the persecution of the Israelites by the Egyptians, as the new king becomes concerned about their growing numbers and power, leading to the events of Exodus 1:9-10, and ultimately to God's deliverance of the Israelites through Moses, as seen in Exodus 3:7-10 and Exodus 14:13-31.
What can we learn from this verse about the nature of human leadership and power?
This verse teaches us that human leadership and power are fleeting, and that new leaders can bring new policies and attitudes, as seen in the contrast between the Pharaoh who knew Joseph and the new king, and this reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty, as expressed in Psalm 118:8-9 and Proverbs 21:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have experienced a significant change in leadership or circumstances, and how did I respond to those changes?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty when faced with uncertainty or persecution, like the Israelites in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can be a positive influence on those around me, like Joseph was in Egypt, and how can I use my gifts and talents to serve others?
- How can I balance my trust in God's power with my responsibility to take action and make decisions in my own life, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Exodus?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 1:8
Now there arose up a new king over Egypt,.... Stephen calls him another king, Acts 7:18 one of another family, according to Josephus (g); who was not of the seed royal, as Aben Ezra; and Sir John
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 1:8
Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 1:8
A new king, i.e. another king; one of another disposition, or interest, or family; for the kingdom of Egypt did oft pass from one family to another, as appears from the history of the Dynastics recorded in ancient writers. Which knew not Joseph, or, acknowledged not the vast obligations which Joseph had laid not only upon the kingdoms of Egypt, and the king under whom Joseph lived, but upon all his successors, in regard of those vast additions of wealth and power which he had made to that crown. This phrase notes his ungrateful disowning and ill requiting of Joseph’ s favours. For words of knowledge in Scripture commonly include the affections and actions; as men are oft said not to know God, when they do not love nor serve him; and God is said not to know men, when he doth not love them.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 1:8
Exodus 1:8 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.Ver. 8. A new king.] Called Busiris, a most savage tyrant, as heathen histories report him. Who knew not.] Nothing sooner perisheth than the remembrance of a good turn. The Egyptians are renowned in histories for a thankful people; but it ill appeared in their dealing here with Joseph; who, had he now been alive, might well have said to them, as Themistocles once did to his Athenians, Are ye weary of receiving so many benefits by one man? But herein was fulfilled that of the wise man, Ecclesiastes 9:15. Diod. Sicul., lib. ii.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 1:8
(8) There arose up a new king.—A king of a new dynasty might seem to be intended. Some suppose him to be Aahmes I., the founder of the eighteenth dynasty of Manetho; others suggest Rameses II., one of the greatest monarchs of the nineteenth. The present writer inclines to regard him as Seti I., the father of this Rameses, and the son of Rameses I. Seti, though not the actual founder of the nineteenth dynasty, was the originator of its greatness. (See Excursus I. “On Egyptian History, as connected with the Book of Exodus,” at the end of this Book.) Which knew not Joseph.—It seems to be implied that, for some considerable time after his death, the memory of the benefits conferred by Joseph upon Egypt had protected his kinsfolk. But, in the shifts and changes incident to politics—especially to Oriental politics—this condition of things had passed away. The “new king” felt under no obligation to him, perhaps was even ignorant of his name. He viewed the political situation apart from all personal predilections, and saw a danger in it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 1:8
Verse 8. There arose up a new king] Who this was it is difficult to say. It was probably Ramesses Miamun, or his son Amenophis, who succeeded him in the government of Egypt about A. M. 2400, before Christ 1604. Which knew not Joseph.] The verb ידע yada, which we translate to know, often signifies to acknowledge or approve. Judges 2:10; Psalms 1:6; Psalms 31:7; Hosea 2:8; Amos 3:2. The Greek verbs ειδω and γινωσκω are used precisely in the same sense in the New Testament. See Matthew 25:12, and 1 John 3:1. We may therefore understand by the new king's not knowing Joseph, his disapproving of that system of government which Joseph had established, as well as his haughtily refusing to acknowledge the obligations under which the whole land of Egypt was laid to this eminent prime minister of one of his predecessors.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 1:8
8–14. The first measure taken to check the increase of the Israelites: they are set to do forced labour on public works in Egypt.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 1:8
The expressions in this verse are special and emphatic. “A new king” is a phrase not found elsewhere.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 1:8
8. A new king — A new dynasty or reigning family, says Josephus.
Sermons on Exodus 1:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Covenant Series) 3. Christ Our Passover by Al Whittinghill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt as described in the book of Exodus. He emphasizes that God heard the groanings of the Is |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 3 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a personal story about facing problems and how God intervened in his life. He then transitions to discussing the story of Moses and hi |
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Desert Survival Series Pt 2- Moses the Man of Go by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker lays the foundation for a series on the birth and training of Moses. The birth of Moses reveals key principles that can be applied to different situatio |
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The God of Jacob by Robert Constable | In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of Jacob from the Bible. Jacob had worked for seven years to marry Rachel, but on the wedding day, he discovered that he had been dec |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 70 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of warfare in relation to the church. He uses examples of guerrilla warfare and the challenges faced by soldiers in Vietnam to il |