Exodus 12:33
Exodus 12:33 in Multiple Translations
And in order to send them out of the land quickly, the Egyptians urged the people on. “For otherwise,” they said, “we are all going to die!”
And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.
And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, to send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We are all dead men.
And the Egyptians were forcing the people on, to get them out of the land quickly; for they said, We are all dead men.
The Egyptians urged the Israelites to leave their country as quickly as possible, saying, “Otherwise we'll all die!”
And the Egyptians did force the people, because they would send them out of the land in haste: for they said, We die all.
And the Egyptians are urgent on the people, hasting to send them away out of the land, for they said, 'We are all dead;'
The Egyptians were urgent with the people, to send them out of the land in haste, for they said, “We are all dead men.”
And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We are all dead men.
And the Egyptians pressed the people to go forth out of the land speedily, saying: We shall all die.
Then the Israeli people did as Moses/I had told them. They went to their Egyptian neighbors and asked them for silver and gold jewelry and clothing.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 12:33
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 12:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֶּחֱזַ֤ק
מִצְרַ֨יִם֙
עַל
הָ/עָ֔ם
לְ/מַהֵ֖ר
לְ/שַׁלְּחָ֣/ם
מִן
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
כִּ֥י
אָמְר֖וּ
כֻּלָּ֥/נוּ
מֵתִֽים
וַ/תֶּחֱזַ֤ק
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
מִצְרַ֨יִם֙
Mitsrîy
H4713
Egyptian
N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
לְ/מַהֵ֖ר
mâhar
H4116
to hasten
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
לְ/שַׁלְּחָ֣/ם
shâlach
H7971
to send
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אָמְר֖וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
כֻּלָּ֥/נוּ
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
מֵתִֽים
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 12:33
וַ/תֶּחֱזַ֤ק
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
מִצְרַ֨יִם֙
Mitsrîy
H4713
"Egyptian"
N-proper
In the Bible, this word refers to an Egyptian, someone from the country of Egypt. It appears in the Old Testament, describing people from this northeastern African nation. Egyptians are mentioned in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: Group of mits.ra.yim (מִצְרַ֫יִם "Egypt" H4714G) § Egyptian, of Egypt "double straits" Egyptian-an inhabitant or citizen of Egypt an Egyptian
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: Egyptian, of Egypt. See also: Genesis 12:12; Exodus 8:17; Ezra 9:1.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
לְ/מַהֵ֖ר
mâhar
H4116
"to hasten"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This word means to hurry or do something quickly, like when someone is in a rush. It can also mean to buy something by paying a price. The Bible uses it in Genesis.
Definition: 1)(Qal) to hasten 1a) (Niphal) to be hurried, be anxious 1a) hasty, precipitate, impetuous 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to hasten, make haste 1b2) hasten (used as adverb with another verb) 1b3) to hasten, prepare quickly, do quickly, bring quickly
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: be carried headlong, fearful, (cause to make, in, make) haste(-n, -ily), (be) hasty, (fetch, make ready) [idiom] quickly, rash, [idiom] shortly, (be so) [idiom] soon, make speed, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] straightway, [idiom] suddenly, swift. See also: Genesis 18:6; 1 Samuel 28:24; Psalms 16:4.
לְ/שַׁלְּחָ֣/ם
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אָמְר֖וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
כֻּלָּ֥/נוּ
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מֵתִֽים
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Exodus 12:33
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 12:33 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 12:33
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 12:33
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 12:33
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 12:33
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 12:33
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 12:33
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 12:33
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 12:33
- Sermons on Exodus 12:33
Context — The Exodus Begins
31Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Get up, leave my people, both you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested.
32Take your flocks and herds as well, just as you have said, and depart! And bless me also.”
33And in order to send them out of the land quickly, the Egyptians urged the people on. “For otherwise,” they said, “we are all going to die!”
34So the people took their dough before it was leavened, carrying it on their shoulders in kneading bowls wrapped in clothing. 35Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 105:38 | Egypt was glad when they departed, for the dread of Israel had fallen on them. |
| 2 | Exodus 11:1 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will bring upon Pharaoh and Egypt one more plague. After that, he will allow you to leave this place. And when he lets you go, he will drive you out completely. |
| 3 | Genesis 20:3 | One night, however, God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, “You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.” |
| 4 | Numbers 17:12–13 | Then the Israelites declared to Moses, “Look, we are perishing! We are lost; we are all lost! Anyone who comes near the tabernacle of the LORD will die. Are we all going to perish?” |
Exodus 12:33 Summary
[The Egyptians were so afraid of the tenth plague that they begged the Israelites to leave Egypt quickly, saying 'For otherwise, we are all going to die!' as stated in Exodus 12:33. This shows how God's power and judgment can lead people to recognize their sin and take action, as also seen in Jonah 3:5-10. The Israelites' departure from Egypt was a fulfillment of God's promise to them in Exodus 3:8, and it teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and timing, even when circumstances seem uncertain or overwhelming. By looking at this verse, we can see how God's plan to free the Israelites from slavery was fulfilled, and how we can apply the lesson of the Egyptians' repentance and obedience to our own lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Egyptians urge the Israelites to leave quickly?
The Egyptians urged the Israelites to leave quickly because they believed that if they did not, they would all die, as stated in Exodus 12:33, due to the tenth plague that had just occurred, as seen in Exodus 11:5.
What was the mood of the Egyptians during this time?
The Egyptians were in a state of panic and urgency, as they believed their lives were at risk if the Israelites did not leave immediately, which is evident in their statement 'For otherwise, we are all going to die!' in Exodus 12:33.
How did the Egyptians' actions relate to God's plan?
The Egyptians' actions were a direct result of God's plan to free the Israelites from slavery, as seen in Exodus 3:8, and their urgency to send them away quickly was a fulfillment of God's promise to the Israelites in Exodus 3:20-22.
What can we learn from the Egyptians' response to the plague?
The Egyptians' response teaches us about the importance of repentance and obedience to God, as seen in Exodus 12:33, and how God's judgment can lead people to recognize their sin and take action, as also seen in Jonah 3:5-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has worked in my life to bring about freedom or rescue, and how can I respond with gratitude and obedience?
- How do I respond to difficult or trying circumstances, and what can I learn from the Egyptians' example of urgency and desperation in Exodus 12:33?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of the Egyptians' repentance and obedience to my own life, and what areas of my life need to be surrendered to God's plan?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even when circumstances seem uncertain or overwhelming, as the Israelites experienced in Exodus 12:33?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 12:33
And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people,.... The people of Israel; not using force, but strong entreaties, the most powerful arguments, and importunate language they were masters of: that they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 12:33
And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 12:33
They were urgent, not by force, which they durst not now use, but by earnest and importunate entreaties, . This was the ground of that fable of the heathens mentioned in Tacitus, that the Jews were driven out of Egypt for their scabs; so they falsely and maliciously ascribed their own ulcers and scabs sent upon them by God to the Israelites.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 12:33
Exodus 12:33 And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We [be] all dead [men].Ver. 33. We be all dead men.] Quis autem vult mori? prorsus nemo. Everything makes much of life, from the highest angel to the lowest worm. Zωονφιλοζωονοανθρωπος. - Aristot.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 12:33
(33) The Egyptians were urgent.—Not only Pharaoh, but the Egyptian nation generally was anxious for the immediate departure of the Israelites, and expedited it in every way. This must greatly have facilitated their all setting forth at once. It also accounts for the readiness of the Egyptians to part with their “jewels” and “raiment” (Exodus 12:35).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 12:33
Verse 33. The Egyptians were urgent upon the people] They felt much, they feared more; and therefore wished to get immediately rid of a people on whose account they found they were smitten with so many and such dreadful plagues.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 12:33
33. We be all dead men] cf. (though the terms are milder) Exodus 10:7.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 12:33
TENTH STROKE, Exodus 12:29-36. And now arose the awful “midnight cry,” as the flower of every house fell before the destroyer.
Sermons on Exodus 12:33
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Reluctant God - Part 5 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being led by God as a flock, rather than following our own ideas. He references the psalmist who declared that the Lord is |
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(Exodus) Exodus 11:1-10 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the final plague that God brings upon Pharaoh and Egypt. The Lord tells Moses that he will bring one more plague upon Pharaoh, after which he |
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The Reluctant God - Part 9 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher talks about Moses and his encounter with God. He emphasizes Moses' humility and how he was chosen by God despite his own feelings of inadequacy. The pr |
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When God Speaks Discerning His Voice by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the critical need to discern God's voice amidst the chaos of competing influences in our lives. He illustrates this through the biblical accounts of Abraha |
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When God Speaks Discerning the Voice of God - Genesis 20 22 by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of discerning the voice of God amidst the noise of life, urging believers to cultivate a spiritual appetite through obedience to God's Word. |
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On Dreaming by John Newton | John Newton delves into the mysterious world of dreams, highlighting how our minds continue to work even as our bodies rest, suggesting a deeper spiritual connection. He emphasizes |