Exodus 12:38
Exodus 12:38 in Multiple Translations
And a mixed multitude also went up with them, along with great droves of livestock, both flocks and herds.
And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.
And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.
And a mixed band of people went with them; and flocks and herds in great numbers.
In addition many foreigners joined them. They also took with them large herds and flocks of livestock.
And a great multitude of sundrie sortes of people went out with them, and sheepe, and beeues, and cattel in great abundance.
and a great rabble also hath gone up with them, and flock and herd — very much cattle.
A mixed multitude went up also with them, with flocks, herds, and even very much livestock.
And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very many cattle.
And a mixed multitude without number went up also with them, sheep and herds and beasts of divers kinds, exceeding many.
Many other people who were not Israelis went along with them. There were also livestock, the flocks of sheep and goats and herds of cattle.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 12:38
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 12:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/גַם
עֵ֥רֶב
רַ֖ב
עָלָ֣ה
אִתָּ֑/ם
וְ/צֹ֣אן
וּ/בָקָ֔ר
מִקְנֶ֖ה
כָּבֵ֥ד
מְאֹֽד
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
עֵ֥רֶב
ʻêreb
H6154
racial-mix
N-ms
רַ֖ב
rab
H7227
many
Adj
עָלָ֣ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אִתָּ֑/ם
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
וְ/צֹ֣אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Conj | N-cs
וּ/בָקָ֔ר
bâqâr
H1241
cattle
Conj | N-cs
מִקְנֶ֖ה
miqneh
H4735
livestock
N-ms
כָּבֵ֥ד
kâbêd
H3515
heavy
Adj
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 12:38
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
עֵ֥רֶב
ʻêreb
H6154
"racial-mix"
N-ms
This word describes a mixture of people or things, like the diverse crowd that gathered to hear Jesus in the book of Matthew. It can also refer to a woven fabric, like the one described in Exodus. The word is used to describe a multicultural society.
Definition: mixture, mixed people, mixed company § 1) woof 1a) as mixed, interwoven 1b) knitted material
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Arabia, mingled people, mixed (multitude), woof. See also: Exodus 12:38; Leviticus 13:57; Jeremiah 25:20.
רַ֖ב
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
עָלָ֣ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
אִתָּ֑/ם
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
וְ/צֹ֣אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Conj | N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
וּ/בָקָ֔ר
bâqâr
H1241
"cattle"
Conj | N-cs
Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.
Definition: 1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox 1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll) 1b) herd (particular one) 1c) head of cattle (individually)
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. See also: Genesis 12:16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Psalms 66:15.
מִקְנֶ֖ה
miqneh
H4735
"livestock"
N-ms
Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are domestic animals that can be bought and owned, as described in the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham's wealth.
Definition: 1) cattle, livestock 1a) cattle, livestock 1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal 1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance. See also: Genesis 4:20; Numbers 20:19; Psalms 78:48.
כָּבֵ֥ד
kâbêd
H3515
"heavy"
Adj
Something or someone that is heavy or severe is what this word describes, like a heavy heart in Proverbs 12 or a difficult task, as in Matthew 23.
Definition: 1) heavy, great 1a) heavy 1b) massive, abundant, numerous 1c) heavy, dull 1d) hard, difficult, burdensome 1e) very oppressive, numerous, rich
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: (so) great, grievous, hard(-ened), (too) heavy(-ier), laden, much, slow, sore, thick. See also: Genesis 12:10; Numbers 11:14; Psalms 38:5.
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
Study Notes — Exodus 12:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 12:38 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 12:38
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 12:38
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 12:38
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 12:38
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 12:38
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 12:38
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 12:38
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 12:38
- Sermons on Exodus 12:38
Context — The Exodus Begins
36And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians.
37The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth with about 600,000 men on foot, besides women and children.
38And a mixed multitude also went up with them, along with great droves of livestock, both flocks and herds.
39Since their dough had no leaven, the people baked what they had brought out of Egypt into unleavened loaves. For when they had been driven out of Egypt, they could not delay and had not prepared any provisions for themselves. 40Now the duration of the Israelites’ stay in Egypt was 430 years.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 11:4 | Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, “Who will feed us meat? |
| 2 | Zechariah 8:23 | This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue will tightly grasp the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” |
Exodus 12:38 Summary
[This verse tells us that when the Israelites left Egypt, they were not alone - a mixed multitude of people from other backgrounds also went with them, along with many animals. This shows that God's plan of salvation is for all people, not just the Israelites, as seen in verses like Exodus 12:38 and Genesis 12:3. The Israelites were given favor by the Egyptians, which allowed them to take their possessions, including their livestock, with them when they left, as described in Exodus 12:36. As we read this verse, we can remember that God's heart is for all nations and peoples to come to know Him, and we can be a part of sharing this message with others, just like the Israelites did with the mixed multitude.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who made up the mixed multitude that went up with the Israelites?
The mixed multitude likely included Egyptians who had come to believe in the God of the Israelites, as well as possibly other non-Israelites who were drawn to their faith, as seen in Exodus 12:38 and supported by the favor the Israelites received from the Egyptians in Exodus 11:3 and Exodus 12:36.
Why did the Israelites bring so many animals with them?
The Israelites brought large droves of livestock, including flocks and herds, as they were instructed by God to take their possessions with them when they left Egypt, as mentioned in Exodus 3:21-22 and Exodus 11:2-3.
What does the term 'mixed multitude' mean in this context?
The term 'mixed multitude' refers to a diverse group of people who were not all Israelites by birth, but were joining the Israelites on their journey out of Egypt, as described in Exodus 12:38, and may have included people from various ethnic and social backgrounds.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of the Israelites' departure from Egypt?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, which is a pivotal event in the book of Exodus, and is closely tied to the preceding verses, such as Exodus 12:36-37, which describe the Israelites' journey and the favor they received from the Egyptians.
Reflection Questions
- What does the presence of a mixed multitude with the Israelites reveal about God's heart for all nations and peoples?
- How does the inclusion of non-Israelites in the Israelites' journey reflect the broader theme of God's redemption being available to all people, as seen in verses like Genesis 12:3 and Revelation 7:9?
- In what ways can we, as believers, be a part of extending God's invitation to people from all backgrounds to join in the journey of faith, just as the Israelites did with the mixed multitude?
- What can we learn from the Israelites' willingness to include and care for the mixed multitude, and how can we apply this to our own relationships with people from diverse backgrounds?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 12:38
And a mixed multitude went up also with them,.... Some of these were Egyptians, and some of other nations that had resided in Egypt, and who, on various accounts, might choose to go along with the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 12:38
And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 12:38
A mixed multitude, consisting of Egyptians or other people, who went with them, either because they were their servants, or that by this means they might free themselves from the servitude which they endured under hard masters in Egypt; or because the glorious works which they had seen, had raised their esteem of God and of his people, and made them expect a share in the great felicities which they presumed would be conferred upon a people so highly honoured and beloved of such an almighty and all-sufficient God. And because their hearts were not sincere, nor their ends right, they soon repented of their choice, . Compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 12:38
Exodus 12:38 And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, [even] very much cattle.Ver. 38. And a mixed multitude.] Of strangers, that "took hold of the skirts of these Jews, and said, We will go with you," but afterwards turned tippet, lusted greatly and greedily, and made Israel to sin. Coals touched will either burn or sully us.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 12:38
(38) A mixed multitude went up also with them.—Nothing is told us of the component elements of this “mixed multitude.” We hear of them as “murmuring” in Numbers 11:4, so that they seem to have remained with Israel. Some may have been Egyptians, impressed by the recent miracles; some foreigners held to servitude, like the Israelites, and glad to escape from their masters. It is noticeable that the Egyptian writers, in their perverted accounts of the Exodus, made a multitude of foreigners (Hyksôs) take part with the Hebrews.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 12:38
38. a great mixed multitude] cf. Numbers 11:4 (the Heb. word different). Non-Israelites (cf. the same word in Nehemiah 13:3) of various kinds are meant: e.g. Egyptians who had intermarried with Israelites (cf. Leviticus 24:10), other Semites who had found their way into Egypt, and prisoners taken in war who had been employed in the corvée (Exodus 1:9). flocks and herds] cf. v. 32, Exodus 10:26.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 12:38
A mixed multitude - Probably remains of the old Semitic population, whether first brought into the district by the Hyksos or not is uncertain.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 12:38
38. A mixed multitude — Egyptians, who, in this time of popular excitement and commotion had become disaffected, unsettled, and a medley of adventurous spirits of various peoples, such as always follow an army or emigrating host.
Sermons on Exodus 12:38
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Oneness With God in a Crisis Regarding the Natural Man by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the spiritual pilgrimage of the Christian life, illustrating that the journey begins with a decisive separation from the world and progresses into a dee |
|
Bitter Fruit of Disobedience by Chuck Smith | This sermon focuses on the story from Jeremiah 42, where a small remnant of people, despite promising to obey God's word, choose to go against His warning and head to Egypt for saf |
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Grumbling and Complaining - Part 2 by Keith Green | Keith Green addresses the dangers of grumbling and complaining among Christians, emphasizing that such attitudes reflect a lack of faith and trust in God. He draws parallels betwee |
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(Exodus) Exodus 16:25-31 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of manna in the Bible. He starts by explaining that the Sabbath was given to the Israelites before it became a law, and mann |
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Weeping Over the Provision of God by Carter Conlon | This sermon focuses on the importance of recognizing and cherishing the divine provision of God, as seen in Numbers chapter 11, emphasizing the need to not handle the word of God c |
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Remember Lot's Wife by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch preaches about the cautionary tale of Lot's wife, emphasizing the danger of looking back to our past lives and desires after being saved by the Lord. He explores the si |
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Numbers 11:4 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the 'mixed multitude' that accompanied the Israelites out of Egypt, highlighting their dissatisfaction with God's provision of manna and their longing for the |