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Exodus 14:3

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Exodus 14:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

For Pharaoh will say of the Israelites, ‘They are wandering the land in confusion; the wilderness has boxed them in.’

King James Version KJV

For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in.

American Standard Version ASV

And Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are wandering without direction, they are shut in by the waste land.

Free Bible Version FBV

Pharaoh will conclude about the Israelites: ‘They're wandering about the country in confusion—the desert has blocked them from leaving.’

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are tangled in the land: the wildernesse hath shut them in.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Pharaoh hath said of the sons of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut upon them;

World English Bible WEB

Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, ‘They are entangled in the land. The wilderness has shut them in.’

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Pharao will say of the children of Israel: They are straitened in the land, the desert hath shut them in.

Translation for Translators T4T

When the king knows you have done that, he will think, ‘The Israeli people are confused. They are wandering around, and the desert blocks their path.’

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 14:3

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 14:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/אָמַ֤ר פַּרְעֹה֙ לִ/בְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל נְבֻכִ֥ים הֵ֖ם בָּ/אָ֑רֶץ סָגַ֥ר עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם הַ/מִּדְבָּֽר
וְ/אָמַ֤ר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-3ms
פַּרְעֹה֙ Parʻôh H6547 Pharaoh N-proper
לִ/בְנֵ֣י bên H1121 son Prep | N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
נְבֻכִ֥ים bûwk H943 to perplex V-Niphal
הֵ֖ם hêm H1992 they(masc.) Pron
בָּ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs
סָגַ֥ר çâgar H5462 to shut V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
הַ/מִּדְבָּֽר midbâr H4057 mouth Art | N-ms
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 14:3

וְ/אָמַ֤ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
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.
פַּרְעֹה֙ Parʻôh H6547 "Pharaoh" N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
לִ/בְנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" Prep | 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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 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.
נְבֻכִ֥ים bûwk H943 "to perplex" V-Niphal
To perplex or confuse, as seen in the Bible when people are entangled in difficult situations. This word involves being mixed up or disordered. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to perplex, confuse, be confused 1a) (Niphal) to be confused, be in confusion
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: be entangled, (perplexed). See also: Exodus 14:3; Esther 3:15; Joel 1:18.
הֵ֖ם hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
בָּ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | 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.
סָגַ֥ר çâgar H5462 "to shut" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To shut means to close something, like a door or a container. In the Bible, this word is used to describe surrendering or giving something up, like in the book of Ezra where the Israelites shut themselves in to pray.
Definition: 1) to shut, close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut 1a2) to close, close up 1a3) closed up, closely joined, shut up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be shut up 1b2) to be shut or closed 1c) (Piel) to shut up, deliver up 1d) (Pual) to be shut up 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to deliver up 1e2) to shut up, imprison 2) pure gold Aramaic equivalent: se.gar (סְגַר "to shut" H5463)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose, [idiom] pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, [idiom] straitly. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Kings 11:27; Psalms 17:10.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
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.
הַ/מִּדְבָּֽר midbâr H4057 "mouth" Art | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.

Study Notes — Exodus 14:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Acts 4:28 They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen.
2 1 Samuel 23:23 Observe and find out all the places where he hides. Then come back to me with certainty, and I will go with you. If he is in the land, I will search him out among all the clans of Judah.”
3 Psalms 71:11 saying, “God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for there is no one to rescue him.”
4 Jeremiah 20:10–11 For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.” But the LORD is with me like a fearsome warrior. Therefore, my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail. Since they have not succeeded, they will be utterly put to shame, with an everlasting disgrace that will never be forgotten.
5 Deuteronomy 31:21 And when many troubles and afflictions have come upon them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten from the lips of their descendants. For I know their inclination, even before I bring them into the land that I swore to give them.”
6 1 Samuel 23:7 When Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, he said, “God has delivered him into my hand, for he has trapped himself by entering a town with gates and bars.”
7 Exodus 7:3–4 But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I will multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay My hand on Egypt, and by mighty acts of judgment I will bring the divisions of My people the Israelites out of the land of Egypt.
8 Ezekiel 38:10–11 This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan. You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will come against a tranquil people who dwell securely, all of them living without walls or bars or gates—
9 Ezekiel 38:17 This is what the Lord GOD says: Are you the one of whom I have spoken in former days through My servants, the prophets of Israel, who in those times prophesied for years that I would bring you against them?
10 Psalms 3:2 Many say of me, “God will not deliver him.” Selah

Exodus 14:3 Summary

In Exodus 14:3, Pharaoh thought the Israelites were lost and trapped, but God had a plan to use this situation to show His power and glory. This verse reminds us that God is in control, even when things seem uncertain or confusing, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, where He promises to give us a future and a hope. We can trust that God is working everything out for our good, even when we don't understand what's happening, and that He will bring glory to Himself through all things, as stated in Romans 11:36.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that Pharaoh thought the Israelites were wandering in confusion?

Pharaoh's perception of the Israelites' situation, as stated in Exodus 14:3, indicates that he believed they were lost and trapped, which is why he decided to pursue them, as seen in Exodus 14:4 and Exodus 14:5, but God had a different plan, as stated in Romans 8:28, where He works all things for the good of those who love Him.

How does God use the hardness of Pharaoh's heart to achieve His purposes?

According to Exodus 14:4, God hardened Pharaoh's heart so that He could gain honor through Pharaoh's actions, demonstrating His power and glory, similar to what is written in Isaiah 46:10, where God declares that His plans will not be thwarted.

What is the significance of the location where the Israelites encamped?

The location, as described in Exodus 14:2, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal-zephon, was strategic for the events that unfolded, as it allowed the Israelites to be trapped, or so it seemed, which is why Pharaoh thought they were wandering in confusion, as stated in Exodus 14:3, but God used this to His advantage, as seen in Exodus 14:13-14 and Exodus 14:21-22.

How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty over human events?

This verse, Exodus 14:3, demonstrates God's control over the actions and decisions of human leaders, such as Pharaoh, as stated in Proverbs 21:1, where it says that the king's heart is in God's hand, and He turns it wherever He wills, showing that God is sovereign over all things, including the hearts of men, as seen in Exodus 14:4 and Daniel 4:35.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I may feel 'trapped' or 'confused' in my own life, and how can I trust God to work in those situations?
  2. How does the concept of God's sovereignty, as seen in this verse, impact my understanding of His role in my life and in the world?
  3. In what ways can I, like the Israelites, be tempted to doubt God's plan when circumstances seem uncertain or difficult?
  4. What does it mean to 'wait on the Lord' in times of uncertainty, and how can I cultivate that kind of trust and patience in my own life, as seen in Psalm 27:14 and Isaiah 40:31?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 14:3

For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel,.... The Septuagint version adds, "to his people", his ministers and courtiers, when he hears where they are: they are entangled in the land; have lost

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 14:3

For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 14:3

There are enclosed with mountains, and garrisons, and deserts.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 14:3

Exodus 14:3 For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They [are] entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in.Ver. 3. They are entangled.] Perplexed; intricated; they know not what to do, or which way to turn. Enemies watch opportunities, but oft miss of their meaning.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 14:3

(3) Entangled in the land.—Literally, confused, perplexed. (Comp. Esther 3:15.) Pharaoh, seeing that the Israelites had placed the Bitter Lakes on their left, and were marching southward, in a direction which would soon put the Red Sea on one side of them and a desert region—that about the Jebel Atakah—on the other, thought that they must be quite ignorant of the geography, and have, as it were, “lost their way.” He observed, moreover, that “the wilderness had shut them in.” The desert tract between the Nile Valley and the Red Sea lay upon their left and in their front: they would soon be unable to proceed, and would not know which way to turn.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 14:3

Verse 3. They are entangled in the land] God himself brought them into straits from which no human power or art could extricate them. Consider their situation when once brought out of the open country, where alone they had room either to fight or fly. Now they had the Red Sea before them, Pharaoh and his host behind them, and on their right and left hand fortresses of the Egyptians to prevent their escape; nor had they one boat or transport prepared for their passage! If they be now saved, the arm of the Lord must be seen, and the vanity and nullity of the Egyptian idols be demonstrated. By bringing them into such a situation he took from them all hope of human help, and gave their adversaries every advantage against them, so that they themselves said, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 14:3

3. entangled, &c.] rather, perplexed, confused (Esther 3:15, Joe 1:18) in the land: they do not know which way to turn in order to escape: the wilderness (the Egyptian wilderness, S. of Wâdy Ṭ ?umîlât) hath shut them in: the implicit thought being, They will not dream of crossing the sea; so we have but to follow them (v. 4), and they will be in our power.

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 14:3

They are entangled ... - The original intention of Moses was to go toward Palestine by the wilderness: when that purpose was changed by God’s direction and they moved southwards, Pharaoh, on

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 14:3

THE RED SEA , Exodus 14. 2, 3. That they turn and encamp before Pi-hahiroth — The Hebrews were now at Etham, near the head of the Gulf, whence the direct route to Palestine would be northeast, by way

Sermons on Exodus 14:3

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 14:1-12 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the sinful and lost state of humanity. He describes the world as a hopeless and death-filled place, with man marching towards the grave. The
Paris Reidhead Entangled in the Lord by Paris Reidhead Paris Reidhead preaches on the story of Pharaoh and the Israelites in Exodus 14, highlighting how Pharaoh's initial decision to let the Israelites go was influenced by fear and sel
Alan Bartley Revival! by Alan Bartley In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of a young man seeking the Lord and being filled with a vision of revival just before the Great Awakening in 1904. The pre
James Blaine Chapman Questions/answers on the Interpretation of Old Testament Scriptures by James Blaine Chapman James Blaine Chapman addresses various questions from the Bible, shedding light on misunderstood passages and providing insightful explanations. From Noah's unintentional vice to t
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