Exodus 14:6
Exodus 14:6 in Multiple Translations
So Pharaoh prepared his chariot and took his army with him.
And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:
And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:
So he had his war-carriage made ready and took his people with him:
So Pharaoh had his chariot made ready and set out with his army.
And he made ready his charets, and tooke his people with him,
And he harnesseth his chariot, and his people he hath taken with him,
He prepared his chariot, and took his army with him;
And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:
So he made ready his chariot, and took all his people with him.
So the king got his chariot and his army ready.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 14:6
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 14:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֶּאְסֹ֖ר
אֶת
רִכְבּ֑/וֹ
וְ/אֶת
עַמּ֖/וֹ
לָקַ֥ח
עִמּֽ/וֹ
וַ/יֶּאְסֹ֖ר
ʼâçar
H631
to bind
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
רִכְבּ֑/וֹ
rekeb
H7393
chariot
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
עַמּ֖/וֹ
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
לָקַ֥ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עִמּֽ/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
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 14:6
וַ/יֶּאְסֹ֖ר
ʼâçar
H631
"to bind"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to bind or tie something, like when God made a covenant with the Israelites. It can also mean to prepare for battle or to be imprisoned. In different contexts, it involves joining or fastening things together, whether physically or metaphorically.
Definition: 1) to tie, bind, imprison 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tie, bind 1a2) to tie, harness 1a3) to bind (with cords) 1a4) to gird (rare and late) 1a5) to begin the battle, make the attack 1a6) of obligation of oath (figurative) 1b) (Niphal) to be imprisoned, bound 1c) (Pual) to be taken prisoner
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: bind, fast, gird, harness, hold, keep, make ready, order, prepare, prison(-er), put in bonds, set in array, tie. See also: Genesis 39:20; 1 Samuel 6:7; Psalms 105:22.
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.
רִכְבּ֑/וֹ
rekeb
H7393
"chariot"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for chariot refers to a vehicle, team of horses, or cavalry. It is also used to describe the upper millstone in a grinding mill. Chariots were important in biblical times for transportation and war.
Definition: : chariot 1) a team, chariot, chariotry, mill-stone, riders 1a) chariotry, chariots 1b) chariot (single) 1c) upper millstone (as riding on lower millstone) 1d) riders, troop (of riders), horsemen, pair of horsemen, men riding, ass-riders, camel-riders Also means: re.khev (רֶ֫כֶב ": millstone" H7393H)
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Kings 8:21; Psalms 20:8.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
עַמּ֖/וֹ
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
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.
לָקַ֥ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
עִמּֽ/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
Study Notes — Exodus 14:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Pharaoh Pursues the Israelites
4And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart so that he will pursue them. But I will gain honor by means of Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.” So this is what the Israelites did.
5When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, “What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us.”
6So Pharaoh prepared his chariot and took his army with him.
7He took 600 of the best chariots, and all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them. 8And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out defiantly.Exodus 14:6 Summary
In this verse, Pharaoh is getting ready to chase after the Israelites with his chariots and army because he wants to keep them as his slaves. This shows that Pharaoh is proud and wants to do things his own way, rather than listening to God. As seen in Exodus 14:4, God is actually in control and is using Pharaoh's actions to bring about His own plans. We can learn from Pharaoh's mistake by trusting in God's power and provision, rather than relying on our own strength, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Pharaoh decide to pursue the Israelites after he had let them go?
Pharaoh changed his mind about letting the Israelites go because he and his officials realized they had made a mistake by releasing their labor force, as seen in Exodus 14:5. This decision was also influenced by God, who hardened Pharaoh's heart to fulfill His own purposes, as stated in Exodus 14:4 and Exodus 14:8.
What can we learn from Pharaoh's actions in this verse?
Pharaoh's actions demonstrate the dangers of pride and a hardened heart, as warned against in Proverbs 28:14. His pursuit of the Israelites ultimately led to his downfall, serving as a reminder of the importance of humility and obedience to God, as seen in Exodus 14:4 and Deuteronomy 8:14.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of the Exodus?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the Exodus story, as it sets the stage for the miraculous deliverance of the Israelites at the Red Sea, described in Exodus 14:13-31. It highlights God's sovereignty and power over human leaders, as declared in Psalm 135:6 and Daniel 4:35.
What does Pharaoh's preparation of his chariot and army reveal about his character?
Pharaoh's preparation for battle reveals his confidence in his own strength and military might, as well as his determination to maintain control over the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 1:9-10. This contrasts with the Israelites' trust in God, as expressed in Exodus 14:13 and Psalm 20:7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be relying on my own strength and resources, rather than trusting in God's power and provision?
- How can I apply the lesson of Pharaoh's hardened heart to my own life, avoiding the dangers of pride and disobedience?
- What are some ways in which God may be working in my life to bring about His own purposes, even if I do not fully understand His plans?
- How can I cultivate a sense of trust and dependence on God, like the Israelites did in Exodus 14:13, when faced with challenging circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 14:6
And he made ready his chariot,.... Which he usually rode in when he went forth to war; for this seems to be a military chariot, and not for show or grandeur; and this was got ready not by himself, as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 14:6
And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 14:6
Exodus 14:6 And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:Ver. 6. Made ready his chariot.] To meet his destruction.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 14:6
(6) He made ready his chariot.—Egyptian monarchs of the Rameside period almost always led their armies out to battle, and when they did so, uniformly rode with a single attendant, who acted as charioteer, in a two-horse chariot. “Made ready” means, of course, ordered to be made ready.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 14:6
6. made ready] Heb. bound, i.e. attached to the horses (Genesis 46:29 al.). chariot] marg. ‘Or, chariots.’ The Heb. word may be used either of in individual chariot (2 Kings 9:21; 2 Kings 9:24), or collectively (vv. 7, 9, 17, &c.). Here, however, the Pharaoh’s own chariot appears to be meant. his people] i.e. his warriors (Numbers 21:23 al.).
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 14:6
6. He made ready his chariot — Horses and chariots are first represented in the monuments of Amosis, (1520 B.C.,) although there is evidence of their use before that time.