Exodus 3:21
Exodus 3:21 in Multiple Translations
And I will grant this people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that when you leave, you will not go away empty-handed.
And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty:
And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty.
And I will give this people grace in the eyes of the Egyptians, so that when you go out you will go out with your hands full.
I will make the Egyptians treat you well as a people, so when you go you won't leave empty-handed.
And I will make this people to be fauoured of the Egyptians: so that when ye go, ye shall not goe emptie.
'And I have given the grace of this people in the eyes of the Egyptians, and it hath come to pass, when ye go, ye go not empty;
I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, and it will happen that when you go, you shall not go empty-handed.
And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that when ye go, ye shall not go empty:
And I will give favour to this people, in the sight of the Egyptians: and when you go forth, you shall not depart empty:
When that happens, I will cause the people of Egypt to respect you. The result will be that when you leave Egypt, ◄you will not go empty-handed/they will give you many valuable things to take with you►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 3:21
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 3:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/נָתַתִּ֛י
אֶת
חֵ֥ן
הָֽ/עָם
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
מִצְרָ֑יִם
וְ/הָיָה֙
כִּ֣י
תֵֽלֵכ֔וּ/ן
לֹ֥א
תֵלְכ֖וּ
רֵיקָֽם
וְ/נָתַתִּ֛י
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
חֵ֥ן
chên
H2580
favor
N-ms
הָֽ/עָם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrîy
H4713
Egyptian
N-proper
וְ/הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תֵֽלֵכ֔וּ/ן
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תֵלְכ֖וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
רֵיקָֽם
rêyqâm
H7387
emptily
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 3:21
וְ/נָתַתִּ֛י
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
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.
חֵ֥ן
chên
H2580
"favor"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means showing kindness or favor to someone, like God's graciousness to humanity. It appears in the Bible as 'favor' or 'grace'.
Definition: 1) favour, grace, charm 1a) favour, grace, elegance 1b) favour, acceptance
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured. See also: Genesis 6:8; 1 Samuel 20:29; Psalms 45:3.
הָֽ/עָם
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.
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
מִצְרָ֑יִם
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.
וְ/הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כִּ֣י
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.
תֵֽלֵכ֔וּ/ן
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
לֹ֥א
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.
תֵלְכ֖וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
רֵיקָֽם
rêyqâm
H7387
"emptily"
Adv
This Hebrew word means doing something empty or without purpose, like acting in vain. It is used in the Bible to describe actions that have no real effect. In the KJV, it is translated as 'without cause' or 'in vain'.
Definition: 1) vainly, emptily 1a) in empty condition, empty, emptily 1b) in vain, without effect, vainly
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: without cause, empty, in vain, void. See also: Genesis 31:42; 1 Samuel 6:3; Psalms 7:5.
Study Notes — Exodus 3:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Moses at the Burning Bush
19But I know that the king of Egypt will not allow you to go unless a mighty hand compels him.
20So I will stretch out My hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders I will perform among them. And after that, he will release you.
21And I will grant this people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that when you leave, you will not go away empty-handed.
22Every woman shall ask her neighbor and any woman staying in her house for silver and gold jewelry and clothing, and you will put them on your sons and daughters. So you will plunder the Egyptians.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 12:36 | And 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. |
| 2 | Psalms 105:37 | He brought Israel out with silver and gold, and none among His tribes stumbled. |
| 3 | Exodus 11:3 | And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt by Pharaoh’s officials and by the people. |
| 4 | Proverbs 16:7 | When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him. |
| 5 | Psalms 106:46 | He made them objects of compassion to all who held them captive. |
| 6 | Genesis 39:21 | the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. |
| 7 | Acts 7:10 | and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household. |
| 8 | Nehemiah 1:11 | O Lord, may Your ear be attentive to my prayer and to the prayers of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” (At that time I was the cupbearer to the king.) |
Exodus 3:21 Summary
This verse means that God will make the Egyptians like the Israelites and want to give them gifts and treasures as they leave. This is a way of showing God's power and provision, and it reminds us that God can provide for us in unexpected ways. As we trust God to provide for us, we can remember that He is a God of abundance and provision, as seen in Psalm 23:1, where it is written that the Lord is our Shepherd and we shall not want. We can also trust that God will supply all our needs, as written in Philippians 4:19.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God will grant the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians?
This means that the Egyptians will have a positive attitude towards the Israelites, and will be willing to give them gifts and treasures as they leave, as seen in Exodus 3:21 and also in Exodus 12:36, where it is written that the Egyptians urged the Israelites to leave and gave them many gifts.
Why did God want the Israelites to leave with treasures from the Egyptians?
God wanted the Israelites to leave with treasures from the Egyptians as a way of showing His power and provision, and also as a way of fulfilling His promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:14, where He said that the Israelites would leave Egypt with great possessions.
Is this verse related to the concept of 'spoiling the Egyptians'?
Yes, this verse is related to the concept of 'spoiling the Egyptians', which is also mentioned in Exodus 12:36, where the Israelites took many treasures from the Egyptians as they left, and in Psalm 105:37, where it is written that the Israelites left Egypt with silver and gold.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that God is a God of provision and abundance, and that He can provide for us in unexpected ways, as seen in Philippians 4:19, where it is written that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has provided for you in the past, and how can you trust Him to provide for you in the future?
- How does this verse relate to the concept of stewardship, and what are some ways that you can be a good steward of the resources that God has given you?
- What are some things that you are trusting God to provide for you right now, and how can you have faith that He will come through for you?
- How does this verse remind you of the importance of gratitude and thankfulness, and what are some ways that you can cultivate a spirit of gratitude in your life?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 3:21
And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians,.... That is, give the Israelites favour in their sight, a little before their departure, who should be ready to do anything for them,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 3:21
And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; I have surely seen the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 3:21
I will give this people favour, so that they shall readily grant what the Israelites desire. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 3:21
Exodus 3:21 And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty:Ver. 21. I will give this people favour.] It is God that fashioneth men’ s spirits, and speaketh ofttimes for them in the hearts of their greatest enemies.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 3:21
13–22. Moses’ second difficulty: his ignorance of the name of the God who has sent him. In reply, he is told what the name is; and is reassured with regard both to his being listened to by the Israelites (v. 18a), and to his securing ultimately the deliverance of his people (vv. 21–22). In ancient times, every deity had his own personal name; and it was of importance to know what this name was; for only if it were known, could the deity who bore it be approached in prayer and appealed to for help; the name was also often an indication of the nature and character of the deity whom it denoted. Cf. DB. v. 640b; also iv. 604a, v. 181a; and see, for illustrations, L. R. Farnell, The Evolution of Religion (1905), pp. 184–192, Frazer, Golden Bough2, i. 441 ff.
Sermons on Exodus 3:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Lord Had Made Them Joyful, and Turned by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that God has the power to turn the hearts of men, as demonstrated in the lives of biblical figures like Joseph, Moses, and Daniel. He encourages believers to |
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The Starting Promise by John Hames | John Hames preaches on the powerful promise God made to Moses, 'And He said certainly I will be with thee' (Exodus 3:21), emphasizing the significance of divine promises in our liv |
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The Triumph of the Cross - Part 2 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the grace of God and how it is depicted in the tabernacle and the wilderness offerings. He refers to Exodus chapter 12 and Deuteronomy 28 to |
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Redeemed From the Curse of the Law by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead emphasizes the profound truth that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by being made a curse for us. He recounts his personal journey of understanding h |
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Redeemed From the Curse of the Law (Higher Quality) by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker takes the audience back to ancient Egypt and tells the story of a young man who was injured while working on one of Pharaoh's projects. The man's leg wa |
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Wilt Thou Be Made Whole? by Smith Wigglesworth | Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the transformative power of God's Word in his sermon 'Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?', illustrating how faith can lead to healing and wholeness. He recounts |
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(Gaining God's Approval) 2. Well-Pleasing to the Father by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the contrast between the Israelites, with whom God was not well-pleased despite witnessing miracles, and Jesus, who was approved by the Father due to His fait |