Exodus 5:12
Exodus 5:12 in Multiple Translations
So the people scattered all over the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw.
So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw.
So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw.
So the people were sent in all directions through the land of Egypt to get dry grass for stems.
So the people went all over Egypt collecting stubble for straw.
Then were the people scattered abroade throughout all the land of Egypt, for to gather stubble in steade of strawe.
And the people is scattered over all the land of Egypt, to gather stubble for straw,
So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw.
So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt, to gather stubble instead of straw.
And the people was scattered through all the land of Egypt to gather straw.
So the Israeli people went all over Egypt to find straw.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 5:12
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 5:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֥פֶץ
הָ/עָ֖ם
בְּ/כָל
אֶ֣רֶץ
מִצְרָ֑יִם
לְ/קֹשֵׁ֥שׁ
קַ֖שׁ
לַ/תֶּֽבֶן
וַ/יָּ֥פֶץ
pûwts
H6327
to scatter
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
לְ/קֹשֵׁ֥שׁ
qâshash
H7197
to gather
Prep | V-m-Inf-a
קַ֖שׁ
qash
H7179
stubble
N-ms
לַ/תֶּֽבֶן
teben
H8401
straw
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 5:12
וַ/יָּ֥פֶץ
pûwts
H6327
"to scatter"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To shatter means to break something into pieces, either physically or figuratively. It can also mean to disperse or scatter people or things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) to scatter, be dispersed, be scattered 1a) (Qal) to be dispersed, be scattered 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be scattered 1b2) to be spread abroad 1c) (Hiphil) to scatter 1d) Hithpael) scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break (dash, shake) in (to) pieces, cast (abroad), disperse (selves), drive, retire, scatter (abroad), spread abroad. See also: Genesis 10:18; Jeremiah 10:21; Psalms 18:15.
הָ/עָ֖ם
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.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
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.
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
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.
מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
לְ/קֹשֵׁ֥שׁ
qâshash
H7197
"to gather"
Prep | V-m-Inf-a
This verb means to gather or assemble, like when the Israelites gathered straw in Exodus 5:7-12. It can also mean to forage for materials. The KJV translates it as gather.
Definition: to gather, collect, gather stubble or sticks
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: gather (selves) (together). See also: Exodus 5:7; Numbers 15:33; Zephaniah 2:1.
קַ֖שׁ
qash
H7179
"stubble"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to dry straw or stubble, often used to describe something that is worthless or easily destroyed. It appears in prophetic passages, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, to symbolize God's judgment.
Definition: stubble, chaff
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: stubble. See also: Exodus 5:12; Isaiah 40:24; Psalms 83:14.
לַ/תֶּֽבֶן
teben
H8401
"straw"
Prep | N-ms
Teben refers to straw or stubble, often used as fodder for animals or building material. It is mentioned in the Bible as a material for constructing houses.
Definition: 1) straw, stubble 1a) as building material 1b) as fodder for livestock
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: chaff, straw, stubble. See also: Genesis 24:25; Exodus 5:18; Isaiah 11:7.
Study Notes — Exodus 5:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 5:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 5:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 5:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 5:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 5:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 5:12
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 5:12
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 5:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 5:12
- Sermons on Exodus 5:12
Context — Bricks and Straw
10So the taskmasters and foremen of the people went out and said to them, “This is what Pharaoh says: ‘I am no longer giving you straw.
11Go and get your own straw wherever you can find it; but your workload will in no way be reduced.’”
12So the people scattered all over the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw.
13The taskmasters kept pressing them, saying, “Fulfill your quota each day, just as you did when straw was provided.” 14Then the Israelite foremen, whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over the people, were beaten and asked, “Why have you not fulfilled your quota of bricks yesterday or today, as you did before?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 15:7 | You overthrew Your adversaries by Your great majesty. You unleashed Your burning wrath; it consumed them like stubble. |
| 2 | Isaiah 5:24 | Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes the straw, and as dry grass shrivels in the flame, so their roots will decay and their blossoms will blow away like dust; for they have rejected the instruction of the LORD of Hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. |
| 3 | Isaiah 47:14 | Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame. There will be no coals to warm them or fire to sit beside. |
| 4 | Obadiah 1:18 | Then the house of Jacob will be a blazing fire, and the house of Joseph a burning flame; but the house of Esau will be stubble— Jacob will set it ablaze and consume it. Therefore no survivor will remain from the house of Esau.” For the LORD has spoken. |
| 5 | Joel 2:5 | With a sound like that of chariots they bound over the mountaintops, like the crackling of fire consuming stubble, like a mighty army deployed for battle. |
| 6 | Nahum 1:10 | For they will be entangled as with thorns and consumed like the drink of a drunkard— like stubble that is fully dry. |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 3:12 | If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, |
Exodus 5:12 Summary
In Exodus 5:12, the Israelites had to scatter all over Egypt to find materials to make bricks because Pharaoh had taken away the straw they needed. This made their work even harder, but they still had to meet their daily quota of bricks, just like it says in Exodus 5:13. This shows us that even when things seem impossible, God is still with us and can help us through difficult times, as seen in Isaiah 41:10. We can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, just as the Israelites did, and have faith that He will see us through, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the people have to scatter all over the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw?
The people had to scatter to gather stubble for straw because Pharaoh had taken away the straw that was previously provided for them, as seen in Exodus 5:10, and they had to find alternative materials to make bricks, just as Exodus 5:11 commands.
What does it mean to gather stubble for straw?
Gathering stubble for straw means collecting dry stalks or residue from grain plants to use as a binding agent in making bricks, which was a crucial component in the construction process, much like the importance of straw in Exodus 5:11.
How does this verse relate to the Israelites' suffering in Egypt?
This verse shows how the Israelites' suffering in Egypt was intensified by Pharaoh's cruel demands, as they were forced to work even harder to find materials to make bricks, which is also seen in Exodus 1:14 where the Israelites were afflicted with harsh labor.
What can we learn from the Israelites' response to their situation?
We can learn from the Israelites' response that even in difficult circumstances, we must trust in God's sovereignty and provision, just as the Israelites did in Exodus 14:13-14, where they trusted God to deliver them from the Egyptians.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with difficult circumstances, and what can I learn from the Israelites' experience in Exodus 5:12?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's sovereignty and provision in my own life, just as the Israelites did in Exodus?
- How can I apply the principle of perseverance in the face of adversity, as seen in the Israelites' determination to gather stubble for straw?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of faith and trust in God, especially in times of hardship and struggle, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 5:12
So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt,.... That part of it where they dwelt: to gather stubble instead of straw; straw not being easy to come at, they were obliged to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 5:12
So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. So the people were scattered.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 5:12
All the land of Egypt, i.e. all that part of it; which is a very usual synecdoche.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 5:12
Exodus 5:12 So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw.Ver. 12. So the people were scattered.] So are most people now-a-days busied about trash and trifles, neglecting the one thing necessary. In the enthronisation of the Pope before he puts on his triple crown, a wad of straw is set on fire before him, and one appointed to say, Sic transit gloria round, the glory of this world is but a blaze of straw or stubble, soon extinct. They that highly esteem it rejoice in a thing of nought, feed upon ashes, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 5:12
(12) Stubble instead of straw.—Heb., stubble for the straw. Reaping in Egypt was effected by cutting off the ears only from the stalks, and thus a very tall stubble was left in the fields. This appears not to have been valued by the cultivators, and whoever wished was allowed to collect it. After collecting it, and bringing it to the brick-fields in bundles, they would have to chop it small before it would be fit for use.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 5:12
12. to gather stubble] which might be difficult to find, except immediately after the harvest.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 5:12
Stubble instead of straw - Rather, for the straw: i. e. to be prepared as straw. This marks the season of the year, namely, early spring, after the barley or wheat harvest, toward the end of April.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 5:12
12. To gather stubble instead of straw — Literally, for the straw. The Egyptians cut the grain first below the ear, leaving a long stubble, which was chopped into straw.
Sermons on Exodus 5:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
K-492 the Holocaust and the Knowledge of God by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having the right mindset for those who want to walk with God. He starts by sharing a personal experience of finding newly b |
|
The Portion of the Ungodly by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses three truths about the punishment of the wicked: it will be easily inflicted, most dreadful in its character, and most inevitable. The speaker addre |
|
Wine for Gospel wantons... by Thomas Shepard | Thomas Shepard preaches on the consequences of spiritual drunkenness as described in Jeremiah 13:12-15, where God fills the inhabitants of the land with a spirit of drunkenness, le |
|
Only One Life Will Soon Be Past by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that pleases God. He highlights the concept of appearing before the judgment seat of Christ, where believers |
|
Judgement Seat - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the significance of our lives and actions in the context of the Judgment Seat of Christ, where every believer will be held accountable for their servic |
|
|
The Judgement Seat of Christ - Part 2 (Alternate) by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the significance of the Judgment Seat of Christ, where every believer's life and service will be evaluated. He contrasts the eternal rewards for faithf |
|
"Book of Remembrance" by Leonard Ravenhill by Compilations | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life that is devoted to God, comparing our actions and words to materials like wood, hay, stubble, silver, gold, and precious ston |