Exodus 5:20
Exodus 5:20 in Multiple Translations
When they left Pharaoh, they confronted Moses and Aaron, who stood waiting to meet them.
¶ And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh:
And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh:
And they came face to face with Moses and Aaron, who were in their way when they came out from Pharaoh:
They went over to Moses and Aaron who were waiting for them after their meeting with Pharaoh,
And they met Moses and Aaron, which stood in their way as they came out from Pharaoh,
And they meet Moses and Aaron standing to meet them, in their coming out from Pharaoh,
They met Moses and Aaron, who stood along the way, as they came out from Pharaoh.
And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh:
And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood over against them as they came out from Pharao:
As they left the king’s palace, they met Aaron and Moses/me, who were waiting for them there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 5:20
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 5:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יִּפְגְּעוּ֙
אֶת
מֹשֶׁ֣ה
וְ/אֶֽת
אַהֲרֹ֔ן
נִצָּבִ֖ים
לִ/קְרָאתָ֑/ם
בְּ/צֵאתָ֖/ם
מֵ/אֵ֥ת
פַּרְעֹֽה
וַֽ/יִּפְגְּעוּ֙
pâgaʻ
H6293
to fall on
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מֹשֶׁ֣ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
וְ/אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
אַהֲרֹ֔ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
נִצָּבִ֖ים
nâtsab
H5324
to stand
V-Niphal
לִ/קְרָאתָ֑/ם
qirʼâh
H7125
befall
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
בְּ/צֵאתָ֖/ם
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
מֵ/אֵ֥ת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Prep
פַּרְעֹֽה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 5:20
וַֽ/יִּפְגְּעוּ֙
pâgaʻ
H6293
"to fall on"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To meet or encounter, either by chance or intention, as seen in the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 33:1-17. It can also mean to make a request or intercede on behalf of someone. In Exodus 32:1-14, Moses intercedes for the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, reach, entreat, make intercession 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, light upon, join 1a2) to meet (of kindness) 1a3) to encounter, fall upon (of hostility) 1a4) to encounter, entreat (of request) 1a5) to strike, touch (of boundary) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to light upon 1b2) to cause to entreat 1b3) to make entreaty, interpose 1b4) to make attack 1b5) to reach the mark
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: come (betwixt), cause to entreat, fall (upon), make intercession, intercessor, intreat, lay, light (upon), meet (together), pray, reach, run. See also: Genesis 23:8; 1 Samuel 10:5; Isaiah 47:3.
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.
מֹשֶׁ֣ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
וְ/אֶֽת
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.
אַהֲרֹ֔ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
נִצָּבִ֖ים
nâtsab
H5324
"to stand"
V-Niphal
To stand or station oneself, either physically or as an appointed official. This word is used in various contexts, including setting up a monument or establishing a leader. It can also mean to stand firm or be established in a position.
Definition: 1) to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to station oneself, take one's stand 1a2) to stand, be stationed 1a3) to stand, take an upright position 1a4) to be stationed, be appointed 1a5) deputy, prefect, appointed, deputed (subst) 1a6) to stand firm 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to set up, erect 1b3) to cause to stand erect 1b4) to fix, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be fixed, be determined, be stationary
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 39:6.
לִ/קְרָאתָ֑/ם
qirʼâh
H7125
"befall"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.
Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.
בְּ/צֵאתָ֖/ם
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מֵ/אֵ֥ת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Prep
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.
פַּרְעֹֽה
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.
Study Notes — Exodus 5:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Exodus 5:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 5:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 5:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 5:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 5:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 5:20
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 5:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 5:20
Context — The Cry of the Israelites
18Now get to work. You will be given no straw, yet you must deliver the full quota of bricks.”
19The Israelite foremen realized they were in trouble when they were told, “You must not reduce your daily quota of bricks.”
20When they left Pharaoh, they confronted Moses and Aaron, who stood waiting to meet them.
21“May the LORD look upon you and judge you,” the foremen said, “for you have made us a stench before Pharaoh and his officials; you have placed in their hand a sword to kill us!” 22So Moses returned to the LORD and asked, “Lord, why have You brought trouble upon this people? Is this why You sent me?Exodus 5:20 Summary
In Exodus 5:20, the Israelite foremen were very upset with Moses and Aaron because they felt like they had made their situation worse. They had just left Pharaoh, who had told them to make the same number of bricks without giving them any straw, which is similar to the situation in Exodus 1:14 where the Israelites were forced to make bricks without straw. This made the foremen angry and frustrated, and they took it out on Moses and Aaron, which shows that even in difficult situations, we need to be careful how we respond and make sure we are not taking out our frustrations on others, as seen in Ephesians 4:32. We can learn from this verse to trust God and seek His guidance, even when things seem to be going wrong, and to respond with faith and trust, like Moses did in Exodus 5:22 and the Psalmist in Psalm 37:1-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Israelites confront Moses and Aaron after leaving Pharaoh?
The Israelites confronted Moses and Aaron because they were frustrated and felt that Moses and Aaron had made their situation worse by asking Pharaoh to let them go, as seen in Exodus 5:20-21, which is similar to the feelings of the people in Exodus 14:11-12 when they were trapped between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army.
What was the mood of the Israelite foremen when they met Moses and Aaron?
The mood of the Israelite foremen was one of anger and desperation, as they felt that Moses and Aaron had put them in a worse position, as stated in Exodus 5:21, which is reminiscent of the emotional state of the prophet Jeremiah in Jeremiah 20:14-18 when he felt overwhelmed by his circumstances.
How did Moses and Aaron respond to the confrontation?
The verse does not explicitly state how Moses and Aaron responded, but in the next verse, Exodus 5:22, Moses returns to the Lord and asks for guidance, which shows that he was seeking God's wisdom and help in the situation, similar to how the apostle Paul sought God's guidance in 2 Corinthians 1:8-11.
What can we learn from the Israelite foremen's reaction to their situation?
We can learn that it is natural to feel overwhelmed and frustrated when faced with difficult circumstances, but it is how we respond that matters, as seen in Exodus 5:20-22, and we should seek to respond with faith and trust in God, like Moses did, and like the Psalmist in Psalm 37:1-7.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I feel like my situation is getting worse instead of better, and what can I learn from the Israelite foremen's reaction in Exodus 5:20-21?
- What are some ways that I can seek God's guidance and wisdom in difficult circumstances, like Moses did in Exodus 5:22?
- How can I trust God's sovereignty and goodness when things seem to be going wrong, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11?
- What are some ways that I can support and encourage others who are going through difficult times, like Moses and Aaron could have done for the Israelite foremen in Exodus 5:20-21?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 5:20
And they met Moses and Aaron,.... The officers of the children of Israel, who had been with their complaints to Pharaoh: who stood in the way as they came forth from Pharaoh; they, had placed
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 5:20
And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh: They met Moses ... The Lord look upon you, and judge.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 5:20
They, i.e. the officers who went to pour out their complaints to Pharaoh,
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 5:20
Exodus 5:20 And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh:Ver. 20. And they met Moses.] How ready are we to mistake the grounds of our afflictions, and to cast them upon false causes! The Sareptan told the prophet that he had killed her son.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 5:20
(20) Who stood in the way.—Heb., in their way. The meaning is, that Moses and Aaron were “standing”—i.e., waiting to meet them, and know the result of their interview with the monarch.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 5:20
20–21. On coming out from their audience with the Pharaoh, they meet Moses and Aaron; and blame them for being the cause of this aggravation of the people’s sufferings.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 5:20
20, 21. The bastinadoed shoterim have now lost all faith in Moses and Aaron, for they feel that the yoke that was to have been broken is only tightened.