Exodus 5:23

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Exodus 5:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and You have not delivered Your people in any way.”

King James Version KJV

For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.

American Standard Version ASV

For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath dealt ill with this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For from the time when I came to Pharaoh to put your words before him, he has done evil to this people, and you have given them no help.

Free Bible Version FBV

Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak for you, he has been even harder on your people, and you haven't done anything to save them!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For since I came to Pharaoh to speake in thy Name, he hath vexed this people, and yet thou hast not deliuered thy people.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and since I have come unto Pharaoh, to speak in Thy name, he hath done evil to this people, and Thou hast not at all delivered Thy people.'

World English Bible WEB

For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people. You have not rescued your people at all!”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For since the time that I went in to Pharao to speak in thy name, he hath afflicted thy people: and thou hast not delivered them.

Translation for Translators T4T

Ever since I went to the king and told him what you told me to say [MTY], he has treated your people very cruelly, and you have not done anything to help/rescue them!”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 5:23

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 5:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּ/מֵ/אָ֞ז בָּ֤אתִי אֶל פַּרְעֹה֙ לְ/דַבֵּ֣ר בִּ/שְׁמֶ֔/ךָ הֵרַ֖ע לָ/עָ֣ם הַ/זֶּ֑ה וְ/הַצֵּ֥ל לֹא הִצַּ֖לְתָּ אֶת עַמֶּֽ/ךָ

וּ/מֵ/אָ֞ז ʼâz H227 then Conj | Prep | Adv

בָּ֤אתִי bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-1cs

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

פַּרְעֹה֙ Parʻôh H6547 Pharaoh N-proper

לְ/דַבֵּ֣ר dâbar H1696 to speak Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

בִּ/שְׁמֶ֔/ךָ shêm H8034 name Prep | N-ms | Suff

הֵרַ֖ע râʻaʻ H7489 be evil V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

לָ/עָ֣ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Prep | N-ms

הַ/זֶּ֑ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

וְ/הַצֵּ֥ל nâtsal H5337 to rescue Conj | V-Hiphil-Ptc

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

הִצַּ֖לְתָּ nâtsal H5337 to rescue V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

עַמֶּֽ/ךָ ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 5:23

וּ/מֵ/אָ֞ז ʼâz H227 "then" Conj | Prep | Adv

This Hebrew word refers to a past time or place, often used to describe something that happened earlier. It can also be used as a conjunction to show a cause-and-effect relationship. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah.

Definition: 1) then, at that time 1a) temporal expressions 1a1) then (past) 1a2) then, if...then (future) 1a3) earlier 1b) logical expressions 1b1) in that case 1b2) that (being so)

Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet. See also: Genesis 4:26; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 2:5.

בָּ֤אתִי bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

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.

לְ/דַבֵּ֣ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

בִּ/שְׁמֶ֔/ךָ shêm H8034 "name" Prep | N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

הֵרַ֖ע râʻaʻ H7489 "be evil" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.

Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.

לָ/עָ֣ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Prep | 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/זֶּ֑ה 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.

וְ/הַצֵּ֥ל nâtsal H5337 "to rescue" Conj | V-Hiphil-Ptc

To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.

Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)

Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.

לֹא 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.

הִצַּ֖לְתָּ nâtsal H5337 "to rescue" V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms

To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.

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.

עַמֶּֽ/ךָ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms | Suff

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.

Study Notes — Exodus 5:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 5:23 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 5:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 5:23
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 5:23
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 5:23
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 5:23
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 5:23
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 5:23
Sermons on Exodus 5:23

Context — The Cry of the Israelites

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?

23Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and You have not delivered Your people in any way.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 11:21	Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning the people of Anathoth who are seeking your life and saying, “You must not prophesy in the name of the LORD, or you will die by our hand.”
2	Hebrews 10:36–37	You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For, “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.
3	Isaiah 28:16	So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.
4	Psalms 118:26	Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.
5	Isaiah 26:17–18	As a woman with child about to give birth writhes and cries out in pain, so were we in Your presence, O LORD. We were with child; we writhed in pain; but we gave birth to wind. We have given no salvation to the earth, nor brought any life into the world.
6	John 5:43	I have come in My Father’s name, and you have not received Me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will receive him.

Exodus 5:23 Summary

In Exodus 5:23, Moses is expressing his frustration and concern to God because Pharaoh has made life harder for the Israelites after Moses spoke to him in God's name. Moses feels like he has failed and that God has not delivered His people, as seen in Exodus 5:22-23. However, this experience can teach us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when things do not go as planned, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 8:28. We can learn to rely on God's presence and care, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5, and remember that He is always working for our good, even if we do not understand the outcome, as expressed in Isaiah 55:8-9.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Pharaoh bring trouble on the people after Moses spoke to him in God's name?

Pharaoh brought trouble on the people because he refused to listen to God's message, as seen in Exodus 5:23, and instead increased their burdens, as stated in Exodus 5:7-14, which is similar to the hardening of Pharaoh's heart in Exodus 4:21 and Romans 9:17.

Why did God not deliver His people from their troubles?

According to Exodus 5:23, God had not yet delivered His people, but this does not mean He had abandoned them, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5, which remind us that God is always with His people, even in difficult times.

How did Moses feel about the situation?

Moses felt frustrated and concerned, as expressed in Exodus 5:22-23, because he had been faithful in speaking God's message to Pharaoh, but the outcome was not what he had expected, which is a common experience for believers, as seen in Genesis 15:2-3 and Psalm 13:1-2.

What can we learn from Moses' experience in this verse?

We can learn that even when we are faithful in following God's will, the outcome may not always be what we expect, but we must trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 55:8-9, and remember that He is always working for our good, as stated in Romans 8:28.

Reflection Questions

How do you respond when your efforts to serve God seem to be met with resistance or failure, as Moses experienced in Exodus 5:23?
What are some ways you can trust in God's sovereignty, even when the outcome is not what you expected, as seen in Exodus 5:23 and Romans 8:28?
In what ways can you identify with Moses' feelings of frustration and concern, and how can you apply the lessons from this verse to your own life, as seen in Psalm 13:1-2 and Genesis 15:2-3?
How can you balance your desire for immediate results with the understanding that God's timing and ways are often different from ours, as expressed in Exodus 5:23 and 2 Peter 3:9?
What are some scriptures that encourage you to trust in God's presence and care, even in difficult times, such as Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 5:23

For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name,.... Had he come in his own name, it needed not be wondered at if he should not succeed, but coming in the name of God, it might have been expected he

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 5:23

In thy name; not of my own head, but by thy command and commission. Neither hast thou delivered thy people, according to thy promise and mine, and thy people’ s just expectation.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 5:23

Exodus 5:23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.Ver. 23. Neither hast thou delivered.] Here Moses himself was too short spirited. He considered not, belike, that God’ s promises do many times bear a long date, neither is it fit to set him a time, or to awaken him whom our soul loveth, until he please. Do but "wait," saith the Lord. You shall be delivered, you shall be delivered, you shall be delivered; you shall, you shall. So much that text in effect soundeth and assureth.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 5:23

Verse 23. He hath done evil to this people] Their misery is increased instead of being diminished. Neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.] The marginal reading is both literal and correct: And delivering thou hast not delivered. Thou hast begun the work by giving us counsels and a commission, but thou hast not brought the people from under their bondage. Thou hast signified thy pleasure relative to their deliverance, but thou hast not brought them out of the hands of their enemies. 1. IT is no certain proof of the displeasure of God that a whole people, or an individual, may be found in a state of great oppression and distress; nor are affluence and prosperity any certain signs of his approbation. God certainly loved the Israelites better than he did the Egyptians; yet the former were in the deepest adversity, while the latter were in the height of prosperity. Luther once observed, that if secular prosperity were to be considered as a criterion of the Divine approbation, then the grand Turk must be the highest in the favour of God, as he was at that time the most prosperous sovereign on the earth. An observation of this kind, on a case so obvious, was really well calculated to repress hasty conclusions drawn from these external states, and to lay down a correct rule of judgment for all such occasions. 2. In all our addresses to God we should ever remember that we have sinned against him, and deserve nothing but punishment from his hand. We should therefore bow before him with the deepest humiliation of soul, and take that caution of the wise man, "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God; for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth; therefore let thy words be few," Ecclesiastes 5:2. There is the more need to attend to this caution, because many ignorant though well-meaning people use very improper, not to say indecent, freedoms in their addresses to the throne of grace. With such proceedings God cannot be well pleased; and he who has not a proper impression of the dignity and excellence of the Divine Nature, is not in such a disposition as it is essentially necessary to feel in order to receive help from God. He who knows he has sinned, and feels that he is less than the least of all God's mercies, will pray with the deepest humility, and even rejoice before God with trembling. A solemn AWE of the Divine Majesty is not less requisite to successful praying, than faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. When we have such a commission as that of Moses, we may make use of his freedom of speech; but till then, the publican's prayer will best suit the generality of those who are even dignified by the name of Christian - Lord, be merciful to ME, a SINNER!

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 5:23

23. neither, &c.] according to the promise, Exo Exodus 3:8.

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 5:23

The earnestness of this remonstrance, and even its approach to irreverence, are quite in keeping with other notices of Moses’ naturally impetuous character. See Exodus 3:13.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 5:23

22, 23. Moses, too, smarting under the accusations of his brethren, and also wounded by sympathy for their increased sufferings, returns to Jehovah with passionate entreaty for an explanation of his providence.

Sermons on Exodus 5:23

	Sermon	Description
	Heroes in Hebrews by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of Abraham and his son Isaac. The speaker emphasizes the importance of obedience and faith in God's promises. Abraham and Isaac em
	Fixing Your Eyes - Hebrews 12-1-2 by Anthony Mathenia	This sermon emphasizes the importance of persevering in the Christian race, highlighting the need for endurance, laying aside weights and sins, and fixing our eyes on Jesus as the
	(Revelation) Revelation 13:1-13 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the limited period of three and a half years mentioned in the Bible. He refers to Daniel's 70th week and explains that this period of authori
	The Wise and the Foolish Virgins by W.F. Kumuyi	This sermon emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and ready for the return of Christ, drawing from the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. It highlights the
	Living in a Frenzy by Steve Gallagher	This sermon addresses the fast-paced, frenzied lifestyle of the modern world, emphasizing the need for patience, peace, and stillness in the midst of constant motion. It highlights
	The Art of Waiting by Basilea Schlink	In this sermon, Basilia Schling discusses the importance of waiting and having patience in our lives. She emphasizes that our disappointments and failures are a reminder that we ar
	Renew Your Pledge to Kill Every Last Giant of Sin by Sandeep Poonen	This sermon delves into the story of the Israelites in Numbers 13 and 14, highlighting their choice between facing the giants in the promised land or returning to slavery in Egypt.