Exodus 5:8
Exodus 5:8 in Multiple Translations
But require of them the same quota of bricks as before; do not reduce it. For they are lazy; that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’
And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God.
And the number of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish aught thereof: for they are idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God.
But see that they make the same number of bricks as before, and no less: for they have no love for work; and so they are crying out and saying, Let us go and make an offering to our God.
But still make them produce the same quantity of bricks as before. They're lazy people—that's why they're calling out, asking, ‘Please let us go and offer sacrifices to our god.’
Notwithstanding lay vpon them the nober of bricke, which they made in time past, diminish nothing thereof: for they be idle, therefore they crie, saying, Let vs go to offer sacrifice vnto our God.
and the proper quantity of the bricks which they are making heretofore ye do put on them, ye do not diminish from it, for they are remiss, therefore they are crying, saying, Let us go, let us sacrifice to our God;
You shall require from them the number of the bricks which they made before. You shall not diminish anything of it, for they are idle. Therefore they cry, saying, ‘Let’s go and sacrifice to our God.’
And the number of the bricks which they made heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish aught thereof; for they are idle: therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God.
And you shall lay upon them the task of bricks, which they did before, neither shall you diminish any thing thereof: for they are idle, and therefore they cry, saying: Let us go and sacrifice to our God.
But require them to make the same number of bricks that they did before. Do not decrease the number at all. They ◄are lazy/do not have enough work to do►. That is the reason they are asking me to let them go into the desert to offer sacrifices to their god.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 5:8
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 5:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶת
מַתְכֹּ֨נֶת
הַ/לְּבֵנִ֜ים
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
הֵם֩
עֹשִׂ֨ים
תְּמ֤וֹל
שִׁלְשֹׁם֙
תָּשִׂ֣ימוּ
עֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
לֹ֥א
תִגְרְע֖וּ
מִמֶּ֑/נּוּ
כִּֽי
נִרְפִּ֣ים
הֵ֔ם
עַל
כֵּ֗ן
הֵ֤ם
צֹֽעֲקִים֙
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
נֵלְכָ֖ה
נִזְבְּחָ֥ה
לֵ/אלֹהֵֽי/נוּ
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
מַתְכֹּ֨נֶת
mathkôneth
H4971
tally
N-fs
הַ/לְּבֵנִ֜ים
lᵉbênâh
H3843
brick
Art | N-fp
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הֵם֩
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
עֹשִׂ֨ים
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal
תְּמ֤וֹל
tᵉmôwl
H8543
yesterday
Adv
שִׁלְשֹׁם֙
shilshôwm
H8032
three days ago
Adv
תָּשִׂ֣ימוּ
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
עֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִגְרְע֖וּ
gâraʻ
H1639
to dimish
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
מִמֶּ֑/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נִרְפִּ֣ים
râphâh
H7503
to slacken
V-Niphal
הֵ֔ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֵּ֗ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
הֵ֤ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
צֹֽעֲקִים֙
tsâʻaq
H6817
to cry
V-Qal
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
נֵלְכָ֖ה
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-1cp
נִזְבְּחָ֥ה
zâbach
H2076
to sacrifice
V-Qal-1cp
לֵ/אלֹהֵֽי/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Prep | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 5:8
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.
מַתְכֹּ֨נֶת
mathkôneth
H4971
"tally"
N-fs
This word refers to a proportion or measurement, like a builder's tally of bricks in Exodus, or a recipe's ingredients in Ezekiel.
Definition: 1) measurement, proportion, tale 1a) tale, tally (of bricks) 1b) measurement, proportion
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: composition, measure, state, tale. See also: Exodus 5:8; Exodus 30:37; Ezekiel 45:11.
הַ/לְּבֵנִ֜ים
lᵉbênâh
H3843
"brick"
Art | N-fp
A brick is a small, whitish block made of clay, used for building, like the altar in Exodus.
Definition: 1) tile, brick 1a) brick 1b) tile 1c) pavement Also spelled: liv.nah (לִבְנָה "brick" H3840)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (altar of) brick, tile. See also: Genesis 11:3; Exodus 5:18; Isaiah 9:9.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הֵם֩
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
עֹשִׂ֨ים
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
תְּמ֤וֹל
tᵉmôwl
H8543
"yesterday"
Adv
This Hebrew word means yesterday or a short time ago, like in Genesis when God reminds the Israelites of what happened the day before. It can also mean recently or formerly, as in the events of the past. It appears in various Bible verses as beforetime or heretofore.
Definition: 1) before, before that time, beforetime, heretofore, of late, of old, these days, time(s) past, yesterday, day before yesterday, recently, formerly 1a) yesterday 1a1) recently, formerly (usual usage) (fig) 1b) as formerly, so more recently 1c) from yesterday, already
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] before (-time), [phrase] these (three) days, [phrase] heretofore, [phrase] time past, yesterday. See also: Genesis 31:2; Joshua 3:4; Job 8:9.
שִׁלְשֹׁם֙
shilshôwm
H8032
"three days ago"
Adv
The Hebrew phrase shilshom means three days ago or day before yesterday, used to describe a past event. It is an idiom that conveys a sense of time, often used in the Bible to tell stories of what happened previously. This phrase helps to establish a timeline of events.
Definition: 1) day before yesterday, three days ago 1a) an idiom for 'heretofore in times past'
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] before (that time, -time), excellent things (from the margin), [phrase] heretofore, three days, [phrase] time past. See also: Genesis 31:2; Joshua 4:18; Proverbs 22:20.
תָּשִׂ֣ימוּ
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
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.
תִגְרְע֖וּ
gâraʻ
H1639
"to dimish"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To diminish or reduce something means to make it smaller, like in the book of Genesis. This word can also mean to shave, remove, or withhold something. The KJV Bible translates it as diminish or restrain.
Definition: 1) to diminish, restrain, withdraw, abate, keep back, do away, take from, clip 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to diminish 1a2) to restrain 1a3) to withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be withdrawn 1b2) to be restrained 1c) (Piel) to withdraw, draw up
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: abate, clip, (di-) minish, do (take) away, keep back, restrain, make small, withdraw. See also: Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 13:1; Isaiah 15:2.
מִמֶּ֑/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
כִּֽי
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.
נִרְפִּ֣ים
râphâh
H7503
"to slacken"
V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to slacken or relax, and is used in many contexts, such as feeling disheartened or abandoning something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in Psalms and Proverbs. The word can also mean to let go or be idle.
Definition: 1) to sink, relax, sink down, let drop, be disheartened 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sink down 1a2) to sink, drop 1a3) to sink, relax, abate 1a4) to relax, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) idle (participle) 1c) (Piel) to let drop 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to let drop, abandon, relax, refrain, forsake 1d2) to let go 1d3) to refrain, let alone 1d4) to be quiet 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself slack
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abate, cease, consume, draw (toward evening), fail, (be) faint, be (wax) feeble, forsake, idle, leave, let alone (go, down), (be) slack, stay, be still, be slothful, (be) weak(-en). See H7495 (רָפָא). See also: Exodus 4:26; Nehemiah 6:3; Psalms 37:8.
הֵ֔ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כֵּ֗ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
הֵ֤ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
צֹֽעֲקִים֙
tsâʻaq
H6817
"to cry"
V-Qal
To cry or cry out is the meaning of this verb, often used to express distress or need, as seen in the Psalms where people cry out to God for help.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, cry for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cry, cry out (for help) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in distress or need) 1a3) to make outcry, clamour 1b) (Niphal) to be summoned 1c) (Piel) to cry aloud (in grief) 1d) (Hiphil) to call together
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, call together, cry (out), gather (selves) (together). See also: Genesis 4:10; 1 Samuel 13:4; Psalms 34:18.
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
נֵלְכָ֖ה
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-1cp
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.
נִזְבְּחָ֥ה
zâbach
H2076
"to sacrifice"
V-Qal-1cp
To sacrifice means to slaughter an animal, usually for a religious offering, as seen in the Bible's instructions for worship. This term is used in many contexts, including sacrifices for eating or in divine judgment. It's often translated as 'kill' or 'offer' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to slaughter, kill, sacrifice, slaughter for sacrifice 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter for sacrifice 1a2) to slaughter for eating 1a3) to slaughter in divine judgment 1b) (Piel) to sacrifice, offer sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: de.vach (דְּבַח "to sacrifice" H1684)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Kings 8:62; Psalms 4:6.
לֵ/אלֹהֵֽי/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Exodus 5:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Bricks and Straw
6That same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their foremen:
7“You shall no longer supply the people with straw for making bricks. They must go and gather their own straw.
8But require of them the same quota of bricks as before; do not reduce it. For they are lazy; that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’
9Make the work harder on the men so they will be occupied and pay no attention to these lies.” 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 106:41 | He delivered them into the hand of the nations, and those who hated them ruled over them. |
Exodus 5:8 Summary
In Exodus 5:8, Pharaoh is trying to break the spirits of the Israelites by making them work even harder, without giving them the resources they need. He thinks they are lazy, but really they just want to worship God. This shows us that when we try to suppress or deny people the opportunity to worship God, it can lead to further problems. As it says in Psalm 2:1-4, God is not pleased when we try to oppose Him or His people. We can learn from this by prioritizing worship and seeking God, even when things get tough, and by creating space for others to do the same, as seen in Acts 2:42-47.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Exodus 5:8 and why is Pharaoh being so harsh?
Pharaoh is trying to break the spirits of the Israelites by making their workload even harder, as seen in Exodus 5:7 where he takes away the straw needed for making bricks, and in Exodus 5:9 where he orders the taskmasters to make the work harder on the men. This is a tactic to distract them from their desire to worship God, as mentioned in Exodus 5:8.
Is Pharaoh's accusation that the Israelites are lazy justified?
No, Pharaoh's accusation is not justified, as the Israelites are crying out to worship their God, not because they are lazy, but because they are being overworked and oppressed, as seen in Exodus 5:8 and Exodus 2:23.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt?
This verse shows how Pharaoh's heart is hardened against the Israelites, which ultimately leads to God's judgment and the plagues that will be poured out on Egypt, as seen in Exodus 7:3-5 and Exodus 12:29-30.
What can we learn from Pharaoh's response to the Israelites' request to worship God?
We can learn that when we try to suppress or deny people the opportunity to worship God, it can lead to further oppression and ultimately, to God's judgment, as seen in Romans 1:18-20 and Psalm 2:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with increased difficulties or pressures in my life, and what can I learn from the Israelites' experience in Exodus 5:8?
- In what ways can I prioritize worship and seeking God, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, as the Israelites desired to do in Exodus 5:8?
- How can I avoid being like Pharaoh, who tried to distract the Israelites from their desire to worship God, and instead create space for others to seek and worship God?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to suppress or deny the work of God, and how can I surrender those areas to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 5:8
And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, you shall lay upon them,.... Oblige them to make and bring in the same number of bricks they used to do, when straw was brought to them and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 5:8
And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 5:8
Exodus 5:8 And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish [ought] thereof: for they [be] idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go [and] sacrifice to our God.Ver. 8. For they be idle.] I heard a great man once say, saith Luther, Necesse est otiosos esse homilies qui ista negotia religionis curant. They must needs be idle fellows that are so much taken up about the business of religion.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 5:8
Verse 8. And the tale of the bricks] Tale signifies the number, from the Anglo-Saxon [Anglo-Saxon], to number, to count, c. For they be idle therefore they cry - Let us go and sacrifice] Thus their desire to worship the true God in a proper manner was attributed to their unwillingness to work; a reflection which the Egyptians (in principle) of the present day cast on these who, while they are fervent in spirit serving the Lord, are not slothful in business. See Clarke on Exodus 5:17.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 5:8
8. tale] that which is told or counted: an archaism for ‘number’ (= Germ. Zahl). So v. 18, 1 Samuel 18:27, 1 Chronicles 9:28. Cf. Milton, L’Allegro, 67 f., ‘And every shepherd tells [i.e. counts: Psalms 48:12; Psalms 147:4] his tale [viz. of sheep] Under the hawthorn in the dale.’ The Heb. here means properly a rightly regulated amount. therefore they cry, &c.] Their request to be allowed to make a pilgrimage to their God is merely a pretext for idleness.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 5:8
6-9. Increase of the oppression is the fierce and despotic reply to their request.