Old Testament
Exodus 2:23
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
After many years of suffering, the king of Egypt passed away.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned because of their slavery and cried out. Their cries rose up to God because of their bondage.
And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
After many years of suffering, the king of Egypt passed away. During this time, the Israelites were deeply troubled by their harsh treatment as slaves. They felt overwhelmed and began to cry out for help. Their pain and desperation reached God, who heard their cries. This moment highlights the deep anguish of the Israelites and their longing for freedom. It shows that even in the darkest times, their voices were not ignored. God was aware of their suffering and was preparing to act on their behalf. This passage reminds us that when we face struggles, we can reach out for help, and our cries can be heard. It emphasizes the importance of hope and the belief that change is possible, even when it seems far away. God is attentive to our needs and is moved by our pain, ready to respond in His perfect timing. The Israelites' cries were the beginning of a significant change in their lives, leading to their eventual liberation from slavery, which is a powerful reminder of resilience and faith.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Exodus 2:23 to your life
When you feel trapped or overwhelmed, remember that your cries for help matter. Just like the Israelites, you can reach out to God in your struggles. Trust that He hears you and is aware of your situation. Hold on to hope, as change can come when you least expect it. Your voice can lead to transformation in your life and circumstances!
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 2:23 mean?
Exodus 2:23 describes a time when the Israelites were suffering under slavery in Egypt. It highlights their deep anguish and cries for help, which reached God, indicating that He was aware of their suffering and was preparing to respond.
What is the significance of the Israelites' cries in Exodus 2:23?
The cries of the Israelites in Exodus 2:23 signify their desperation and longing for freedom from oppression. This moment marks the beginning of God's intervention in their plight, showing that their suffering did not go unnoticed.
What does 'bondage' refer to in Exodus 2:23?
In Exodus 2:23, 'bondage' refers to the harsh and oppressive conditions that the Israelites faced as slaves in Egypt. It emphasizes their lack of freedom and the suffering they endured during this time.
How does Exodus 2:23 relate to hope?
Exodus 2:23 relates to hope by illustrating that even in the darkest times, the cries for help from the Israelites were heard by God. This passage serves as a reminder that change is possible and that God is attentive to our struggles.
The Book of Exodus
Exodus 1: Israel's Oppression in Egypt
The sons of Israel settle in Egypt, and their families grow rapidly until the land is filled with them. A new Pharaoh arises who does not know Joseph and fears that the Israelites will join Egypt's enemies if war comes, so he places them under harsh labor and forces them to build the store cities Pithom and Raamses. The more they are oppressed, the more they multiply, which increases Egyptian fear. Pharaoh commands the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill every male child at birth, but they fear God and let the boys live. When Pharaoh confronts them, they say the Hebrew women deliver before the midwives arrive, and God blesses the midwives with households. Pharaoh then commands all his people to cast every Hebrew son into the river while allowing the daughters to live.
Unlock the full Exodus summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Exodus — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 40 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Exodus summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.