Old Testament
Exodus 2:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
Compare translations
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.
What Exodus 2:23 means
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.
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
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Exodus 2:23
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Exodus 2:23
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.