Old Testament
Exodus 5:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The foremen said to them, "May the LORD see what you've done and judge you for it! You've made us absolutely despised by Pharaoh and his officials. You've practically handed them a sword to kill us with!"
Compare translations
And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us.
What Exodus 5:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, the foremen express their deep frustration and fear. They feel betrayed and humiliated by the demands placed on them by Pharaoh, which have only increased their suffering. They believe that their situation has worsened because of the new orders, making them appear weak and incompetent. The foremen are desperate, feeling as if they have been handed a weapon that could lead to their demise. They are calling on God to witness their plight and to hold those responsible accountable. This plea highlights their vulnerability and the dire consequences of their oppression. It’s a powerful reminder of how external pressures can distort relationships and create a cycle of blame and despair. The foremen’s words reflect a common human experience: feeling powerless in the face of authority and longing for justice. Their cry is not just for relief but for recognition of their suffering and dignity as individuals. This moment captures the tension between hope and despair in the struggle for freedom.
How to apply Exodus 5:21 to your life
When facing overwhelming challenges, it’s easy to feel powerless and blame others. Instead, we can focus on seeking support and understanding from those around us. Remember that expressing your feelings can lead to healing and connection. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it most. Your voice matters in the struggle for justice and dignity.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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: “Let My People Go” (Exodus 5:1–23)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. 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.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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 5:21
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 5:21
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 5:21 reveal about the foremen's feelings?
Exodus 5:21 shows the foremen's deep frustration and fear. They feel betrayed by Pharaoh's demands, which have worsened their suffering and made them appear weak. Their plea to the LORD highlights their vulnerability and the dire consequences of their oppression, reflecting a common human experience of feeling powerless against authority.
How can we apply the lessons from Exodus 5:21 in our lives?
The lessons from Exodus 5:21 remind us to seek support and understanding when facing overwhelming challenges. Instead of blaming others, we should express our feelings and reach out for help. This can lead to healing and connection, emphasizing the importance of our voices in the struggle for justice and dignity.
What does the phrase 'put a sword in their hand to slay us' mean?
The phrase 'put a sword in their hand to slay us' symbolizes the foremen's belief that the new demands from Pharaoh have made them vulnerable to violence and oppression. They feel that their situation has worsened to the point where they are at risk of being harmed, highlighting the severity of their plight.
What themes are present in Exodus 5:21?
Exodus 5:21 encompasses themes of oppression, despair, accountability, authority, and justice. It illustrates the struggle of the foremen against the oppressive demands of Pharaoh, their feelings of helplessness, and their longing for recognition and justice in the face of suffering.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.