Exodus 1:8

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Now there arose a new king over Egypt. He knew nothing about Yosef

Berean Standard Bible:

Then a new king, who did not know Joseph, came to power in Egypt.

American Standard Version:

Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who knew not Joseph.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Now there arose up^{H6965} a new^{H2319} king^{H4428} over Egypt^{H4714}, which knew^{H3045} not Joseph^{H3130}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Exodus 1:8

Exodus 1:8 marks a pivotal turning point in the history of the Israelites, setting the stage for the central narrative of Exodus. The verse reads, "Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph." This succinct statement introduces a period of significant change and foreshadows the challenges that the Israelite people will face.

The historical context of this verse is rooted in the transition of power in ancient Egypt. The new Pharaoh, unlike his predecessors, does not have a personal connection or historical memory of Joseph, the Israelite who rose to high office in Egypt and saved the nation from famine (as recounted in Genesis). Joseph's wise leadership and his brothers' settlement in Goshen, as favored foreigners, are forgotten.

The themes introduced in Exodus 1:8 include the shifting dynamics of power and the vulnerability of a people when their protector is no longer remembered or influential. The verse hints at the loss of communal memory and the potential for enmity and oppression when a new regime lacks the empathy and historical ties that once bound two groups together. It also underscores the precarious situation of diaspora communities, whose well-being often hinges on the whims of their host nation's leaders.

This verse is the prelude to the story of Moses and the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery. It explains the political and social changes that lead to the oppression of the Hebrews and their cry for deliverance, which becomes the central theme of the book of Exodus. The ignorance of the new king regarding Joseph sets in motion a series of events that will ultimately result in the liberation of the Israelites and the establishment of their identity as a nation under God.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H6965
   There are 596 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קוּם
   Transliteration: qûwm
   Pronunciation: koom
   Description: a primitive root; to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative); abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising).
   
2. Strong's Number: H2319
   There are 48 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חָדָשׁ
   Transliteration: châdâsh
   Pronunciation: khaw-dawsh'
   Description: from חָדַשׁ; new; fresh, new thing.
   
3. Strong's Number: H4428
   There are 1922 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מֶלֶךְ
   Transliteration: melek
   Pronunciation: meh'-lek
   Description: from מָלַךְ; a king; king, royal.
   
4. Strong's Number: H4714
   There are 602 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מִצְרַיִם
   Transliteration: Mitsrayim
   Pronunciation: mits-rah'-yim
   Description: dual of מָצוֹר; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt; Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim.
   
5. Strong's Number: H3045
   There are 873 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָדַע
   Transliteration: yâdaʻ
   Pronunciation: yaw-dah'
   Description: a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.); acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot.
   
6. Strong's Number: H3130
   There are 193 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יוֹסֵף
   Transliteration: Yôwçêph
   Pronunciation: yo-safe'
   Description: future of יָסַף; let him add (or perhaps simply active participle adding); Joseph, the name of seven Israelites; Joseph. Compare יְהוֹסֵף.