Exodus 3:21

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty:

Complete Jewish Bible:

Moreover, I will make the Egyptians so well-disposed toward this people that when you go, you won't go empty-handed.

Berean Standard Bible:

And I will grant this people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that when you leave, you will not go away empty-handed.

American Standard Version:

And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And I will give^{H5414} this people^{H5971} favour^{H2580} in the sight^{H5869} of the Egyptians^{H4714}: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go^{H3212}, ye shall not go^{H3212} empty^{H7387}:

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Commentary for Exodus 3:21

Exodus 3:21 is part of the narrative where God is speaking to Moses from the burning bush, commissioning him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The verse is situated within the broader context of the Israelites' oppression in Egypt, where they have been enslaved for generations. In this verse, God promises Moses that when the Israelites leave Egypt, they will do so with the favor of the Egyptians. This favor is significant because it represents a shift in the dynamics of power and perception; the Israelites, who have been treated as the lowest class of society, will be regarded positively by their oppressors.

The promise that the Israelites "shall not go empty" refers to the wealth they will take with them. Historically, this foreshadows the event described in Exodus 12:35-36, where the Israelites ask the Egyptians for silver, gold, and clothing, and the Egyptians grant their requests. This act of giving can be seen as a form of restitution for the years of unpaid labor and as provision for the Israelites' journey and future in the Promised Land.

The themes present in this verse include divine providence, the reversal of fortunes, and the fulfillment of God's promises. It highlights God's intent to not only deliver His people from bondage but to also prosper them and ensure they are equipped for the life ahead. This verse underscores the broader narrative of the Exodus, which is a story of liberation, redemption, and the establishment of a covenantal relationship between God and His people. It serves as a powerful assurance of God's care and faithfulness in the face of adversity and as a precursor to the blessings that await the Israelites as they embark on their journey to freedom.

*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: H5414
   There are 1816 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָתַן
   Transliteration: nâthan
   Pronunciation: naw-than'
   Description: a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.); add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield.
   
2. Strong's Number: H5971
   There are 1654 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עַם
   Transliteration: ʻam
   Pronunciation: am
   Description: from עָמַם; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock; folk, men, nation, people.
   
3. Strong's Number: H2580
   There are 67 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חֵן
   Transliteration: chên
   Pronunciation: khane
   Description: from חָנַן; graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty); favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured.
   
4. Strong's Number: H5869
   There are 830 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עַיִן
   Transliteration: ʻayin
   Pronunciation: ah'-yin
   Description: probably a primitive word; an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape); affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves).
   
5. 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.
   
6. Strong's Number: H3212
   There are 938 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָלַךְ
   Transliteration: yâlak
   Pronunciation: yaw-lak'
   Description: a primitive root (compare הָלַךְ); to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses); [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.
   
7. Strong's Number: H7387
   There are 16 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רֵיקָם
   Transliteration: rêyqâm
   Pronunciation: ray-kawm'
   Description: from רֵיק; emptily; figuratively (objective) ineffectually, (subjective) undeservedly; without cause, empty, in vain, void.