Exodus 1:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 1:8 marks a dramatic and pivotal shift in the narrative, introducing a new Egyptian king who, through a deliberate act of historical disregard, initiated a period of severe oppression against the rapidly multiplying Israelites. This verse signals the abrupt end of centuries of favor and peace for Jacob's descendants in Egypt, setting the stage for their enslavement and God's subsequent miraculous intervention to deliver His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 1:8 serves as the crucial hinge connecting the patriarchal narratives of Genesis to the unfolding drama of the Exodus. The preceding verses in [Exodus 1:1-7](/exodus/1-1-7 "Exodus 1:1-7 - The Growth of Israel in Egypt") meticulously detail the rapid multiplication of Jacob's descendants in Egypt, emphasizing their extraordinary fruitfulness as a fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This verse abruptly interrupts the idyllic scene of growth and prosperity, introducing a stark change in the political and social landscape that immediately precedes the detailed accounts of Israel's enslavement and God's call to Moses. It transforms the narrative from one of flourishing family into one of national crisis and divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For approximately four centuries, the descendants of Jacob had resided in Egypt, enjoying a period of relative peace and favor, largely due to Joseph's immense contributions during a time of famine. This era is often associated with the Hyksos period (c. 1650-1550 BC), when foreign rulers, possibly of Semitic origin, controlled parts of Egypt and would have been more amenable to a foreign population like the Israelites. The "new king" mentioned in Exodus 1:8 is widely understood by scholars to refer to the rise of an indigenous Egyptian dynasty, likely the 18th Dynasty (c. 1550-1292 BC), which expelled the Hyksos and initiated a period of strong nationalistic fervor. This new dynasty sought to consolidate power, secure Egypt's borders, and eliminate any perceived internal threats, including a rapidly growing, distinct foreign population like the Israelites who had previously enjoyed favor under the ousted regime.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several foundational themes that will permeate the book of Exodus. Primarily, it highlights the theme of **divine providence** and **sovereignty** even amidst human hostility, demonstrating that God's plan for His people will prevail despite oppressive regimes. It also underscores the theme of **oppression and deliverance**, setting the stage for God's mighty acts to free Israel from bondage, echoing earlier promises of a land and a nation. Furthermore, the pharaoh's deliberate "not knowing" Joseph introduces the theme of **historical amnesia and injustice**, where a refusal to acknowledge past contributions leads to the dehumanization and enslavement of a people, serving as a powerful counterpoint to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, as seen in passages like [Exodus 2:24](/exodus/2-24 "Exodus 2:24 - God Remembers His Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **new (Hebrew, _châdâsh'_):** This word (H2319) signifies something fresh or recently appeared. In this context, it emphasizes not just a chronological succession but a qualitative change in leadership. This was not merely the next king in line, but a different kind of king, representing a new political and ideological era for Egypt, one distinctly hostile to the Israelites.
* **king (Hebrew, _melek'_):** This term (H4428) denotes a monarch or ruler. The introduction of a "king" here, without a specific name, emphasizes his office and the absolute power he wields. This new king's authority is presented as absolute, directly impacting the destiny of an entire people, setting him up as the primary antagonist against God's purposes in the narrative.
* **knew (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** The verb "knew" (H3045), when used with "not" (לֹא־יָדַע, _lo-yadaʻ_), carries profound theological and relational weight beyond mere intellectual awareness. It signifies a deliberate refusal to acknowledge, recognize, or respect. It implies a conscious disregard for Joseph's historical contributions, the agreements made with him, and by extension, the rights and status of his descendants. This was not an oversight but a calculated political and social rejection, signaling a breaking of previous diplomatic and relational ties.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now there arose up a new king over Egypt":** This clause dramatically signals a fundamental shift in power dynamics within Egypt. The verb "arose up" (H6965, _qûwm_) suggests a forceful or significant emergence, indicating a new dynasty or a ruler with a distinctly different policy. This "new king" represents a break from the past, specifically from the rulers who had honored Joseph's legacy, thereby setting the stage for a period of profound change and adversity for the Israelites.
* **"which knew not Joseph":** This pivotal phrase explains the reason for the impending oppression. As analyzed above, "knew not" (H3045, _lo-yadaʻ_) is far more than a lack of historical information. It implies a deliberate political and ideological choice to disregard, disavow, and disrespect Joseph's immense contributions to Egypt's survival and prosperity. This conscious act of historical amnesia allowed the new pharaoh to justify his subsequent policies of enslavement and cruelty against the Israelites, transforming them from favored guests into a feared and exploited foreign population.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 1:8 employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the introduction of this hostile "new king" immediately signals impending danger and suffering for the Israelites, setting a somber tone for the rest of the chapter and indeed, much of the book. The phrase "knew not Joseph" functions as a crucial instance of **Irony** and **Dramatic Irony**. It is ironic that a nation saved by Joseph's wisdom would so quickly forget or deliberately disregard his legacy, leading to the oppression of his family. For the reader, it creates dramatic irony because we, having read Genesis, are fully aware of Joseph's pivotal role, making the pharaoh's "ignorance" all the more chilling and revealing of his malicious intent. Furthermore, the verse uses **Contrast** to highlight the stark difference between the previous era of favor and the new era of hostility, emphasizing the precariousness of human-granted security and the suddenness of the shift in circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 1:8 serves as a stark reminder that human circumstances are subject to dramatic and often unexpected shifts, yet it simultaneously underscores the unwavering sovereignty of God. Even as a hostile king rises to power, seemingly thwarting God's promises, this very adversity becomes the crucible through which God's redemptive plan for Israel will be powerfully revealed. The pharaoh's deliberate act of "not knowing" Joseph highlights humanity's propensity for historical amnesia and injustice, contrasting sharply with God's perfect memory of His covenant and His steadfast love for His people. This verse sets the stage for God to demonstrate His power over earthly rulers and to deliver His people, not because of their merit, but because of His faithfulness to His word.

* [Deuteronomy 32:6](/deuteronomy/32-6 "Deuteronomy 32:6 - God's Parental Care and Israel's Forgetfulness")
* [Psalm 105:23-25](/psalms/105-23-25 "Psalm 105:23-25 - God's Faithfulness to Israel in Egypt")
* [Acts 7:18-19](/acts/7-18-19 "Acts 7:18-19 - Stephen's Account of the New King")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 1:8 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that even in times of peace and prosperity, circumstances can shift dramatically and unexpectedly, often due to changes in leadership or prevailing societal values. The pharaoh's deliberate disregard for Joseph's legacy serves as a powerful cautionary tale against historical amnesia, urging us to remember God's past faithfulness and the contributions of those who came before us, lest we repeat cycles of injustice or neglect foundational truths. In a world where political landscapes are constantly changing, this verse encourages us to place our ultimate trust not in human rulers or systems, but in the unchanging sovereignty of God. It teaches us that periods of hardship, though painful, can be divinely appointed catalysts for growth, deeper dependence on God, and the unfolding of His greater redemptive purposes, ultimately leading to a more profound experience of His deliverance and faithfulness in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "new king who knew not Joseph" challenge my understanding of security and stability in life?**
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be guilty of "not knowing" or forgetting important historical or spiritual truths that could lead to negative consequences?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty when faced with unexpected adversity or shifts in leadership in my own life or society?**

### FAQ

**Who was this "new king" over Egypt?**

Answer: The biblical text does not provide the specific name of this pharaoh. However, based on historical and archaeological evidence, scholars generally agree he was likely an indigenous Egyptian ruler who came to power after the expulsion of the foreign Hyksos rulers. This event is often associated with the beginning of Egypt's New Kingdom, specifically the early 18th Dynasty, a period characterized by strong nationalistic sentiment and a desire to consolidate power and secure Egypt's borders against perceived foreign threats. This shift in power dynamics explains the change in policy towards the Israelites, who were seen as a foreign population that had flourished under the previous regime.

**What does "knew not Joseph" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew phrase *lo-yada* (לֹא־יָדַע) signifies far more than simple ignorance or a lack of historical information. It implies a deliberate and active choice not to acknowledge, recognize, or honor Joseph's legacy and the immense contributions he made to Egypt's survival and prosperity (as detailed in [Genesis 41:37-57](/genesis/41-37-57 "Genesis 41:37-57 - Joseph's Wisdom Saves Egypt")). It was a conscious political decision to disregard past agreements and the rights of the Israelites, paving the way for their oppression. This intentional "forgetting" allowed the new pharaoh to justify the enslavement of a people who had previously been welcomed guests.

**Why did God allow His people to be oppressed by this new king?**

Answer: While seemingly a setback, God allowed this oppression as an integral part of His sovereign plan for Israel. The suffering would compel the Israelites to cry out to Him ([Exodus 2:23-25](/exodus/2-23-25 "Exodus 2:23-25 - Israel's Groaning and God's Remembering")), leading to their miraculous deliverance through the Exodus. This period of hardship served multiple divine purposes: it refined and unified the Israelites, demonstrated God's supreme power over earthly rulers, solidified their identity as a nation dependent solely on Him, and prepared them for the covenant at Sinai and their journey to the Promised Land. It also highlighted the necessity of divine intervention for true freedom, setting the stage for the revelation of God's character as Deliverer.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 1:8, with its portrayal of a new, hostile power arising to oppress God's people, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate spiritual oppression of humanity under the dominion of sin and death. Just as God raised up Moses to deliver Israel from the tyranny of Pharaoh, so too did He send Christ, the greater Deliverer, to free humanity from the bondage of sin and the power of the "prince of this world" ([John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - Jesus on the Judgment of This World")). Unlike the pharaoh who "knew not Joseph" and sought to destroy God's people, Christ, the true King, perfectly knows and upholds the covenant promises of God, for He is the very embodiment of God's faithfulness. His coming establishes an eternal kingdom where His people are no longer subject to earthly tyrants or the spiritual forces of darkness ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Deliverance from Darkness to Light")), but are eternally secure in Him, having been purchased by His blood and brought into His glorious light ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). His triumph over sin and death fulfills the longing for ultimate deliverance sparked by the initial oppression in Egypt, offering a freedom far greater and more enduring than any physical liberation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 7:18

Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.

Ecclesiastes 2:18

Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.

Ecclesiastes 2:19

And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise [man] or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This [is] also vanity.

Ecclesiastes 9:15

Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.