Exodus 12:33

KJV

And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We [be] all dead [men].

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Egyptians {H4714} were urgent {H2388} upon the people {H5971}, that they might send {H7971} them out of the land {H776} in haste {H4116}; for they said {H559}, We be all dead {H4191} men.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Egyptians pressed to send the people out of the land quickly, because they said, "Otherwise we'll all be dead!"

Berean Standard Bible

And in order to send them out of the land quickly, the Egyptians urged the people on. “For otherwise,” they said, “we are all going to die!”

American Standard Version

And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, to send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We are all dead men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 12:33 powerfully depicts the Egyptians' desperate reaction following the devastating tenth plague, the death of the firstborn, as they urgently compelled the Israelites to depart their land in haste. This verse underscores the overwhelming power of God's judgment, the complete reversal of power dynamics, and the definitive moment of Israel's liberation from centuries of bondage, fulfilling God's ancient promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic [tenth plague](/exodus/12-29 "The Death of the Firstborn"), where the firstborn of Egypt, from Pharaoh's heir to the captive in the dungeon, and even the firstborn of livestock, died. The preceding verses detail the institution of the [Passover](/exodus/12-1 "The Institution of Passover"), a ritual commemoration of God "passing over" the homes of the Israelites marked by the blood of a lamb. Pharaoh, after repeatedly hardening his heart against Moses and Aaron's pleas (e.g., [Exodus 9:12](/exodus/9-12 "Pharaoh's Heart Hardened")), has just suffered the ultimate blow. Exodus 12:33 marks the immediate, desperate response of the Egyptians who, in their terror, now actively push Israel out, setting the stage for the [Exodus journey](/exodus/13-17 "The Exodus Journey Begins").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a powerful, self-sufficient empire, deeply entrenched in its polytheistic beliefs, with Pharaoh considered a divine king. The plagues, particularly the death of the firstborn, were not merely natural disasters but direct assaults on Egyptian deities and the very fabric of their societal and cosmic order. The "death of the firstborn" was a blow to the future, the inheritance, and the very essence of life, striking at the heart of Egyptian identity and their gods' perceived power. The concept of "honor and shame" is crucial here: Pharaoh and Egypt had been publicly shamed and humiliated by Yahweh, whose power was now undeniably superior to all their gods. The Egyptians' urgency reflects a profound shift from a position of dominance to utter terror, fearing continued divine wrath if Israel remained.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 12:33 contributes to several key themes woven throughout the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **divine sovereignty and power**, demonstrating God's ability to overcome even the most stubborn human resistance and fulfill His purposes. It highlights the **consequences of rebellion against God**, as Egypt suffers devastating judgment for its prolonged oppression of God's chosen people. Furthermore, it marks the definitive moment of **God's faithfulness to His covenant promises** to Abraham regarding the liberation of his descendants from bondage (as seen in [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham")). The verse also underscores the theme of **redemption and liberation**, as God delivers His people through a display of overwhelming power, leading them out of slavery into freedom, a journey that will culminate in the giving of the Law and the establishment of Israel as God's nation at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Israel at Mount Sinai").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 12:33 describes the dramatic turning point in the Israelite liberation, driven by Egyptian desperation: "And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We [be] all dead [men]."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **urgent (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** This Hebrew word (H2388) means "to fasten upon," "to seize," "to be strong," or "to compel." Here, it signifies a forceful, intense insistence. It's not merely a request but an active, compelling pressure exerted by the Egyptians. This is a powerful reversal from Pharaoh's previous "hardening" (also related to _châzaq_ in some contexts) of his heart against letting Israel go; now, the Egyptians themselves are "strengthened" in their resolve to expel Israel.
* **haste (Hebrew, _mâhar'_):** This term (H4116) means "to hurry," "to flow easily" (implying promptness), or "to be fearful." It denotes a hurried, agitated, or even terrified departure. It implies a sense of urgency born of fear and alarm. The Egyptians wanted the Israelites gone immediately, without delay, fearing further calamity. This haste also dictates how Israel prepares for their journey, as seen in the command to eat the Passover meal with "loins girded, sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand" ([Exodus 12:11](/exodus/12-11 "Instructions for the Passover Meal")).
* **dead (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** This primitive root (H4191) means "to die" (literally or figuratively) or "to kill." In the phrase "We be all dead men," it conveys the Egyptians' profound terror and sense of impending national doom. They perceived God's judgment as an ongoing threat that would annihilate them if the Israelites remained. It's not just a fear of individual death but a recognition that their entire society was under a divine death sentence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the new dynamic. The oppressors are now the ones pleading and compelling. The "Egyptians" here refers to the populace, not just Pharaoh, indicating a widespread panic and recognition of God's power. Their urgency is a direct result of the devastating tenth plague.
* **"that they might send them out of the land in haste;"**: The Egyptians' motivation is clear: to rid themselves of the Israelites as quickly as possible. The verb "send" (H7971, _shâlach_) is the very word Moses had used repeatedly when demanding Pharaoh "Let my people go!" Now, the Egyptians are doing the "sending" themselves, fulfilling God's command through their own fear and desperation.
* **"for they said, We [be] all dead [men]."**: This provides the terrifying rationale for their urgency. Their collective cry reveals a deep-seated fear of continued divine judgment, believing that their very existence was at stake if Israel remained in their midst. This starkly contrasts Pharaoh's earlier stubbornness and denial of Yahweh's power. It is a hyperbolic expression of utter despair and terror.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **hyperbole** in the phrase "We [be] all dead [men]" to emphasize the extreme fear and desperation of the Egyptians. This exaggerated statement vividly conveys their profound sense of impending national doom and the overwhelming impact of God's judgment. It also presents a dramatic **reversal** of roles: the enslaved are now being expelled by their former masters, and the stubborn oppressors are now pleading with terror. This reversal highlights God's absolute sovereignty and His ability to turn the hearts of even His enemies, demonstrating that His will cannot be thwarted.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 12:33 powerfully illustrates several core theological truths. Primarily, it showcases God's **absolute sovereignty and irresistible power** over nations and human will. The Egyptians, who had stubbornly resisted God's commands for so long, are now compelled by divine judgment to fulfill His purpose. This demonstrates that no human resistance can ultimately thwart God's plan. Secondly, it highlights the **consequences of resisting God's will** and oppressing His people. The severe judgment on Egypt serves as a stark warning against defying the Creator.

* It underscores God's **faithfulness to His covenant promises**. Centuries earlier, God had promised Abraham that his descendants would be afflicted in a foreign land but would eventually come out with great possessions [Genesis 15:14](/genesis/15-14 "God's Promise to Abraham"). This verse marks the definitive moment of that promise's fulfillment, as Israel is not just released but actively pushed out, even enriched by the Egyptians [Psalm 105:37](/psalms/105-37 "God brought Israel out with silver and gold").
* The entire Exodus narrative, culminating in this verse, is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to deliver His people and establish His kingdom.
* This moment also fulfills God's specific declaration to Moses in [Exodus 11:1](/exodus/11-1 "The Lord's Final Plague Warning") that "one more plague I will bring on Pharaoh and on Egypt; after that he will let you go from here. When he lets you go, he will surely drive you out of here completely."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 12:33 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God's power is supreme, capable of breaking through the most stubborn resistance and turning seemingly insurmountable obstacles into pathways for His purposes. When we face situations where powerful forces seem to oppose God's will or our own liberation, this verse assures us that God can intervene decisively, even changing the hearts of our adversaries. It also challenges us to consider our own "haste" in obedience. Just as Israel was compelled to leave in haste, sometimes God calls us to make swift, decisive breaks from familiar comforts, sinful patterns, or limiting circumstances to step into His promised freedom and purpose. Trusting God's timing and provision, even when the path ahead is uncertain, is a crucial aspect of faith, mirroring Israel's sudden, divinely orchestrated departure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's ability to turn the hearts of His enemies encourage you when facing seemingly insurmountable opposition in your life or ministry?**
* **What "Egypts" or comfortable, yet hindering, situations might God be calling you to leave in "haste" to fully embrace His will for your life?**
* **In what ways does this verse remind you of the seriousness of resisting God's commands, both for individuals and for nations?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Egyptians suddenly change their minds after so many plagues?**

Answer: The death of the firstborn was the ultimate, undeniable demonstration of Yahweh's power and judgment, striking at the very core of Egyptian society and their gods. Unlike previous plagues which Pharaoh could rationalize or endure, this one was universal, deeply personal, and irreversible, leaving no doubt about the divine hand behind it. Their change of mind was born of profound terror and a desperate desire to avoid further annihilation, as they feared continued divine wrath if the Israelites remained.

**Does "We [be] all dead [men]" imply that every Egyptian would literally die if the Israelites stayed?**

Answer: This phrase is a hyperbole, a figure of speech used to express extreme fear and desperation. It conveys their belief that God's judgment was so severe and ongoing that their entire nation faced imminent destruction if they did not immediately comply with God's demand to release Israel. It reflects a profound sense of national impending doom rather than a literal prediction of every single individual's death, emphasizing the overwhelming terror that had gripped them.

**Was it fair for God to bring such devastation upon Egypt?**

Answer: From a biblical perspective, God's actions were a just response to centuries of brutal oppression of His chosen people, including the murder of Israelite male infants ([Exodus 1:15-22](/exodus/1-15-22 "Pharaoh's Command to Kill Hebrew Boys")). Pharaoh and Egypt had repeatedly defied God's clear commands, despite numerous warnings and escalating judgments. God's justice is always proportionate to the sin, and in this case, it was a righteous act of liberation for His people and judgment upon a tyrannical, idolatrous empire that had enslaved them. The plagues also served to demonstrate God's supremacy over all the gods of Egypt, fulfilling His purpose to make His name known throughout the earth ([Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's Purpose in Raising Pharaoh")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 12:33, marking the definitive moment of Israel's liberation from Egypt, serves as a powerful **type** or foreshadowing of the greater deliverance accomplished by Jesus Christ. Just as the Israelites were freed from physical bondage and the oppressive reign of Pharaoh through God's decisive intervention, believers are liberated from the spiritual bondage of sin and death through the person and work of Jesus. The "haste" with which Israel was driven out of Egypt points to the urgency and finality of our spiritual exodus from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of God's beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")). The Passover lamb, whose blood protected Israel from judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John the Baptist Identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God")). His death on the cross is the ultimate "plague" on sin and Satan, breaking their power and enabling our "hasty" departure from a life enslaved to sin into the freedom of new life in Him. The terror of the Egyptians, driven by the fear of death, is transformed into the joyous urgency of the believer who, having been delivered from spiritual death, eagerly follows Christ into the promised land of eternal life, looking forward to the ultimate redemption and glorification found in Him ([Romans 8:23](/romans/8-23 "Groaning for Redemption")).

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

Psalms 105:38

Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them.

Exodus 11:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague [more] upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let [you] go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.

Genesis 20:3

¶ But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou [art but] a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she [is] a man's wife.

Numbers 17:12

And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.

Numbers 17:13

Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the LORD shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?