Exodus 3:22

KJV

But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put [them] upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.

KJV (with Strong's)

But every woman {H802} shall borrow {H7592} of her neighbour {H7934}, and of her that sojourneth {H1481} in her house {H1004}, jewels {H3627} of silver {H3701}, and jewels {H3627} of gold {H2091}, and raiment {H8071}: and ye shall put {H7760} them upon your sons {H1121}, and upon your daughters {H1323}; and ye shall spoil {H5337} the Egyptians {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rather, all the women will ask their neighbors and house guests for silver and gold jewelry and clothing, with which you will dress your own sons and daughters. In this way you will plunder the Egyptians."

Berean Standard Bible

Every woman shall ask her neighbor and any woman staying in her house for silver and gold jewelry and clothing, and you will put them on your sons and daughters. So you will plunder the Egyptians.”

American Standard Version

But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall despoil the Egyptians.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 3:22 presents a pivotal divine instruction given to Moses at the burning bush, outlining God's plan for the Israelite women to "borrow" valuable items—jewels of silver and gold, and raiment—from their Egyptian neighbors and those dwelling in their homes. This command was not an act of deceit but a divinely ordained transfer of wealth, serving as a just recompense for centuries of forced labor and a means to "spoil" the Egyptians, thereby fulfilling God's ancient promise to Abraham regarding his descendants departing with great substance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of God's initial revelation to Moses at the burning bush. It immediately follows God's declaration in [Exodus 3:21](/exodus/3-21 "God's promise of favor for Israel in Egypt") that He would grant the Israelites favor in the sight of the Egyptians, ensuring they would not leave Egypt empty-handed. The preceding verses establish God's awareness of Israel's suffering and His resolute intention to deliver them, introducing Moses as His chosen instrument. This specific instruction about acquiring wealth serves as a practical, yet profoundly symbolic, preparatory step for the impending Exodus, demonstrating God's meticulous planning and sovereign control over every detail of their liberation. It sets the stage for the dramatic events that will unfold, culminating in Israel's departure with significant material possessions, contrasting sharply with their previous enslaved status.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, particularly Egypt, was a society where wealth was often concentrated in the hands of the elite, and precious metals and fine garments were significant markers of status and power. The Israelites had been enslaved for approximately 430 years, forced into brutal labor without recompense. This historical backdrop makes God's command for them to "spoil" the Egyptians a profound act of divine justice and restitution. It was culturally understood that a conquering power would take spoils from the vanquished, but here, God orchestrates a unique "spoiling" where the oppressed, through divine intervention, take from their oppressors. The mention of "neighbor" and "sojourner" suggests established, albeit unequal, relationships between Israelite and Egyptian households, making the "request" for items plausible under the extraordinary circumstances God would create.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 3:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully underscores God's **Divine Justice and Retribution**, demonstrating His commitment to avenging the oppression of His people and bringing judgment upon their oppressors. It highlights God's **Sovereignty and Provision**, showing His ability to manipulate circumstances and incline the hearts of even His enemies to serve His purposes, ensuring His people are equipped for their journey. Furthermore, this act of "spoiling" directly fulfills God's covenant promise to Abraham in [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham and Promise of Deliverance"), where He foretold that Abraham's descendants would be afflicted but would eventually "come out with great substance." This verse thus reinforces the theme of God's **Covenant Faithfulness** and His meticulous fulfillment of His word.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The instruction in Exodus 3:22 is a precise divine directive, outlining the method by which Israel would depart Egypt with substantial wealth. God commands "every woman" to participate, indicating a widespread and systematic acquisition of valuables, ensuring that the entire community benefited from this act of divine recompense.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **woman (Hebrew, _ʼishshâh'_):** From H802, meaning "a woman," often used in a wide sense. The emphasis on "every woman" (H802) underscores the comprehensive nature of this command, indicating that this was not a task for a select few, but a widespread, communal action involving all Israelite women. This highlights the collective nature of both their oppression and their divinely orchestrated liberation and enrichment.
* **borrow (Hebrew, _shâʼal'_):** From H7592, meaning "to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand." While "borrow" in English implies an intent to return, the Hebrew *shâʼal* carries a broader semantic range of "asking," "requesting," or even "demanding." In this specific context, given the divine command and the subsequent narrative where no repayment occurs, it signifies a divinely sanctioned demand or request that would be granted, often under divine influence or duress, rather than a conventional loan. It represents a righteous acquisition, not an act of deceit on Israel's part.
* **jewels (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy'_):** From H3627, meaning "something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)." This term is broad, encompassing various articles or vessels, not exclusively ornamental "jewels." When paired with "silver" (H3701) and "gold" (H2091), it refers to valuable items made of these precious metals, including utensils, ornaments, or other portable assets. This implies a significant transfer of material wealth beyond mere trinkets, equipping the Israelites with substantial resources for their journey and future.
* **spoil (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** From H5337, meaning "to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense; to deliver (self), escape, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip." Here, *nâtsal* refers to the act of taking possession of the Egyptians' goods, a divinely authorized plundering or stripping. It is not random looting but a righteous acquisition, a form of restitution for centuries of forced labor and a tangible sign of God's judgment upon Egypt. This act demonstrates God's power to deliver His people and turn the tables on their oppressors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house,"**: This opening clause specifies the agents ("every woman") and the targets ("her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house"). It implies a close, albeit perhaps strained, relationship between the Israelite and Egyptian women, making the direct interaction and request feasible. The divine command ensures that these requests would be met, suggesting a supernatural inclination on the part of the Egyptians to comply.
* **"jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:"**: This enumerates the specific types of valuable items to be acquired. "Jewels" (KJV) refers to articles or vessels of precious metals, not just ornaments, indicating substantial wealth. "Raiment" (clothing) was also a significant form of wealth and a practical necessity in ancient societies. These items were portable and highly valuable, equipping the Israelites for their journey and future.
* **"and ye shall put [them] upon your sons, and upon your daughters;"**: This clause specifies the immediate use of the acquired wealth. The adornment of their children with these precious items signifies their newfound freedom, dignity, and prosperity, marking a dramatic shift from their former status as impoverished slaves to a people enriched by God. It is a visible sign of God's blessing and a public display of their liberation.
* **"and ye shall spoil the Egyptians."**: This concluding declaration states the ultimate outcome and divine intention behind the command. The Hebrew word *nâtsal* implies a forceful deliverance or stripping away. In this context, it refers to the act of taking possession of the Egyptians' goods, a rightful acquisition given their years of forced labor and God's impending judgment upon Egypt. This was not random looting but a divinely ordained act of restitution and a demonstration of God's sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 3:22 employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the very people who oppressed Israel are now compelled by God to provide for their liberation, turning oppressors into unwitting benefactors. This highlights God's absolute control and ability to reverse human power dynamics. The verse also functions as **Prophetic Fulfillment**, directly echoing God's earlier promise to Abraham in [Genesis 15:14](/genesis/15-14 "God's promise of great substance to Abraham's descendants") that his descendants would "come out with great substance." This demonstrates the continuity of God's plan across generations. Furthermore, the act of adorning "sons and daughters" with the acquired wealth serves as powerful **Symbolism**, representing Israel's transition from slavery and degradation to a state of freedom, dignity, and divine favor. The wealth itself symbolizes the recompense for their suffering and God's abundant provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates God's unwavering justice and His commitment to His covenant people. After centuries of brutal servitude, God orchestrates a means for Israel to receive restitution for their suffering and unpaid labor. This is a divinely commanded transfer of wealth, not theft, serving as a just payment and a powerful demonstration of God's judgment upon Egypt. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all circumstances, including the hearts of men, as He causes the Egyptians, who had previously oppressed the Israelites, to willingly part with their valuables. This act highlights God's miraculous ability to provide for His people, turning their oppressors into their benefactors and demonstrating His power to overturn human injustice. The acquired wealth was not merely for personal enrichment but served a greater, redemptive purpose, later being used for the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people in the wilderness, illustrating how God's provision often serves His kingdom purposes and the establishment of His covenant relationship.

* [Genesis 15:14](/genesis/15-14 "God's Promise of Great Substance to Abraham's Descendants")
* [Exodus 12:35-36](/exodus/12-35-36 "Israelites Receive Valuables from Egyptians")
* [Exodus 25:2-7](/exodus/25-2-7 "Offerings for the Tabernacle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 3:22 serves as a profound reminder that God is a God of justice who sees and responds to the afflictions of His people. He is not indifferent to suffering but actively intervenes to bring about recompense for the oppressed and to humble the oppressor. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign provision, knowing that His plans are perfect, His timing is impeccable, and His justice will ultimately prevail. Just as the wealth taken from Egypt served to build the Tabernacle, a dwelling place for God among His people, we are reminded that God often provides resources, opportunities, and even unexpected blessings in our lives not merely for our personal comfort, but to further His kingdom and fulfill His divine purposes. We are called to discern how God's provision in our lives can be consecrated for His glory, whether through our time, talents, or material possessions. The historical fulfillment of this promise, recorded in [Exodus 12:35-36](/exodus/12-35-36 "Israelites Receiving Valuables from Egyptians"), stands as a testament to God's faithfulness to His word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's command to "spoil the Egyptians" challenge our understanding of justice and retribution?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's unexpected provision in your life, and how might that provision be intended for a greater, kingdom purpose?**
* **How does this passage encourage you to trust God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem overwhelmingly oppressive?**

### FAQ
**Was Israel's "borrowing" from the Egyptians an act of deceit or theft?**

Answer: No, it was not an act of deceit or theft. The Hebrew word *sha'al* (שָׁאַל), translated "borrow," carries a broader meaning of "to ask," "to request," or "to demand." In this context, it signifies a divinely ordained request that the Egyptians would grant under God's powerful influence, not a conventional loan with an intent to repay. This was God's act of justice, providing restitution for centuries of unpaid labor and fulfilling His promise to Abraham, a rightful acquisition rather than a fraudulent one. The Egyptians, under the duress of the plagues and the urgency of Israel's departure, were eager to see them go, leading them to comply with these requests, as detailed in [Exodus 12:33-36](/exodus/12-33-36 "Egyptians Urge Israel's Departure and Give Gifts").

**Why did God command the Israelites to take wealth from the Egyptians?**

Answer: God commanded this for several profound reasons: primarily, as divine recompense for over 400 years of brutal slavery and unpaid labor, serving as a just settlement for their suffering. Secondly, it was a powerful demonstration of His sovereignty and judgment over Egypt, humbling the oppressor and exalting His people. Thirdly, it was a direct fulfillment of His covenant promise to Abraham that his descendants would leave Egypt with "great substance" ([Genesis 15:14](/genesis/15-14 "God's promise to Abraham")). Finally, the wealth served a practical and spiritual purpose, later being consecrated and used for the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people ([Exodus 25:2-7](/exodus/25-2-7 "Offerings for the Tabernacle")).

**What was the ultimate purpose of the jewels, gold, and raiment taken from Egypt?**

Answer: While the items initially served to enrich the Israelites, adorn their children, and provide practical resources for their wilderness journey, their ultimate purpose was for the glory of God and the establishment of His covenant presence. A significant portion of the silver, gold, and fine materials acquired from the Egyptians was later consecrated and willingly offered by the Israelites for the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people in the wilderness ([Exodus 35:4-9](/exodus/35-4-9 "Offerings for the Tabernacle")). This demonstrates how God's provision is often intended to further His kingdom purposes and facilitate worship and communion with Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "spoiling" of the Egyptians by Israel in Exodus 3:22 profoundly foreshadows the greater spiritual "spoiling" accomplished by Christ. Just as Israel was liberated from physical bondage with the spoils of their oppressors, humanity is liberated from the bondage of sin and death through Christ's victory on the cross. The New Testament reveals that Christ, through His death and resurrection, disarmed and triumphed over the spiritual powers that held humanity captive. As [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's triumph over principalities and powers") declares, He "spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it." This victory means that the spiritual "wealth" of redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life, previously held captive by sin and death, is now freely given to those who believe. The material wealth taken from Egypt provided for Israel's journey and the building of the Tabernacle, symbolizing the spiritual resources and abundant blessings Christ provides for His church—His new covenant people—to journey through this world and build His eternal kingdom. Through Christ, we are not merely set free, but we are also richly endowed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ")), enabling us to live lives that glorify God and participate in the building of His dwelling place among humanity, which is the Church itself ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Built on the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets")).

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

Ezekiel 39:10

So that they shall take no wood out of the field, neither cut down [any] out of the forests; for they shall burn the weapons with fire: and they shall spoil those that spoiled them, and rob those that robbed them, saith the Lord GOD.

Psalms 105:37

He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and [there was] not one feeble [person] among their tribes.

Exodus 11:2

Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.

Job 27:16

Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay;

Job 27:17

He may prepare [it], but the just shall put [it] on, and the innocent shall divide the silver.

Genesis 15:14

And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

Proverbs 13:22

¶ A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just.