Exodus 5:11

Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished.

Go {H3212} ye, get {H3947} you straw {H8401} where {H834} ye can find {H4672} it: yet {H3588} not ought {H1697} of your work {H5656} shall be diminished {H1639}.

You go, yourselves, and get straw wherever you can find it. But your output is not to be reduced.'"

Go and get your own straw wherever you can find it; but your workload will in no way be reduced.’”

Go yourselves, get you straw where ye can find it: for nought of your work shall be diminished.

Commentary

Exodus 5:11 KJV reads, "Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished." This verse captures a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of the Israelite exodus from Egypt, revealing Pharaoh's intensified oppression against God's people.

Context

This verse is part of Pharaoh's harsh response to Moses and Aaron's initial request to let the Israelites go and worship the Lord in the wilderness (Exodus 5:1). Instead of granting their request, Pharaoh accuses them of making the people idle and decides to make their labor even more unbearable. Previously, the Egyptian taskmasters provided straw for brickmaking. Pharaoh's decree in Exodus 5:11 forces the Israelite slaves to gather their own straw, yet still meet the same daily quota of bricks. This act was designed to crush their spirit, break their will, and make them too busy to consider leaving or worshiping their God.

Key Themes

  • Intensified Oppression: Pharaoh's command exemplifies the cruelty of an oppressive regime determined to maintain control and suppress any hope of freedom. It shows a deliberate escalation of hardship.
  • Unjust Burden: The demand to gather straw while maintaining the same brick quota created an impossible and unjust burden, highlighting the heartless nature of the Egyptian taskmasters and Pharaoh's authority.
  • Futility of Human Efforts Without God: The Israelites' initial attempts to appeal to Pharaoh failed, leading only to greater suffering. This sets the stage for God's powerful intervention, demonstrating that only divine strength could deliver them from such tyranny.
  • God's Sovereignty in Adversity: While the situation seems hopeless, this increased suffering is paradoxically part of God's plan to demonstrate His power and glory, leading to a more profound deliverance (compare with Exodus 6:6).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "not ought of your work shall be diminished" uses the Hebrew verb Χ’ΦΌΦΈΧ¨Φ·Χ’ (gara'), which means "to hold back," "to lessen," or "to decrease." This emphasizes Pharaoh's absolute refusal to reduce the workload, even as he added a significant new burden. It underscores the severity of the decree and the complete lack of mercy from their oppressors.

Practical Application

Exodus 5:11 reminds us that sometimes, when God is about to act powerfully, circumstances may appear to worsen before they improve. It teaches us about:

  • Perseverance in Suffering: Like the Israelites, we may face increased difficulties when seeking to follow God's call or break free from bondage. This verse encourages us not to lose heart but to trust in God's ultimate deliverance.
  • Understanding Oppression: It offers insight into the nature of human evil and the tactics of oppressors, who often seek to overwhelm and dehumanize their victims.
  • Reliance on Divine Intervention: Ultimately, the Israelites could not free themselves. This narrative underscores the necessity of relying on God's power when facing insurmountable obstacles, much like Paul's declaration of finding strength in Christ.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the darkness that precedes the dawn, illustrating the depth of the oppression from which God would miraculously deliver His people, showcasing His unparalleled might and faithfulness.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 5:13

    And the taskmasters hasted [them], saying, Fulfil your works, [your] daily tasks, as when there was straw.

  • Exodus 5:14

    And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, [and] demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore?
← Back