Exodus 5:17

KJV

But he said, Ye [are] idle, [ye are] idle: therefore ye say, Let us go [and] do sacrifice to the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

But he said {H559}, Ye are idle {H7503}, ye are idle {H7503}: therefore ye say {H559}, Let us go {H3212} and do sacrifice {H2076} to the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Lazy!" he retorted, "You're just lazy! That's why you say, 'Let us go and sacrifice to ADONAI.'

Berean Standard Bible

“You are slackers!” Pharaoh replied. “Slackers! That is why you keep saying, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.’

American Standard Version

But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and sacrifice to Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 5:17 captures Pharaoh's contemptuous and manipulative dismissal of Moses and Aaron's plea for the Israelites to worship the LORD. He vehemently accuses them of being "idle" as a pretext to deny their legitimate spiritual needs and, instead, intensifies their forced labor. This verse starkly illustrates the escalating conflict between God's divine will for His people and Pharaoh's hardened, oppressive resistance, revealing the spiritual battle underlying the physical oppression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a crucial turning point in the Exodus narrative, immediately following Moses and Aaron's initial, direct confrontation with Pharaoh. In [Exodus 5:1](/exodus/5-1 "Moses and Aaron's first demand to Pharaoh"), they deliver God's explicit command: "Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness." Pharaoh's arrogant and defiant retort in [Exodus 5:2](/exodus/5-2 "Pharaoh's defiant question"), "Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice...?", sets the stage for his subsequent actions. Rather than granting their modest request for a three-day journey to offer sacrifices, Pharaoh immediately perceives it as a threat to his economic and political control. His accusation of idleness in [Exodus 5:17](/exodus/5-17 "Pharaoh's accusation of idleness") serves as his self-serving justification for the brutal decree that follows in [Exodus 5:6-9](/exodus/5-6-9 "Pharaoh increases the Israelites' burden"), where he commands that the Israelites must now gather their own straw for brick-making while still meeting the same daily quota. This verse, therefore, functions as Pharaoh's rationale for escalating the oppression, aiming to crush the Israelites' spirit and devotion by increasing their physical burden.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a highly centralized, agrarian society dependent on a massive workforce, often supplemented by forced labor and slavery, to maintain its infrastructure, monumental building projects, and agricultural output. Pharaoh was considered a divine king, the embodiment of order (Ma'at), whose word was law. Any challenge to his authority, especially from a subjugated group, would have been met with extreme prejudice and punitive measures. The concept of a foreign deity, Yahweh, demanding the release of his slaves would have been utterly anathema to Pharaoh's worldview and a direct affront to his perceived divine status and absolute power. Sacrifices were common in ancient Near Eastern religions, but the Israelites' request to sacrifice to *their* God, Yahweh, in the wilderness, implied a separation from Egyptian cultic practices and a claim to a distinct identity and allegiance. Pharaoh's accusation of "idleness" was a common tactic of oppressors, designed to dehumanize the enslaved and justify their exploitation by framing any desire for rest or spiritual freedom as laziness or insubordination.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 5:17](/exodus/5-17 "Pharaoh's accusation of idleness") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Exodus. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Oppression and Deliverance**, showcasing the intensifying cruelty of Pharaoh's regime and setting the stage for God's powerful intervention. Pharaoh's refusal to "let my people go" ([Exodus 5:1](/exodus/5-1 "God's command to Pharaoh")) is rooted in his desire to maintain control, but it ultimately serves to magnify God's subsequent acts of liberation. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty versus Human Resistance**. Despite Pharaoh's hardened heart and escalating tactics, God's plan for Israel's exodus and their worship of Him remains unshakeable. Pharaoh's obstinacy, rather than thwarting God, becomes the very means by which God's power and glory are revealed to both Egypt and Israel, as seen in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God raises Pharaoh up to show His power"). Finally, it introduces the theme of **The Nature of True Worship**, demonstrating that worship is not a casual activity but a fundamental, non-negotiable command from God that often comes at a cost, challenging worldly priorities and allegiances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Exodus 5:17](/exodus/5-17 "Pharaoh's accusation of idleness") states, "But he said, Ye [are] idle, [ye are] idle: therefore ye say, Let us go [and] do sacrifice to the LORD." This verse reveals Pharaoh's immediate and emphatic rejection, characterized by a deliberate misinterpretation of the Israelites' spiritual request.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root (H559) signifies "to say" with broad applications, including to declare, command, or determine. Here, it denotes Pharaoh's authoritative and definitive pronouncement, not merely a casual remark, but a ruling that carries the weight of imperial decree. His "saying" is an act of power, designed to crush the Israelites' hope and justify his oppressive measures.
* **idle (Hebrew, _râphâh'_):** This primitive root (H7503) means "to slacken," "to be feeble," "to let alone," or "to be slothful." The repetition of this word in the Hebrew text, "râphâh, râphâh," is a powerful **intensification**, emphasizing Pharaoh's utter contempt and firm conviction that the Israelites were merely attempting to shirk their work. It's a deliberate and emphatic charge, framing their desire for worship as a ploy for leisure and an evasion of their responsibilities, thereby justifying his harsh decree.
* **sacrifice (Hebrew, _zâbach'_):** This primitive root (H2076) means "to slaughter an animal," usually in the context of offering a sacrifice. It refers to a fundamental act of worship and covenant relationship in the ancient Near East, particularly for the Israelites. Pharaoh's dismissal of this act as mere "idleness" reveals his complete lack of understanding or respect for the spiritual dimension of the Israelites' lives and their relationship with their God, YHWH.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he said,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes Pharaoh's direct and authoritative response to Moses and Aaron's request. The conjunction "But" signals a sharp contrast to the Israelites' plea, indicating an immediate and unyielding refusal rather than consideration.
* **"Ye [are] idle, [ye are] idle:"**: This is the core of Pharaoh's accusation. The repetition of "idle" (Hebrew _râphâh_) serves as a powerful rhetorical device, emphasizing Pharaoh's contempt and his absolute conviction that the Israelites' request stems from laziness. It is a calculated insult and a justification for his subsequent actions, designed to dehumanize them and dismiss their spiritual needs.
* **"therefore ye say,"**: This clause reveals Pharaoh's cynical interpretation of the Israelites' motives. He presents their spiritual request not as a genuine desire to worship God, but as a logical consequence of their supposed "idleness." He implies that their religious devotion is merely a convenient excuse to escape their labor, stripping their plea of any sacred significance.
* **"Let us go [and] do sacrifice to the LORD."**: This is the Israelites' original request, now twisted and presented by Pharaoh as evidence of their laziness. By linking their desire to "do sacrifice to the LORD" directly to his accusation of "idleness," Pharaoh demonstrates his complete disregard for their God and their religious freedom, viewing their spiritual aspirations solely through the lens of economic productivity and his own absolute control.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in [Exodus 5:17](/exodus/5-17 "Pharaoh's accusation of idleness") is **Repetition**, specifically the doubling of "idle" (Hebrew _râphâh_). This emphatic repetition serves to underscore Pharaoh's utter contempt and his firm, unshakeable conviction that the Israelites' request is nothing more than a ploy to shirk work. It creates a sense of finality and absolute dismissal. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present; Pharaoh, the oppressive taskmaster who exploits the Israelites' labor mercilessly, accuses them of idleness when they seek a legitimate, divinely commanded spiritual respite. This accusation is a form of **Propaganda**, designed to justify his increased cruelty and to demoralize the enslaved people. Furthermore, the verse encapsulates a profound **Conflict**—not merely between Moses and Pharaoh, but between the divine will of Yahweh and the hardened, idolatrous will of Pharaoh, manifesting as a clash between spiritual freedom and worldly bondage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Pharaoh's accusation of idleness and his subsequent intensification of labor underscore the fundamental clash between God's will for His people and the oppressive systems of the world. This episode highlights that true worship and obedience to God are often perceived as unproductive or even rebellious by those who do not acknowledge divine authority. It reveals that spiritual conflict frequently manifests in tangible, physical burdens and false accusations, testing the faith and resolve of God's people. Despite Pharaoh's attempts to crush their spirit, God's ultimate plan for Israel's deliverance and their freedom to worship Him would not be thwarted, demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty over human obstinacy.

* [Psalm 118:8-9](/psalms/118-8-9 "Trusting in the LORD is better than trusting in man")
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Obeying God rather than men")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "God is for us, who can be against us?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Exodus 5:17](/exodus/5-17 "Pharaoh's accusation and its implications") offers a profound contemporary lesson for believers. Just as Pharaoh misconstrued the Israelites' desire to worship God as mere idleness, the world often fails to understand or even actively disparages the spiritual disciplines and priorities of faith. In a productivity-driven culture, time spent in prayer, Bible study, worship, or serving others may be viewed as unproductive, inefficient, or even a distraction from "real work." This verse encourages us to discern when genuine spiritual desires or calls to worship are misconstrued or attacked by those who do not understand or acknowledge God's authority. It reminds us that prioritizing God, even when it seems to incur worldly costs or accusations, is never idleness but is, in fact, the most profound form of productivity and purpose. We are called to remain steadfast in our commitment to worship and obey God, recognizing that our ultimate allegiance is to the LORD, not to earthly taskmasters or societal pressures that seek to control our lives or diminish our spiritual devotion. Our true freedom lies in Christ, enabling us to offer acceptable worship regardless of external pressures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my commitment to God be perceived as "idleness" or unproductive by the world's standards today?**
* **How do I respond when my spiritual priorities are challenged or misunderstood by those around me?**
* **What "sacrifices" (time, resources, comfort) am I being called to make for the LORD that might be met with resistance?**
* **How can I maintain my devotion to God even when faced with increased pressure or hardship, knowing that true productivity is found in Him?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pharaoh accuse the Israelites of being "idle"?**

Answer: Pharaoh accused the Israelites of being "idle" as a calculated, manipulative tactic to justify his refusal to let them go worship God and to increase their forced labor. He framed their legitimate spiritual request as a mere excuse to shirk work, aiming to crush their spirit and devotion by making their lives even harder. This accusation was a strategic political and psychological move to maintain absolute control over his slave force and dismiss their religious freedom, viewing their spiritual aspirations solely through the lens of economic utility. He could not comprehend or tolerate their allegiance to a power greater than himself, as evidenced by his defiant question, "Who is the LORD?" in [Exodus 5:2](/exodus/5-2 "Pharaoh's defiant question").

**What is the significance of the Israelites' request to "do sacrifice to the LORD"?**

Answer: The request to "do sacrifice to the LORD" was profoundly significant, representing far more than a mere ceremonial act. It was a fundamental expression of the Israelites' identity, their covenant relationship with God, and their right to worship their sovereign God freely. This act of sacrifice was a core component of their spiritual obedience and a necessary step in establishing their distinct identity as God's chosen people, separate from the idolatry of Egypt. It was a divinely commanded act, as revealed to Moses at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:12](/exodus/3-12 "God's command to worship Him at Horeb")), and essential for their spiritual purification and communion with God. Pharaoh's denial of this right was an attempt to sever their spiritual ties and maintain complete dominion over their lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Exodus 5:17](/exodus/5-17 "Pharaoh's oppressive response") profoundly foreshadows the spiritual bondage from which Christ delivers humanity. Just as Pharaoh sought to keep Israel enslaved and deny their right to worship Yahweh, sin and death hold all humanity captive, preventing true fellowship and acceptable worship of God. Christ, the greater Moses, came not only to lead His people out of spiritual slavery but also to enable them to offer true and acceptable worship. He Himself became the ultimate and perfect [sacrifice for sins](/hebrews/10-10 "Christ's perfect sacrifice"), fulfilling and superseding the Old Testament sacrificial system. Through His atoning work on the cross, believers are freed from the oppressive demands of sin and the world's accusations of spiritual "idleness." We are no longer slaves to sin but are empowered by the Holy Spirit to offer our lives as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Living sacrifices to God")), a freedom Pharaoh could never comprehend or grant. Christ's deliverance secures not just physical liberty, but the spiritual liberty to truly worship the Father "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "Worship in spirit and truth")), a freedom purchased at infinite cost.

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

Matthew 26:8

But when his disciples saw [it], they had indignation, saying, To what purpose [is] this waste?

John 6:27

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

Exodus 5:8

And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish [ought] thereof: for they [be] idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go [and] sacrifice to our God.

2 Thessalonians 3:10

For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

2 Thessalonians 3:11

For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.