Exodus 6:5

KJV

And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I have also heard {H8085} the groaning {H5009} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, whom {H834} the Egyptians {H4714} keep in bondage {H5647}; and I have remembered {H2142} my covenant {H1285}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Isra'el, whom the Egyptians are keeping in slavery; and I have remembered my covenant.

Berean Standard Bible

Furthermore, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered My covenant.

American Standard Version

And moreover I have heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 6:5 stands as a powerful divine declaration, affirming God's profound awareness of the Israelites' severe suffering under Egyptian bondage and His unwavering commitment to His ancient covenant. This verse serves as a pivotal assurance, not only to the oppressed children of Israel but to all believers, that God is neither distant nor indifferent to human anguish, but actively engaged in fulfilling His sovereign promises through compassionate attentiveness and steadfast faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial component of God's renewed revelation to Moses, following Moses' initial, disheartening encounter with Pharaoh, which only intensified the Israelites' suffering and led to their despair ([Exodus 5:6-23](/exodus/5-6-23 "Pharaoh increases the Israelites' burden")). In the preceding verses ([Exodus 6:2-4](/exodus/6-2-4 "God reveals His name YHWH and reiterates covenant promises")), God explicitly identifies Himself by His personal covenant name, YHWH (the LORD), a name not fully known to the patriarchs in its redemptive power. He then reiterates the solemn covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, promising them the land of Canaan. [Exodus 6:5](/exodus/6-5 "God hears and remembers His covenant") acts as the immediate bridge, connecting the current, unbearable reality of their enslavement to the ancient, yet actively remembered, divine promise, signaling that the time for God's promised deliverance has finally arrived. It frames their present agony within the larger narrative of God's eternal purposes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites in Egypt were subjected to brutal, forced labor, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern empires for large-scale construction projects. Pharaoh, as depicted in [Exodus 1:11-14](/exodus/1-11-14 "The Egyptians oppress the Israelites with forced labor"), had systematically enslaved them, making their lives "bitter with hard bondage." This was not merely physical toil but a systemic dehumanization, designed to break their spirit and control their population. Their "groaning" was the collective cry of a people crushed under the weight of relentless oppression, a cry that would have been understood by ancient listeners as a desperate appeal to any deity who might hear. The concept of a covenant was also deeply embedded in ancient Near Eastern thought, often involving solemn oaths, rituals, and reciprocal obligations between parties, whether between kings and vassals or between gods and their people. God's "remembering" His covenant would have been understood as His active commitment to uphold His side of this sacred, binding agreement, specifically relating to the promises made to the patriarchs regarding land and descendants ([Genesis 15:13-16](/genesis/15-13-16 "God's covenant with Abram and the prophecy of Egyptian bondage")).
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 6:5](/exodus/6-5 "God hears and remembers His covenant") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Compassion and Attentiveness**, portraying God as a sympathetic and responsive deity who is intimately aware of His people's suffering, a theme established earlier in [Exodus 2:23-25](/exodus/2-23-25 "God hears the cry of Israel and remembers His covenant"). Secondly, it underscores God's **Unwavering Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating that His promises are not forgotten or abandoned, even across generations of silence or hardship. The covenant with the patriarchs ([Genesis 17:7-8](/genesis/17-7-8 "God establishes His covenant with Abraham")) forms the bedrock of Israel's identity and future. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **God's Sovereign Initiative in Deliverance**. The liberation of Israel is not a result of their own strength or negotiation, but solely God's purposeful intervention, driven by His character and His commitment to His word. Finally, it elaborates on the **Nature of Divine Remembrance**, revealing it as a dynamic, active force that compels God to intervene and fulfill His divine plan, rather than a mere passive recollection of past events.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **heard (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** (H8085) This primitive root signifies more than just auditory perception; it implies intelligent hearing, often with the implication of attention, understanding, and a readiness to respond or obey. In the context of God, it means that He not only perceived the sound of their groaning but understood its depth, its plea, and was moved to action by it. It conveys divine attentiveness and receptiveness to the suffering of His people.
* **groaning (Hebrew, _nᵉʼâqâh'_):** (H5009) Derived from a root meaning "to groan," this noun specifically refers to a deep, involuntary sound of distress, anguish, or pain. It is the cry of those suffering under oppression, a lament that rises from the depths of physical and emotional torment. God's hearing of this "groaning" emphasizes the severity of Israel's plight and the profound empathy of their divine Deliverer.
* **remembered (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** (H2142) This verb, from a primitive root meaning "to mark (so as to be recognized)," implies an active, purposeful recall that leads to action. When God "remembers," it is not a recovery from forgetfulness, but a dynamic engagement with a past commitment, compelling Him to intervene and fulfill His promises. It signifies His unwavering faithfulness and His readiness to initiate His redemptive plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel":** This opening clause establishes God's intimate awareness of His people's suffering. The use of "also" (gam) connects this declaration to previous divine acts of hearing and seeing their affliction ([Exodus 2:24-25](/exodus/2-24-25 "God hears the cry of Israel and remembers His covenant")). The "groaning" (nᵉʼâqâh) vividly portrays their deep anguish and desperate cries under the harsh yoke of Egyptian bondage, a cry that has reached the divine ear. It highlights God's compassionate attentiveness to the plight of the oppressed.
* **"whom the Egyptians keep in bondage":** This phrase clearly identifies the source of their suffering—the Egyptians, who are actively perpetrating their enslavement. The verb "keep in bondage" (ʻâbad) emphasizes the systematic and oppressive nature of their forced labor and servitude. This is not a passive state but an active, cruel imposition, underscoring the injustice of their situation and the need for divine intervention against their oppressors.
* **"and I have remembered my covenant":** This concluding declaration is the theological linchpin of the verse. God's "remembering" (zâkar) is a dynamic, purposeful act, signifying His unwavering commitment to His solemn agreement. The "covenant" (bᵉrîyth) refers specifically to the binding promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning land, nationhood, and a special relationship with God ([Genesis 17:7-8](/genesis/17-7-8 "God establishes His covenant with Abraham")). This remembrance is the divine impetus for the imminent deliverance, demonstrating that God's actions are rooted in His faithfulness to His word, not merely in response to human suffering.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 6:5 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in God's declaration, "I have also heard the groaning" and "I have remembered my covenant." While God is spirit and does not possess human ears or memory in a physical sense, these human attributes are ascribed to Him to make His actions relatable and comprehensible to humanity. This device emphasizes God's active engagement, attentiveness, and faithfulness. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Parallelism** between "heard the groaning" and "remembered my covenant," creating a cause-and-effect relationship: God's hearing of their suffering directly triggers His active remembrance of His promises, leading to His intervention. This highlights the interplay between divine compassion and covenant faithfulness. The verse also functions as a form of **Thematic Repetition** or **Reinforcement**, echoing earlier statements in [Exodus 2:24-25](/exodus/2-24-25 "God hears the cry of Israel and remembers His covenant"), thereby reinforcing the unwavering nature of God's character and His consistent response to His people's distress and His own commitments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 6:5 is a profound theological statement, revealing God's character as both compassionate and utterly faithful. It teaches that God is not a distant, uncaring deity, but one who actively hears the cries of the oppressed and is moved to action by their suffering. More significantly, it underscores the immutability of God's covenant promises; His "remembrance" is a dynamic, purposeful act that initiates the fulfillment of His ancient word, demonstrating that His plans are sovereign and unstoppable, even in the face of immense human despair and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This verse solidifies the foundation for Israel's identity as a people chosen and redeemed by a God who keeps His word.

* [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's prophecy of Israel's bondage and deliverance")
* [Psalm 105:8](/psalms/105-8 "God remembers His covenant forever")
* [Luke 1:72-73](/luke/1-72-73 "God remembers His holy covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 6:5 offers immense comfort and profound theological insight for believers navigating the complexities of life today. In moments of deep personal suffering, systemic injustice, or spiritual struggle, this verse assures us that our "groaning" does not go unheard by God. He is not only aware of our pain but is intimately attentive to it, just as He was to Israel's. This passage powerfully reminds us of God's unchanging nature and His absolute commitment to His promises. If God remembered and acted upon His covenant with ancient Israel, we can trust implicitly in His faithfulness to the promises of the New Covenant, established through Jesus Christ. Even when circumstances appear bleak, when prayers seem unanswered, or when God's intervention feels delayed, [Exodus 6:5](/exodus/6-5 "God hears and remembers His covenant") calls us to steadfast trust. It encourages us to rest in the assurance that God remembers His commitments and will act in His perfect timing to bring about His redemptive purposes, ultimately for our good, the glory of His name, and the advancement of His kingdom. Our hope is anchored not in our circumstances, but in the unwavering character of a God who hears and remembers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "hearing" and "remembering" in Exodus 6:5 deepen your trust in His presence during your own times of "groaning" or suffering?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge a passive view of God, instead portraying Him as actively engaged in the affairs of humanity and committed to His promises?**
* **Considering God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, how does this truth strengthen your confidence in the promises of the New Covenant that God has made with believers through Christ?**

### FAQ

**What does "groaning" signify in this verse?**

Answer: The "groaning" (Hebrew: *nᵉʼâqâh*) of the children of Israel signifies their deep suffering, profound anguish, and desperate cries for help under the brutal yoke of Egyptian bondage. It highlights their extreme distress and God's compassionate attentiveness to the plight of His people, echoing similar expressions of distress heard by God in earlier passages like [Exodus 2:23](/exodus/2-23 "The Israelites cry out to God").

**What does it mean that God "remembered" His covenant?**

Answer: In biblical terms, God's "remembrance" (Hebrew: *zâkar*) is not a passive mental recall or a recovery from forgetfulness. Rather, it is an active, purposeful commitment to fulfill His promises. It signifies His readiness to intervene and initiate action to uphold His solemn agreement, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness and active involvement in the unfolding of history, particularly His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

**Which covenant is God referring to in Exodus 6:5?**

Answer: God is primarily referring to the Abrahamic covenant, the solemn agreement He made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as detailed in the book of [Genesis (e.g., Genesis 15:18-21; 17:7-8)](/genesis/15-18-21 "God's covenant with Abram"). This covenant included specific promises concerning land (Canaan), nationhood, countless descendants, and a special relationship with God, all of which necessitated their liberation from Egyptian bondage as a crucial step towards fulfillment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 6:5, with its declaration of God's hearing the groaning of His people and remembering His covenant, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "groaning" of Israel under bondage foreshadows the universal groaning of humanity under the bondage of sin and death, a reality deeply understood and expressed by the Apostle Paul in [Romans 8:22-23](/romans/8-22-23 "The groaning of creation and believers"). God's compassionate hearing of this groaning culminates in the incarnation of Jesus, who fully identified with human suffering, bearing our infirmities and sorrows ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows")). Furthermore, God's "remembering His covenant" is perfectly realized in the establishment of the New Covenant through Christ's sacrificial blood. This New Covenant, prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "The New Covenant"), is a superior and eternal covenant, sealed by Christ's death and resurrection, through which all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" in Him ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "All God's promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). Jesus is the ultimate Deliverer, not merely from physical slavery but from the spiritual bondage of sin, offering true freedom and eternal life to all who believe, thereby fulfilling the pattern of divine deliverance initiated in the Exodus.

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

Exodus 2:24

And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

Isaiah 63:9

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

Psalms 106:44

Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:

Psalms 106:45

And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.

Genesis 9:15

And I will remember my covenant, which [is] between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.

Genesis 8:1

¶ And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that [was] with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged;

Psalms 105:8

¶ He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word [which] he commanded to a thousand generations.