Exodus 6:5

Translation
King James Version
And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.
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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.
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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.
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Berean Standard Bible
Furthermore, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered My covenant.
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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.
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World English Bible Messianic
Moreover I have heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered my covenant.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
So I haue also hearde the groning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keepe in bondage, and haue remembred my couenant.
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Young's Literal Translation
and also I have heard the groaning of the sons of Israel, whom the Egyptians are causing to serve, and I remember My covenant.
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See also
Exodus 2:24Isaiah 63:9Psalms 106:44Psalms 106:45Genesis 9:15Genesis 8:1Psalms 105:8
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The Kingdom of Egypt in the Time of Moses
The Kingdom of Egypt in the Time of Moses View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 1,661 of 31,102

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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). In the preceding verses (Exodus 6:2-4), 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 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, 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).
  • Key Themes: Exodus 6:5 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. 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) 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). 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). 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, 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.

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 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.

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). 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. 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). 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, 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). 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.

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Commentary on Exodus 6 verses 1–9

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

Here, I. God silences Moses's complaints with the assurance of success in this negotiation, repeating the promise made him in Exo 3:20, After that, he will let you go. When Moses was at his wit's end, wishing he had staid in Midian, rather than have come to Egypt to make bad worse - when he was quite at a loss what to do - Then the Lord said unto Moses, for the quieting of his mind, "Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh (Exo 6:1); now that the affair has come to a crisis, things are as bad as they can be, Pharaoh is in the height of pride and Israel in the depth of misery, now is my time to appear." See Psa 12:5, Now will I arise. Note, Man's extremity is God's opportunity of helping and saving. Moses had been expecting what God would do; but now he shall see what he will do, shall see his day at length, Job 24:1. Moses had been trying what he could do, and could effect nothing. "Well," says God, "now thou shalt see what I will do; let me alone to deal with this proud man," Job 40:12, Job 40:13. Note, Then the deliverance of God's church will be accomplished, when God takes the work into his own hands. With a strong hand, that is, being forced to it by a strong hand, he shall let them go. Note, As some are brought to their duty by the strong hand of God's grace, who are made willing in the day of his power, so others by the strong hand of his justice, breaking those that would not bend.

II. He gives him further instructions, that both he and the people of Israel might be encouraged to hope for a glorious issue of this affair. Take comfort,

1.From God's name, Jehovah, Exo 6:2, Exo 6:3. He begins with this, I am Jehovah, the same with, I am that I am, the fountain of being, and blessedness, and infinite perfection. The patriarchs knew this name, but they did not know him in this matter by that which this name signifies. God would now be known by his name Jehovah, that is, (1.) A God performing what he had promised, and so inspiring confidence in his promises. (2.) A God perfecting what he had begun, and finishing his own work. In the history of the creation, God is never called Jehovah till the heavens and the earth were finished, Gen 2:4. When the salvation of the saints is completed in eternal life, then he will be known by his name Jehovah (Rev 22:13); in the mean time they shall find him, for their strength and support, El-shaddai, a God all-sufficient, a God that is enough and will be so, Mic 7:20.

2.From his covenant: I have established my covenant, Exo 6:4. Note, The covenants God makes he establishes; they are made as firm as the power and truth of God can make them. We may venture our all upon this bottom.

3.From his compassions (Exo 6:5): I have heard the groaning of the children of Israel; he means their groaning on occasion of the late hardships put upon them. Note, God take notice of the increase of his people's calamities, and observes how their enemies grow upon them.

4.From his present resolutions, Exo 6:6-8. Here is line upon line, to assure them that they should be brought triumphantly out of Egypt (Exo 6:6), and should be put in possession of the land of Canaan (Exo 6:8): I will bring you out. I will rid you. I will redeem you. I will bring you into the land of Canaan, and I will give it to you. Let man take the shame of his unbelief, which needs such repetitions; and let God have the glory of his condescending grace, which gives us such repeated assurances for our satisfaction.

5.From his gracious intentions in all these, which were great, and worthy of him, Exo 6:7. (1.) He intended their happiness: I will take you to me for a people, a peculiar people, and I will be to you a God; more than this we need not ask, we cannot have, to make us happy. (2.) He intended his own glory: You shall know that I am the Lord. God will attain his own ends, nor shall we come short of them if we make them our chief end too. Now, one would think, these good words, and comfortable words, should have revived the drooping Israelites, and cause them to forget their misery; but, on the contrary, their miseries made them regardless of God's promises (Exo 6:9): They harkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit. That is, [1.] They were so taken up with their troubles that they did not heed him. [2.] They were so cast down with their late disappointment that they did not believe him. [3.] They had such a dread of Pharaoh's power and wrath that they durst not themselves move in the least towards their deliverance. Note, First, Disconsolate spirits often put from them the comforts they are entitled to, and stand in their own light. See Isa 28:12. Secondly, Strong passions oppose strong consolations. By indulging ourselves in discontent and fretfulness, we deprive ourselves of the comfort we might have both from God's word and from his providence, and must thank ourselves if we go comfortless.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–9. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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