Exodus 1:13 Meaning and Explanation
“And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Egyptians intensify their oppression of the Hebrew people with severe labor demands.
The Context of Exodus 1:13
Egyptian oppression becomes increasingly severe and relentless.
What Does Exodus 1:13 Mean?
Faced with the failure of their original plan, the Egyptians escalate. Service with rigour—harsh, relentless, merciless labor—becomes the new policy. Rigour suggests severity without mercy, demands without consideration for human limits or rest. The work is not merely productive; it is designed to wear down and break the spirit.
This intensification marks a shift from control to pure suppression. The Hebrews are no longer workers with rights or status; they are slaves. Every aspect of their lives is directed toward Egyptian profit and power. The text emphasizes the totality of the oppression, setting up the desperation and cry for deliverance that will provoke God's action.
Exodus 1:13 in the Original Language
rigour (פָּרֶךְ pārekh) — cruelty or harshness in labor, implying excessive demands and no relief; the word denotes a particular kind of brutal suppression.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 1:13
What does Exodus 1:13 mean?
The Egyptians intensify their oppression of the Hebrew people with severe labor demands.
What is the context of Exodus 1:13?
Egyptian oppression becomes increasingly severe and relentless.