Exodus 12:36 Meaning and Explanation
“And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God causes Egyptians to view Israel favorably and provide them with wealth, despoiling Egypt.
The Context of Exodus 12:36
God grants Israel favor so Egyptians generously provide wealth.
What Does Exodus 12:36 Mean?
The favor comes from God, not from Israel's appeal. God works on the hearts of the Egyptians, inclining them to be generous. The word 'spoiled' here means that Egypt's wealth is transferred to Israel as recompense for their years of slavery and forced labor. This is not theft but divine justice—the enslaved receive what their bondage was worth. God ensures that freedom is paired with the material means to survive.
The mechanism is remarkable: God changes the Egyptians' perspective so they willingly give. Rather than resisting or attacking Israel as they depart, Egyptians provide necessities and luxuries. This demonstrates God's sovereign control over human hearts and His commitment to Israel's complete restoration, not merely their release.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 12:36
What does Exodus 12:36 mean?
God causes Egyptians to view Israel favorably and provide them with wealth, despoiling Egypt.
What is the context of Exodus 12:36?
God grants Israel favor so Egyptians generously provide wealth.