Exodus 2:23 Meaning and Explanation
“And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →In time, Egypt's king dies, and the enslaved Israelites cry out to God because of their bondage.
The Context of Exodus 2:23
The enslaved Israelites cry out to God under continued bondage.
What Does Exodus 2:23 Mean?
The change of Pharaoh does not bring relief to the Hebrew slaves. They continue to labor under impossible conditions and groan beneath their burdens. Their suffering is so acute that they cannot endure it in silence—they sigh and cry aloud. Their voices rise as a collective prayer, an appeal to the God of their ancestors for deliverance.
The intensification of their cries marks a turning point. What began as individual suffering becomes a communal witness and supplication. The people's desperation becomes the condition that God will answer through the one who now dwells in Midian, unaware that his long exile and preparation are nearing their end.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 2:23
What does Exodus 2:23 mean?
In time, Egypt's king dies, and the enslaved Israelites cry out to God because of their bondage.
What is the context of Exodus 2:23?
The enslaved Israelites cry out to God under continued bondage.