Exodus 5:15 Meaning and Explanation
“Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Hebrew officers appeal to Pharaoh, asking why he is treating them this way.
The Context of Exodus 5:15
Hebrew officers appeal directly to Pharaoh, seeking relief from impossible conditions.
What Does Exodus 5:15 Mean?
In desperation, the officers bypass the taskmasters and appeal directly to Pharaoh. Their question is both a complaint and a plea for mercy. They address themselves as 'thy servants'—adopting the language of submission—hoping to appeal to Pharaoh's sense of responsibility for those under his rule.
The appeal is less about negotiating freedom and more about requesting mercy for the impossible situation. The officers acknowledge their subordinate status while hoping that direct address might move Pharaoh to compassion or practicality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 5:15
What does Exodus 5:15 mean?
The Hebrew officers appeal to Pharaoh, asking why he is treating them this way.
What is the context of Exodus 5:15?
Hebrew officers appeal directly to Pharaoh, seeking relief from impossible conditions.