Exodus 5:16 Meaning and Explanation
“There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The officers explain the impossible situation: no materials are supplied, yet the quota is maintained, and they are beaten for failure.
The Context of Exodus 5:16
The officers present the logical impossibility of Pharaoh's demands.
What Does Exodus 5:16 Mean?
The officers lay out the logical contradiction: straw is not supplied ('There is no straw given'), yet brick must still be made. The situation is physically contradictory, not a matter of will or effort. This clear statement of fact is an implicit appeal to Pharaoh's reason.
By saying 'the fault is in thine own people,' they shift blame to the Egyptian system itself—it is Pharaoh's taskmasters and system that are unjust, not the Hebrew officers' management of their people. This is a careful attempt to absolve themselves without directly accusing Pharaoh.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 5:16
What does Exodus 5:16 mean?
The officers explain the impossible situation: no materials are supplied, yet the quota is maintained, and they are beaten for failure.
What is the context of Exodus 5:16?
The officers present the logical impossibility of Pharaoh's demands.