Exodus 5:17 Meaning and Explanation
“But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Pharaoh responds by dismissing their appeal, repeating his diagnosis that idleness is their problem.
The Context of Exodus 5:17
Pharaoh refuses to acknowledge the impossible conditions, blaming the people's desire for rest.
What Does Exodus 5:17 Mean?
Pharaoh returns to his fixed idea: idleness is the root cause of all their problems. The repetition 'Ye are idle, ye are idle' is emphatic and closes his mind to any other explanation. He sees the entire crisis as confirmation that the people have too much ease and not enough work.
His logic connects their desire for religious freedom to a character flaw—lazy people seek excuses and religious rites. By his reasoning, intensifying suffering and work is the cure, not the cause of their distress. He is immovable and cannot see the situation through any other lens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 5:17
What does Exodus 5:17 mean?
Pharaoh responds by dismissing their appeal, repeating his diagnosis that idleness is their problem.
What is the context of Exodus 5:17?
Pharaoh refuses to acknowledge the impossible conditions, blaming the people's desire for rest.