Exodus 5:23 Meaning and Explanation
“For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moses summarizes his complaint: since arriving with God's message, conditions have only worsened and deliverance has not come.
The Context of Exodus 5:23
Moses expresses despair that God's intervention through him has only brought worse suffering.
What Does Exodus 5:23 Mean?
Moses details the sequence of failure: his arrival coincided with Pharaoh's increased oppression. The phrase 'since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name' suggests that being God's messenger has not given him power but has instead exposed the people to retaliation. God's name, invoked through Moses, has not brought salvation—it has brought punishment.
'Neither hast thou delivered thy people at all' is a stark statement: no deliverance has occurred, not even the beginning of it. Moses expected God's power to be immediately visible, tangible, and effective. The silence of God in the face of increased suffering challenges Moses' entire understanding of God's commitment to the people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 5:23
What does Exodus 5:23 mean?
Moses summarizes his complaint: since arriving with God's message, conditions have only worsened and deliverance has not come.
What is the context of Exodus 5:23?
Moses expresses despair that God's intervention through him has only brought worse suffering.