Exodus 5:5 Meaning and Explanation
“And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Pharaoh claims the population is already too large and accuses them of giving the people rest from labor.
The Context of Exodus 5:5
Pharaoh argues that Israel's growing population makes them more vulnerable to unrest.
What Does Exodus 5:5 Mean?
Pharaoh observes that Israel's population has grown—'the people of the land now are many'—a sign of their prosperity under Egyptian rule. In his reasoning, this makes them a liability: more people require more management and greater productivity to remain useful to Egypt.
He interprets Moses and Aaron's appeal as an attempt to make the people 'rest from their burdens.' In Pharaoh's economy of power, idleness breeds dissent. By refusing even temporary rest, he seeks to maintain control through perpetual work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 5:5
What does Exodus 5:5 mean?
Pharaoh claims the population is already too large and accuses them of giving the people rest from labor.
What is the context of Exodus 5:5?
Pharaoh argues that Israel's growing population makes them more vulnerable to unrest.