Exodus 1:9 kjv

And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:

Exodus 1:9 nkjv

And he said to his people, "Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we;

Exodus 1:9 niv

"Look," he said to his people, "the Israelites have become far too numerous for us.

Exodus 1:9 esv

And he said to his people, "Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us.

Exodus 1:9 nlt

He said to his people, "Look, the people of Israel now outnumber us and are stronger than we are.

Exodus 1 verses

Exodus 1 9 Meaning

Exodus 1:9 describes the new king of Egypt addressing his people, articulating his fear and concern regarding the rapid growth and perceived power of the Israelite population. He states they are "more numerous and powerful than we are," thereby establishing the justification for the subsequent policies of oppression and enslavement against the Israelites. This verse highlights the pharaoh's human perspective of fear and political expediency in direct opposition to God's divine plan for Israel's multiplication and eventual nationhood.

Exodus 1 9 Context

Exodus 1 sets the historical stage for the narrative of Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage. The chapter opens by highlighting the death of Joseph and his generation, signifying the end of an era when Israel enjoyed favor in Egypt. Verse 7 states that the Israelites "were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly, increased in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them," directly fulfilling God's ancient promises of multiplication to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Verse 8 then introduces a "new king" over Egypt, described as one "who knew not Joseph," indicating a regime change that disregarded previous alliances or understandings. Exodus 1:9, therefore, serves as the critical turning point where this new, fearful pharaoh articulates the perceived threat of the Israelite population to his own people, thereby providing the rationale for his ensuing brutal policies of oppression, forced labor, and eventually, the horrifying command of infanticide. This fear of demographic and potential military strength lays the groundwork for God's ultimate intervention and the powerful Exodus narrative.

Exodus 1 9 Word analysis

• and he said: Refers to the unnamed "new king" of Egypt mentioned in the preceding verse (Ex 1:8). The verb implies a formal address, indicating a calculated policy statement rather than a casual remark.

• to his people: This likely refers to the king's advisors, officials, and perhaps the wider Egyptian populace, involving them in the decision-making process or preparing them for a national policy shift. It signifies the issue as a collective, national concern.

• 'Look, (Hebrew: Hinnēh, הִנֵּה): This is an emphatic interjection, often translated as "behold" or "listen." It serves to draw immediate and serious attention to the statement that follows, emphasizing its urgency, significance, and perceived truthfulness in the pharaoh's eyes. It demands acknowledgment of his observation.

• the Israelite people: (Hebrew: ‘am benê Yisra’ēl, עַם בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, "people, sons of Israel"): This emphasizes their distinct ethnic and national identity as descendants of Jacob (Israel). It highlights that the king perceives them not merely as individuals or immigrants, but as a cohesive, identifiable group with a common heritage and potential loyalty distinct from Egypt.

• are more numerous: (Hebrew: rav, רַב): Meaning "many, much, great, abundant." This term directly attests to the extraordinary fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham (Gen 12:2, 22:17), which states that his descendants would be countless. Pharaoh acknowledges their vast numbers as a reality, even if he opposes the divine hand behind it.

• and powerful: (Hebrew: wa‘āṣûm, וַעָצוּם): Meaning "strong, mighty, powerful." This indicates more than just sheer numbers; it suggests a perceived inherent strength, influence, or latent military capacity. Pharaoh feared their collective capability, not just their demographic presence, implying they could potentially challenge his authority or ally with enemies in a conflict.

• than we are': (Hebrew: mimmennû, מִמֶּנּוּ): This is a direct comparative. Pharaoh is not simply noting their absolute growth, but their growth relative to the Egyptian population, especially in the strategically important land of Goshen. This comparison reveals his insecurity and perceived threat to Egyptian national security, seeing them as outstripping his own people in crucial areas of influence or strength. This perceived demographic shift fuels his fear and paranoia.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "and he said to his people, 'Look...": This phrase marks a significant policy announcement by the new pharaoh. The formal address and the exclamatory "Look" underscore the urgency and perceived gravity of the situation as he presents it to his administration and populace, seeking to garner support for his drastic measures.
  • "the Israelite people are more numerous and powerful than we are": This complete statement serves as Pharaoh's motive clause for the subsequent oppression. It reveals the root of his tyranny: fear and xenophobia stemming from a perception of a foreign group's growing strength threatening national dominance. It sets the stage for the ideological conflict between God's promise to His people and human rulers seeking to thwart divine plans.

Exodus 1 9 Bonus section

• The unnamed "new king" who "knew not Joseph" (Ex 1:8) is interpreted by some scholars to be part of an indigenous Egyptian dynasty (likely the 18th or 19th Dynasty) who expelled the Hyksos (Semitic rulers previously sympathetic to Semitic peoples like Joseph and his family), leading to a general suspicion of foreigners residing in Egypt. This context enhances the understanding of his deep-seated xenophobia.
• Pharaoh's concern that Israel would "join our enemies and fight against us" (Ex 1:10) indicates a specific fear of a fifth column, a powerful internal population potentially collaborating with external invaders, common in ancient Near Eastern geopolitical considerations. His "shrewd" dealing (Ex 1:10) was born of this strategic anxiety.
• This verse provides an example of how human fear and geopolitical anxieties can inadvertently confirm the supernatural work of God. The Israelites' incredible multiplication, which worried Pharaoh, was a direct testament to God fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham (Gen 12:2; 22:17). Pharaoh's fear inadvertently glorified God by demonstrating His power to bless despite challenging circumstances.

Exodus 1 9 Commentary

Exodus 1:9 is a pivotal verse, establishing the motivation behind Egypt's severe oppression of Israel. The new pharaoh's proclamation that the Israelites had become "more numerous and powerful than we are" reflects not just an accurate demographic observation, but a deep-seated fear. This fear was irrational in that it led to policies of brutality and genocide against an entire ethnic group residing within his kingdom, demonstrating classic tyrannical behavior fueled by perceived threats to power. It illustrates a common human failing: responding to a blessing (God's multiplication of His people) with fear and hostility rather than seeking understanding or accommodation. The pharaoh's concern was a human attempt to control what God was purposefully expanding, setting the stage for a cosmic conflict between God's will and human wickedness, leading to God's glorious deliverance of His people.