Exodus 11:2 kjv
Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbor, and every woman of her neighbor, jewels of silver and jewels of gold.
Exodus 11:2 nkjv
Speak now in the hearing of the people, and let every man ask from his neighbor and every woman from her neighbor, articles of silver and articles of gold."
Exodus 11:2 niv
Tell the people that men and women alike are to ask their neighbors for articles of silver and gold."
Exodus 11:2 esv
Speak now in the hearing of the people, that they ask, every man of his neighbor and every woman of her neighbor, for silver and gold jewelry."
Exodus 11:2 nlt
Tell all the Israelite men and women to ask their Egyptian neighbors for articles of silver and gold."
Exodus 11 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 15:13-14 | Then the Lord said to Abram... and afterward they shall come out with great substance. | Prophecy of Israel's exodus with wealth. |
| Exo 3:21-22 | And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians... and you shall strip the Egyptians. | Initial divine promise of provision and favor. |
| Exo 12:35-36 | And the people of Israel had also done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and articles of gold and clothing. And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. Thus they plundered the Egyptians. | Fulfillment of the command and Israel's "plundering." |
| Exo 35:22 | So came both men and women... all who offered a wave offering of gold to the Lord. | The Israelites' use of these collected treasures for the Tabernacle. |
| Exo 35:27 | And the rulers brought onyx stones... and for the ephod and for the breastpiece. | Further donations of precious items, possibly from the gathered wealth. |
| Num 31:22 | Only the gold, the silver, the bronze, the iron, the tin, and the lead— | God's instruction for dealing with spoils of war, aligning with His right to material wealth. |
| Deu 6:10-11 | And when the Lord your God brings you into the land that he swore to your fathers... houses full of all good things, which you did not fill... | God's provision of abundance not earned by Israel's labor. |
| Deu 8:18 | You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth... | God is the ultimate source of wealth. |
| Jos 6:19 | But all silver and gold, and articles of bronze and iron, are holy to the Lord and must go into the treasury of the Lord. | The principle of dedicating "spoils" to the Lord, foreshadowing Tabernacle use. |
| Psa 105:37 | Then he brought out Israel with silver and gold, and there was none feeble among his tribes. | Recalling God's act of bringing Israel out wealthy. |
| Prov 13:22 | A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous. | The principle of wicked gains transferring to the just. |
| Prov 28:8 | Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor. | Another proverb reflecting the transfer of wealth from unjust to just. |
| Isa 60:6-9 | All those from Sheba shall come; they shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, proclaiming the praises of the Lord. | Prophecy of Gentiles bringing wealth to Zion, echoing God's favor and provision. |
| Isa 61:6 | You shall feed on the wealth of the nations, and in their glory you shall boast. | Prophetic imagery of Israel benefiting from Gentile resources. |
| Hag 2:8 | The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts. | Assertion of God's ultimate ownership over all material wealth. |
| Matt 6:33 | But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. | New Testament principle of God's provision for His kingdom. |
| Luke 12:31 | Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. | Echoes Matt 6:33 regarding divine provision. |
| Rom 8:28 | And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. | God orchestrating events, including gaining wealth, for His people's good. |
| Phil 4:19 | And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. | Divine guarantee of provision for believers. |
| Jam 1:17 | Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights... | Reinforces God as the source of all good, including material blessings. |
| Rev 21:26 | They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. | Ultimate redemption of earthly treasures brought into God's eternal city. |
Exodus 11 verses
Exodus 11 2 Meaning
This verse contains a direct divine command delivered by God through Moses to the Israelites. It instructs every Israelite man and woman to request, or literally "ask" (not steal or forcefully take), from their Egyptian neighbors valuables in the form of silver and gold ornaments or articles. This instruction anticipates Israel's imminent departure from Egypt and is part of God's strategic provision for His people and judgment upon Egypt, ensuring Israel does not leave empty-handed after centuries of servitude.
Exodus 11 2 Context
Exodus 11:2 is situated just before the final, most devastating plague against Egypt: the death of the firstborn. Chapters 7-10 detail the previous nine plagues, each demonstrating God's power over the gods of Egypt and Pharaoh's hardened heart. At this point, Pharaoh has been given many opportunities to release Israel, but has refused. Moses has just announced the tenth plague and Pharaoh's final expulsion of Israel (Exo 11:1). This instruction to ask for valuables is a divine act of retribution and provision. It assures that after centuries of slave labor, God's people would not leave Egypt impoverished but rather compensated and well-resourced, reflecting God's justice and sovereignty over earthly powers and wealth. Historically, it prepares them materially for their wilderness journey and the construction of the Tabernacle.
Exodus 11 2 Word analysis
- Speak now: An imperative command, indicating immediacy and direct communication from God through Moses to the people. "Now" underscores the imminence of the events.
- in the ears: Signifies a public, direct, and clearly audible declaration, ensuring every Israelite hears and understands the instruction. It emphasizes that this is not a private whisper but a widely communicated decree.
- of the people: Refers to the whole community of Israel, indicating the widespread nature of the command and the participation expected from everyone.
- let every man ask: Hebrew: שׁאל (sha'al). This word means "to ask," "to inquire," "to request," or "to borrow." Crucially, it does not mean to demand or steal. This distinction is vital; God is giving the Israelites favor and causing the Egyptians to willingly comply due to their desire for the Israelites to leave after the plagues. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over the Egyptians' will and possessions, rather than advocating for theft.
- of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour: Hebrew: רֵעַ (rea'). This term generally refers to a companion, friend, fellow, or simply someone living nearby, a neighbor in the broader sense. It indicates that the requests were to be made to their local Egyptian acquaintances, reflecting an existing, albeit often oppressive, relationship. This reinforces the universality of the instruction across the Israelite populace and the Egyptian households.
- jewels of silver, and jewels of gold: Hebrew: כְּלֵי־כֶסֶף (k'lei-khesef) and כְּלֵי זָהָב (k'lei zahav). "K'lei" (plural of keli) refers to vessels, articles, implements, or ornaments. This signifies valuable items, not just adornments, but often includes them. It emphasizes the substantial nature of the wealth God intended for His people to receive. These were significant material goods representing the Egyptians' wealth.
- "Speak now in the ears of the people": This phrase highlights the urgency and importance of the command, requiring the entire community's immediate and direct attention to God's instructions mediated by Moses. It sets the stage for a collective action.
- "let every man ask of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour": This double mention stresses the inclusive nature of the command, implying total participation from all Israelite adults, signifying a complete emptying of Egyptian resources, orchestrated by God, rather than sporadic, individual actions.
- "jewels of silver, and jewels of gold": The specific mention of "silver" and "gold" emphasizes the type and value of the items to be acquired. This was significant wealth in the ancient world, useful for sustenance, trade, and notably, for the sacred objects and structures in the wilderness.
Exodus 11 2 Bonus section
This act of asking for and receiving wealth from the Egyptians can be understood as a theological "plundering" or "spoiling" of Egypt, reminiscent of a victorious army taking the spoils of the vanquished. However, in this unique context, the "spoiling" is bloodless and divinely ordained, serving as both judgment on Egypt for its oppression and God's just compensation to Israel for centuries of unpaid labor. Furthermore, it symbolically denigrates the gods of Egypt associated with material prosperity, like Ptah or Amun-Re, showing their impotence before the God of Israel who truly owns all silver and gold (Hag 2:8) and can transfer it at will. The fact that this wealth was later used for the Tabernacle (Exo 35:20-29) underscores the ultimate purpose: not for Israelite self-enrichment, but for the glory and worship of Yahweh, thereby consecrating the profane for sacred use. This transformative act highlights God's redemptive power even over inanimate objects.
Exodus 11 2 Commentary
Exodus 11:2 is a profound display of God's sovereign power and faithfulness. After centuries of bondage, God orchestrates Israel's liberation with recompense, demonstrating His justice upon their oppressors and His provision for His chosen people. The "asking" is not theft but a divinely ordained transfer, made possible by God giving Israel favor in the Egyptians' eyes (Exo 3:21-22) and by the terror the plagues instilled. This wealth would fund Israel's journey, but more importantly, it would serve a sacred purpose: constructing the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people. Thus, Egypt's former riches, tainted by idolatry, were consecrated and redeemed for God's holy worship, a tangible representation of Yahweh's supremacy over all pagan deities and human systems. This act fulfilled the ancient promise to Abraham (Gen 15:13-14) and underscored God's commitment to His covenant, making it a powerful testament to His ability to deliver and sustain His people even amidst dire circumstances.