Exodus 3:21 kjv
And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty.
Exodus 3:21 nkjv
And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed.
Exodus 3:21 niv
"And I will make the Egyptians favorably disposed toward this people, so that when you leave you will not go empty-handed.
Exodus 3:21 esv
And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty,
Exodus 3:21 nlt
And I will cause the Egyptians to look favorably on you. They will give you gifts when you go so you will not leave empty-handed.
Exodus 3 21 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 15:14 | "...and afterward they shall come out with great possessions." | Abrahamic covenant promise fulfilled. |
| Exo 12:35-36 | "...asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold... plundered..." | Direct fulfillment of the promise. |
| Psa 105:37 | "He brought them out with silver and gold..." | Poetic reflection on God's provision. |
| Exo 11:2-3 | "God gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians..." | Confirmation of divine favor just before exodus. |
| Prov 16:7 | "When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies at peace..." | General principle of divine favor. |
| Isa 43:3-4 | "I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you." | God providing other nations for Israel's sake. |
| Neh 9:11 | "...those who pursued them... threw into the deep." | God's destruction of oppressors, delivering His people. |
| Deut 8:2-4 | "Your clothing did not wear out... and your feet did not swell." | God's sustained provision in the wilderness. |
| Deut 2:7 | "For the LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands." | Reminder of God's complete provision. |
| Psa 68:18 | "You ascended on high, you led captives... received gifts among men." | God triumphing and taking spoils from enemies. |
| Josh 10:11 | "The LORD threw down large hailstones from heaven on them." | God fighting for His people's victory. |
| 1 Sam 30:20 | "David took all the flocks and herds, which they drove before..." | Example of God-granted spoils from enemies. |
| Matt 6:33 | "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things..." | God's comprehensive provision for His seekers. |
| Phil 4:19 | "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory..." | Assurance of God's limitless provision. |
| Luke 6:38 | "Give, and it will be given to you... pressed down, shaken together..." | Principle of divine reciprocity and abundance. |
| 2 Cor 9:8 | "God is able to make all grace abound to you... abound in every good work." | God's enabling grace for provision and purpose. |
| Rom 8:32 | "He who did not spare His own Son... how will He not also... graciously..." | God's ultimate sacrifice ensures lesser provisions. |
| Eph 3:20 | "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask..." | God's immeasurable power to exceed expectations. |
| Acts 7:22 | "Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians..." | Foreshadowing Moses' leadership and Egypt's decline. |
| Hab 2:8 | "Because you have plundered many nations, all the remnant of the peoples..." | Principle of those who plunder being plundered. |
| Rev 21:24, 26 | "The kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it... glory and honor..." | Eschatological culmination, nations bringing wealth to God's city. |
Exodus 3 verses
Exodus 3 21 Meaning
This verse declares God's divine purpose to supernaturally incline the Egyptians to favor the Israelites, ensuring that when the Israelites finally depart from Egypt, they will not leave empty-handed but will be laden with possessions. It signifies God's justice, turning the tables on their oppressors, transforming their period of suffering into a foundation for future provision and prosperity, and fulfilling a centuries-old promise.
Exodus 3 21 Context
Exodus chapter 3 introduces Moses' divine call at the burning bush. After revealing His name, Yahweh, God unveils His plan to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage and bring them to the Promised Land. This verse, Exodus 3:21, is part of God's specific instructions and promises to Moses, outlining how the departure from Egypt will transpire. It assures Moses that the deliverance will not only be freedom but also involve recompense from their oppressors. Historically, enslaved peoples rarely left their bondage with wealth, usually fleeing empty-handed if they managed to escape. This divine pronouncement radically subverts the norm, emphasizing Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over nations, even Egypt, the reigning superpower, and His profound commitment to the justice and prosperity of His covenant people. It also directly counters the human expectation of an empty and impoverished exit from servitude.
Exodus 3 21 Word analysis
- And I will grant: וְנָתַתִּי (v'natati) - A perfect form of נָתַן (natan), "to give" or "to place." The prefix 'v' (and) connects it to the preceding promise. "I will grant" signifies divine agency and intentionality; it is not a matter of chance or negotiation, but God's sovereign will and active involvement in orchestrating this outcome. It demonstrates His power over human hearts and circumstances.
- this people: הָעָם־הַזֶּה (ha'am ha'zeh) - Refers specifically to Israel, God's chosen "people." The definite article "the" and the demonstrative "this" highlight their unique status and direct object of God's promise. It underscores the covenantal relationship.
- favor: חֵן (chen) - Grace, favor, charm, or acceptance. In biblical usage, this is often a divine disposition towards someone that results in blessings or kindness from others. Here, it implies an inexplicable inclination God will put into the hearts of the Egyptians. This favor is supernatural, overcoming historical enmity and their ingrained prejudice against Israel.
- in the sight of the Egyptians: בְּעֵינֵי מִצְרָיִם (b'einei Mitzrayim) - Literally, "in the eyes of Egypt." This suggests not just an internal attitude but an outwardly manifest and perceptible change in how the Egyptians view and treat the Israelites, leading to their willing provision. It denotes public recognition and widespread effect.
- and when you go: וְהָיָה כִּי־תֵלֵכוּן (v'haya ki telechun) - "And it shall be that when you go/walk." This phrase signifies a conditional outcome ("when") tied to the Israelites' departure, but ultimately assured by God's decree. "You go" (plural) refers to the entire Israelite community.
- you shall not go empty-handed: לֹא תֵלְכוּ רֵיקָם (lo telechu reqam) - "You shall not go empty." רֵיקָם (reqam) means "empty," "destitute," "without anything." This phrase is a powerful antithesis to the typical plight of runaway slaves. It directly refutes the idea that they would leave as impoverished fugitives. Instead, God ensures they will depart with substantial compensation, overturning centuries of oppression. This is a promise of divinely orchestrated restitution.
- "I will grant...favor in the sight of the Egyptians": This phrase highlights God's sovereignty over the human heart. He does not merely permit favorable circumstances, but actively intervenes to manipulate the disposition of Israel's oppressors. This supernatural influence is a key component of their deliverance, showing God's total control even over the will of a powerful, idolatrous nation.
- "you shall not go empty-handed": This specific promise carries deep theological and practical weight. It speaks to divine justice – restitution for centuries of forced labor and suffering. It's a testament to God providing for His people's needs even before they enter the wilderness, laying a foundation for their journey and subsequent nation-building. It underscores that God’s deliverance is comprehensive, extending to material provision, not just freedom from physical chains. This act foreshadows the spoil of the Egyptians, where silver, gold, and clothing are taken.
Exodus 3 21 Bonus section
This verse functions as an early fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant found in Genesis 15:14, where God promised that Abraham's descendants would leave their bondage "with great possessions." The "favor" spoken of here implies a supernatural act of God, overcoming centuries of oppression and Egyptian resentment. It is not simply permission given by Pharaoh, but a disposition engineered by God, rendering the Egyptians willing to part with their valuables. This foreshadows a pattern of divine reversal and restoration throughout the biblical narrative, where those who oppressed God's people are stripped of their resources, which are then used to advance God's kingdom and bless His chosen. This theme continues into the ultimate triumph where the wealth of nations will be brought to God's New Jerusalem.
Exodus 3 21 Commentary
Exodus 3:21 is a crucial verse in God's initial revelation to Moses at the burning bush. It underscores the holistic nature of God's deliverance plan for Israel. Far from simply escaping, Israel would be supernaturally empowered to take spoils from their oppressors. This demonstrates Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over all nations and resources, proving His capacity to humble the proudest empire and exalt His humble people. This act of divine restitution provided not only for their immediate needs in the wilderness but also for the materials required for the tabernacle, showcasing how God's provision can be directly linked to His redemptive purposes. It serves as an assurance to Moses and to us that God's commitment to His people's well-being is comprehensive, addressing physical, spiritual, and material aspects of their existence, even using their former adversaries to bless them.