Exodus 1:12
New International Version
But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites

New Living Translation
But the more the Egyptians oppressed them, the more the Israelites multiplied and spread, and the more alarmed the Egyptians became.

English Standard Version
But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel.

Berean Standard Bible
But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and flourished; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites.

King James Bible
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.

New King James Version
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were in dread of the children of Israel.

New American Standard Bible
But the more they oppressed them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread out, so that they dreaded the sons of Israel.

NASB 1995
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread out, so that they were in dread of the sons of Israel.

NASB 1977
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread out, so that they were in dread of the sons of Israel.

Legacy Standard Bible
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread out, so that they were in dread of the sons of Israel.

Amplified Bible
But the more the Egyptians oppressed them, the more they multiplied and expanded, so that the Egyptians dreaded and were exasperated by the Israelites.

Christian Standard Bible
But the more they oppressed them, the more they multiplied and spread so that the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But the more they oppressed them, the more they multiplied and spread so that the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites.

American Standard Version
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.

Contemporary English Version
But even though the Israelites were mistreated, their families grew larger, and they took over more land. Because of this, the Egyptians feared them worse than before

English Revised Version
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But the more the Israelites were oppressed, the more they increased in number and spread out. The Egyptians couldn't stand them [any longer].

Good News Translation
But the more the Egyptians oppressed the Israelites, the more they increased in number and the farther they spread through the land. The Egyptians came to fear the Israelites

International Standard Version
But the more the Egyptians afflicted the Israelis, the more they multiplied and flourished, so that the Egyptians became terrified of the Israelis.

Majority Standard Bible
But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and flourished; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites.

NET Bible
But the more the Egyptians oppressed them, the more they multiplied and spread. As a result the Egyptians loathed the Israelites,

New Heart English Bible
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread out. And the Egyptians were in dread of the children of Israel.

Webster's Bible Translation
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.

World English Bible
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread out. They started to dread the children of Israel.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and as they afflict it, so it multiplies, and so it breaks forth, and they are distressed because of the sons of Israel;

Young's Literal Translation
and as they afflict it, so it multiplieth, and so it breaketh forth, and they are vexed because of the sons of Israel;

Smith's Literal Translation
And as they will afflict them, so they will multiply and will increase. And they will feel disgust from the face of the sons of Israel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But the more they oppressed them, the more they were multiplied, and increased:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the more they oppressed them, so much more did they multiply and increase.

New American Bible
Yet the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread, so that the Egyptians began to loathe the Israelites.

New Revised Standard Version
But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread, so that the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But the more they oppressed them, the more they multiplied and became strong. And the Egyptians were grieved because of the children of Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And as much as those oppressed them, so they were multiplying, and thus they were growing strong, and it was distressing them before the children of Israel.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And they were adread because of the children of Israel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But as they humbled them, by so much they multiplied, and grew exceedingly strong; and the Egyptians greatly abhorred the children of Israel.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Oppression by a New King
11So the Egyptians appointed taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor. As a result, they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. 12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and flourished; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. 13They worked the Israelites ruthlessly…

Cross References
Acts 7:17-19
As the time drew near for God to fulfill His promise to Abraham, our people in Egypt increased greatly in number. / Then another king, who knew nothing of Joseph, arose over Egypt. / He exploited our people and oppressed our fathers, forcing them to abandon their infants so they would die.

Genesis 15:13-14
Then the LORD said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. / But I will judge the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will depart with many possessions.

Psalm 105:24-25
And the LORD made His people very fruitful, more numerous than their foes, / whose hearts He turned to hate His people, to conspire against His servants.

Acts 7:6
God told him that his descendants would be foreigners in a strange land, and that they would be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years.

Genesis 47:27
Now the Israelites settled in the land of Egypt, in the region of Goshen. They acquired property there and became fruitful and increased greatly in number.

Exodus 3:9
And now the cry of the Israelites has reached Me, and I have seen how severely the Egyptians are oppressing them.

Exodus 12:37
The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth with about 600,000 men on foot, besides women and children.

Deuteronomy 26:5
and you are to declare before the LORD your God, “My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down to Egypt few in number and lived there and became a great nation, mighty and numerous.

Nehemiah 9:37
Its abundant harvest goes to the kings You have set over us because of our sins. And they rule over our bodies and our livestock as they please. We are in great distress.

Isaiah 26:15
You have enlarged the nation, O LORD; You have enlarged the nation. You have gained glory for Yourself; You have extended all the borders of the land.

Acts 12:24
But the word of God continued to spread and multiply.

Romans 5:20
The law came in so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more,

2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Hebrews 11:12
And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.


Treasury of Scripture

But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.

but the more.

Psalm 105:24
And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.

Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

grieved.

Exodus 1:9
And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:

Job 5:2
For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.

Proverbs 27:4
Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

Jump to Previous
Abroad Afflict Afflicted Breaketh Children Cruel Distressed Dread Egyptians Forth Full Grew Grieved Hated Increased Israel Israelites Multiplied Multiplieth Oppressed Spread Vexed
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Abroad Afflict Afflicted Breaketh Children Cruel Distressed Dread Egyptians Forth Full Grew Grieved Hated Increased Israel Israelites Multiplied Multiplieth Oppressed Spread Vexed
Exodus 1
1. The children of Israel, after Joseph's death, increase.
8. The more they are oppressed by a new king, the more they multiply.
15. The godliness of the midwives in saving the male children alive.
22. Pharaoh commands the male children to be cast into the river














But the more they were oppressed
The oppression of the Israelites in Egypt began after the death of Joseph and the rise of a new Pharaoh who did not know him. This Pharaoh feared the growing population of the Israelites and sought to suppress them through forced labor. This phrase highlights a recurring biblical theme where God's people often face persecution and hardship. Historically, the oppression included harsh labor conditions, as described in Exodus 1:11, where the Israelites were forced to build store cities for Pharaoh. This oppression can be seen as a test of faith and endurance, similar to the trials faced by other biblical figures such as Job.

the more they multiplied and flourished
Despite the harsh conditions, the Israelites continued to grow in number and strength. This multiplication can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2, where God promised to make Abraham's descendants a great nation. The flourishing of the Israelites under oppression is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness. It also serves as a type of Christ, who, despite persecution and suffering, brought forth salvation and growth for the Church. This resilience is echoed in the New Testament, where the early Church grew despite persecution (Acts 8:1-4).

so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites
The Egyptians' dread of the Israelites reflects a common biblical motif where the enemies of God's people fear their growth and potential. This fear led to further attempts to suppress the Israelites, including the decree to kill all newborn Hebrew boys (Exodus 1:22). The dread can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to make Israel a powerful nation that would be a source of blessing and fear to others (Genesis 12:3). This situation foreshadows the eventual Exodus, where God's power would be displayed through the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, leading to the liberation of His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, also known as the children of Israel, who were living in Egypt and experiencing oppression under Pharaoh's rule.

2. Egyptians
The people of Egypt, who were led by Pharaoh and became increasingly fearful and oppressive towards the Israelites.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who initiated the oppression of the Israelites due to fear of their growing numbers and potential power.

4. Oppression
The harsh treatment and forced labor imposed on the Israelites by the Egyptians in an attempt to control their population and power.

5. Multiplication and Flourishing
Despite the oppression, the Israelites continued to grow in number and strength, which was a testament to God's blessing and faithfulness.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Adversity
Despite human attempts to thwart God's plans, His purposes prevail. The Israelites' growth under oppression demonstrates God's sovereign control over circumstances.

Faithfulness in Trials
The Israelites' experience encourages believers to remain faithful and trust in God's promises, even when facing difficult situations.

The Power of God's Blessing
God's blessing is not hindered by external circumstances. The flourishing of the Israelites under oppression is a testament to the power of divine blessing.

Fear and Oppression
The Egyptians' fear led to oppression, showing how fear can drive people to act unjustly. Believers are called to trust in God rather than succumb to fear.

God's Deliverance
The account of the Israelites in Egypt foreshadows God's ultimate deliverance through Christ. It reminds believers of the hope and deliverance found in Jesus.(12) The more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew.--This result was not natural. It can only be ascribed to God's superintending Providence, whereby "the fierceness of man" was made to "turn to his praise." Naturally, severe and constant labour exhausts a nation, and causes its numbers to diminish.

They were grieved.--This is scarcely strong enough. Translate, "They were sore distressed."

Verse 12. - They were grieved because of the children of Israel. The word grieved very insufficiently renders the Hebrew verb, which "expresses a mixture of loathing and alarm" ('Speaker's Commentary,' vol. 1. pt. 1, p. 251). Kalisch translates forcibly, if inelegantly - "They had a horror of the children of Israel."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But the more they were oppressed,
יְעַנּ֣וּ (yə·‘an·nū)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6031: To be bowed down or afflicted

the more they multiplied
יִרְבֶּ֖ה (yir·beh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7235: To be or become much, many or great

and flourished,
יִפְרֹ֑ץ (yip̄·rōṣ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6555: To break through

so that the Egyptians came to dread
וַיָּקֻ֕צוּ (way·yā·qu·ṣū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6973: To feel a loathing, abhorrence, or sickening dread

the Israelites.
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son


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OT Law: Exodus 1:12 But the more they afflicted them (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 1:11
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