Exodus 5:9

9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labor therein, and let them not regard vain words."

Exodus 5:9 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 5:9

Let there more work be laid upon the men
Instead of lessening it, let it be increased, or "be heavy" ^F11 upon them, that it may oppress and afflict them and keep them down, and weaken their strength and their spirits, and diminish them:

that they may labour therein;
and have no leisure time to spend in idleness and sloth:

and let them not regard vain words;
or "words of falsehood" ^F12 and lies, such as were spoken by Moses and Aaron, promising them liberty and deliverance from their bondage, which he was determined never to grant, and so eventually make such words to appear to be vain and empty, falsehood and lies.

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FOOTNOTES:

F11 (dbkt) "aggravetur", Pagninus, Montanus
F12 (yrbdb) "in verbis mendacii", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus. "Verbis falsis", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.

Exodus 5:9 In-Context

7 "Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore. Let them go and gather straw for themselves.

8 And the tally of bricks which they made heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish any thereof. For they are idle; therefore they cry, saying, `Let us go and sacrifice to our God.'

9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labor therein, and let them not regard vain words."

10 And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spoke to the people, saying, "Thus saith Pharaoh: `I will not give you straw.

11 Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it; yet not any of your work shall be diminished.'"