Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But require them to make the same number of bricks as before; don’t reduce the quota. They are lazy; that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ New Living Translation But still require them to make the same number of bricks as before. Don’t reduce the quota. They are lazy. That’s why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and offer sacrifices to our God.’ English Standard Version But the number of bricks that they made in the past you shall impose on them, you shall by no means reduce it, for they are idle. Therefore they cry, ‘Let us go and offer sacrifice to our God.’ Berean Standard Bible But require of them the same quota of bricks as before; do not reduce it. For they are lazy; that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ Berean Literal Bible And the quota of bricks that they were making yesterday and the day before yesterday you⁺ shall set on them. You⁺ shall not diminish from it, for they are idle. Upon thus, they cry out, saying, ‘Let us go, let us sacrifice to our God.’ King James Bible And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. New King James Version And you shall lay on them the quota of bricks which they made before. You shall not reduce it. For they are idle; therefore they cry out, saying, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ New American Standard Bible But you shall impose on them the quota of bricks which they were making before; you are not to reduce any of it. Because they are lazy, for that reason they cry out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ NASB 1995 “But the quota of bricks which they were making previously, you shall impose on them; you are not to reduce any of it. Because they are lazy, therefore they cry out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ NASB 1977 “But the quota of bricks which they were making previously, you shall impose on them; you are not to reduce any of it. Because they are lazy, therefore they cry out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ Legacy Standard Bible But the quota of bricks which they were making previously, you shall set upon them; you are not to reduce any of it. Because they are lazy, therefore they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ Amplified Bible But the number of bricks which they were making before, you shall [still] require of them; you are not to reduce it in the least. For they are idle and lazy; that is why they cry, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ Berean Annotated Bible But require of them the same quota of bricks as before; do not reduce it. For they are lazy; that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God {Elohehenu}. Christian Standard Bible But require the same quota of bricks from them as they were making before; do not reduce it. For they are slackers—that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ Holman Christian Standard Bible But require the same quota of bricks from them as they were making before; do not reduce it. For they are slackers—that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ American Standard Version And the number of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish aught thereof: for they are idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. Contemporary English Version but they must make the same number of bricks as before. They are lazy, or else they would not beg me to let them go and sacrifice to their God. English Revised Version And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish aught thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. GOD'S WORD® Translation but insist that they make the same number of bricks they were making before. Making fewer bricks will not be acceptable. They're lazy! That's why they're crying, 'Let us go offer sacrifices to our God.' Good News Translation But still require them to make the same number of bricks as before, not one brick less. They don't have enough work to do, and that is why they keep asking me to let them go and offer sacrifices to their God! International Standard Version But you're to impose the previous quota of bricks that they're making. You're not to reduce it! It is because they're lazy that they're crying out, 'Let's go offer sacrifices to our God.' NET Bible But you must require of them the same quota of bricks that they were making before. Do not reduce it, for they are slackers. That is why they are crying, 'Let us go sacrifice to our God.' New Heart English Bible The number of the bricks, which they made before, you require from them. You shall not diminish anything of it, for they are idle; therefore they cry, saying, 'Let us go and sacrifice to our God.' Webster's Bible Translation And the number of the bricks which they made heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish aught thereof; for they are idle: therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut require of them the same quota of bricks as before; do not reduce it. For they are lazy; that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ World English Bible You shall require from them the number of the bricks which they made before. You shall not diminish anything of it, for they are idle. Therefore they cry, saying, ‘Let’s go and sacrifice to our God.’ Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand you put on them the proper quantity of the bricks which they are making before, you do not diminish from it, for they are remiss, therefore they are crying, saying, Let us go, let us sacrifice to our God; Berean Literal Bible And the quota of bricks that they were making yesterday and the day before yesterday you⁺ shall set on them. You⁺ shall not diminish from it, for they are idle. Upon thus, they cry out, saying, ‘Let us go, let us sacrifice to our God.’ Young's Literal Translation and the proper quantity of the bricks which they are making heretofore ye do put on them, ye do not diminish from it, for they are remiss, therefore they are crying, saying, Let us go, let us sacrifice to our God; Smith's Literal Translation And the measure of bricks which they made yesterday and the third day, ye shall put upon them; ye shall not take away from it, for they are slack; for this they cried, saying, We will go to sacrifice to our God. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd you shall lay upon them the task of bricks, which they did before, neither shall you diminish any thing thereof: for they are idle, and therefore they cry, saying: Let us go and sacrifice to our God. Catholic Public Domain Version And you shall impose upon them the same quota of bricks that they made before. Neither will you lessen anything, for they are idle, and therefore they cry out, saying: ‘We shall go and sacrifice to our God.’ New American Bible Yet you shall levy upon them the same quota of bricks as they made previously. Do not reduce it. They are lazy; that is why they are crying, ‘Let us go to offer sacrifice to our God.’ New Revised Standard Version But you shall require of them the same quantity of bricks as they have made previously; do not diminish it, for they are lazy; that is why they cry, ‘Let us go and offer sacrifice to our God.’ Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut the number of bricks which they did make heretofore, you shall lay upon them; you shall not reduce the number thereof; for they are idle; that is why they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the number of the bricks that they were making as it was fulfilled, even so it is to be fulfilled; you will put it upon them, and you will not reduce them, because they are idle; because of this they complain and they are saying, ‘Let us go, we will sacrifice to our God.’ OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish aught thereof; for they are idle; therefore they cry, saying: Let us go and sacrifice to our God. Brenton Septuagint Translation And thou shalt impose on them daily the rate of brick-making which they perform: thou shalt not abate anything, for they are idle; therefore have they cried, saying, Let us arise and do sacrifice to our God. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Bricks and Straw…7“You shall no longer supply the people with straw for making bricks. They must go and gather their own straw. 8 But require of them the same quota of bricks as before; do not reduce it. For they are lazy; that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ 9Make the work harder on the men so they will be occupied and pay no attention to these lies.”… Cross References But require of them the same quota of bricks as before; Exodus 1:13-14 They worked the Israelites ruthlessly / and made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar, and with all kinds of work in the fields. Every service they imposed was harsh. 2 Samuel 12:31 David brought out the people who were there and put them to work with saws, iron picks, and axes, and he made them work at the brick kilns. He did the same to all the Ammonite cities. Then David and all his troops returned to Jerusalem. do not reduce it. 1 Kings 12:14 and spoke to them as the young men had advised, saying, “Whereas my father made your yoke heavy, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.” 1 Kings 12:4 “Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you must lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.” For they are lazy; Proverbs 19:15 Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger. Proverbs 6:6-11 Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. / Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, / it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest. … that is why they are crying out, Exodus 2:23-25 After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned and cried out under their burden of slavery, and their cry for deliverance from bondage ascended to God. / So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. / God saw the Israelites and took notice. Exodus 3:9 And now the cry of the Israelites has reached Me, and I have seen how severely the Egyptians are oppressing them. ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ Exodus 3:18 The elders of Israel will listen to what you say, and you must go with them to the king of Egypt and tell him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Now please let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness, so that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.’ Exodus 8:27 We must make a three-day journey into the wilderness and sacrifice to the LORD our God as He commands us.” Exodus 10:25-26 But Moses replied, “You must also provide us with sacrifices and burnt offerings to present to the LORD our God. / Even our livestock must go with us; not a hoof will be left behind, for we will need some of them to worship the LORD our God, and we will not know how we are to worship the LORD until we arrive.” Exodus 1:11-14 So 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. / But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and flourished; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. / They worked the Israelites ruthlessly … Exodus 3:7-9 The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings. / I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. / And now the cry of the Israelites has reached Me, and I have seen how severely the Egyptians are oppressing them. Exodus 6:6-9 Therefore tell the Israelites: ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians and deliver you from their bondage. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. / I will take you as My own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. / And I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD!’” … Exodus 7:14-16 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is unyielding; he refuses to let the people go. / Go to Pharaoh in the morning as you see him walking out to the water. Wait on the bank of the Nile to meet him, and take in your hand the staff that was changed into a snake. / Then say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to tell you: Let My people go, so that they may worship Me in the wilderness. But until now you have not listened. Exodus 8:1-2 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and tell him that this is what the LORD says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may worship Me. / But if you refuse to let them go, I will plague your whole country with frogs. Treasury of Scripture And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, you shall lay on them; you shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. tale. ye shall lay. Psalm 106:41 And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them. Jump to Previous Aught Bricks Cry Diminish Heretofore Idle Impose Lay Making Means Ought Previously Quota Reduce Require Sacrifice Tale ThereofJump to Next Aught Bricks Cry Diminish Heretofore Idle Impose Lay Making Means Ought Previously Quota Reduce Require Sacrifice Tale ThereofExodus 5 1. Pharaoh chides Moses and Aaron for their message.6. He increases the Israelites' task. 16. He ignores their complaints. 19. They cry out to Moses and Aaron. 22. Moses complains to God. But require of them the same quota of bricks as before; In this passage, Pharaoh commands that the Israelites maintain their brick production despite no longer being provided with straw. This reflects the harsh conditions of their slavery in Egypt. Historically, brick-making was a labor-intensive process, and straw was a crucial component for binding the clay. The demand for the same quota highlights the oppressive nature of their bondage and Pharaoh's attempt to undermine Moses' leadership. This situation sets the stage for God's deliverance, emphasizing the Israelites' need for divine intervention. do not reduce it. For they are lazy; that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ Persons / Places / Events 1. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt who opposes Moses and the Israelites, representing the oppressive force against God's people. 2. Moses and Aaron God's chosen leaders to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. 3. Israelites The people of God, enslaved in Egypt, who are seeking freedom to worship Yahweh. 4. Egypt The land where the Israelites are enslaved, symbolizing a place of bondage and oppression. 5. Taskmasters Egyptian overseers enforcing Pharaoh's harsh labor demands on the Israelites. Teaching Points Understanding OppressionPharaoh's demand for the same quota of bricks without providing resources illustrates the nature of oppressive systems that burden people without relief. Believers are called to recognize and stand against such injustices in society. The Cost of Worship The Israelites' desire to worship God comes at a cost, as Pharaoh increases their workload. True worship may require sacrifice and perseverance in the face of opposition. Spiritual Laziness vs. Rest Pharaoh accuses the Israelites of laziness, but their desire is for spiritual rest and worship. Believers must discern between spiritual laziness and the legitimate need for rest in God. God's Deliverance Despite Pharaoh's harshness, God's plan for deliverance is not thwarted. Trust in God's timing and sovereignty is crucial, even when circumstances seem dire. Faith in Action The Israelites' cry to worship God demonstrates faith in action. Believers are encouraged to actively pursue their faith, even when faced with challenges. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 5:8?2. How does Exodus 5:8 illustrate Pharaoh's hard-heartedness towards the Israelites' plight? 3. What does Pharaoh's command reveal about his understanding of God's authority? 4. How can Exodus 5:8 challenge us to trust God amidst unjust demands? 5. In what ways does Exodus 5:8 connect to God's promise of deliverance? 6. How should believers respond when faced with increased burdens for following God's will? 7. Why did Pharaoh refuse to reduce the Israelites' workload in Exodus 5:8? 8. How does Exodus 5:8 reflect God's plan for the Israelites' liberation? 9. What does Exodus 5:8 reveal about Pharaoh's character and leadership? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 5? 11. Exodus 5:8–9: Is there any record or historical precedent indicating such sudden changes in Egyptian labor policy? 12. Exodus 5:7: How could the Israelites maintain the same brick quota without Egyptian-provided straw under harsh labor conditions? 13. (Psalm 27:4) How can one reconcile the desire to 'dwell in the house of the LORD' forever with the archaeological record of the ancient temple's destruction? 14. Exodus 1:11 - Where is the archaeological or historical record for Israelites constructing entire cities such as Pithom and Rameses under forced labor? What Does Exodus 5:8 Mean But require of them the same quota of bricks as beforePharaoh’s order follows immediately after Moses and Aaron ask permission for Israel to worship (Exodus 5:1–3). Instead of easing their burden, he intensifies it. • The king’s edict shows a heart hardened against God, just as the Lord foretold (Exodus 4:21). • By keeping the quota unchanged, Pharaoh ensures the Israelites feel trapped, echoing earlier oppression (Exodus 1:13-14). • God is not surprised by this escalation; He will use it to display His power (Romans 9:17; Exodus 6:6-7). do not reduce it The command leaves no room for compromise. • It is a deliberate strategy to break Israel’s spirit (Exodus 5:9, 18). • The absolute demand magnifies the miracle when deliverance finally comes (Exodus 14:30-31). • Scripture often shows the enemy tightening his grip just before God intervenes (2 Chronicles 20:12-17; Daniel 3:19-25). For they are lazy Pharaoh slanders the people to justify cruelty. • Oppressors commonly label God’s people with false motives (Nehemiah 4:2-3; Acts 16:19-21). • The accusation ignores Israel’s decades of hard labor (Exodus 1:11). • Jesus warned that disciples would be misrepresented for righteousness’ sake (Matthew 5:11-12). that is why they are crying out Pharaoh twists Israel’s appeal into an excuse. • Israel’s true cry is to the Lord, not to an earthly master (Exodus 2:23-25; Psalm 34:17). • God hears even when rulers refuse to listen (James 5:4; Psalm 12:5). • The contrast highlights God’s compassion versus human tyranny (Exodus 3:7). ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ Worship lies at the center of the conflict. • The request echoes God’s command delivered through Moses (Exodus 3:18; 7:16). • True worship always confronts false authority; Pharaoh wants to keep Israel from serving anyone but him (Matthew 4:9-10). • The eventual exodus will prove that God—and not Pharaoh—deserves Israel’s allegiance (Exodus 12:31-32; Hebrews 12:28). summary Exodus 5:8 captures Pharaoh’s calculated oppression: maintain the workload, grant no mercy, and discredit Israel’s desire to worship. The verse exposes the clash between a tyrant’s hardness and God’s unfolding plan. While Pharaoh accuses the people of laziness, Scripture reveals his own rebellion against the Lord. God will turn this intensified hardship into a stage for His deliverance, demonstrating that no earthly power can hinder His call to worship and freedom. Verse 8. - The tale of the bricks - i.e., the number of the bricks. Exactly as many were to be required of each batch of workmen under the new regulation as previously. The demand was one with which, as the king well know, it would be impossible to comply. For they be idle. There was so much ground for the charge as this - that hitherto, their forced labours had not occupied the whole of their time. They had been able, apparently, to cultivate their own plots of ground (Deuteronomy 11:10), to raise crops of cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic (Numbers 11:5), to catch fish (ibid.), and attend public meetings (Exodus 4:30, 31). They had, in fact, had time which they could call their own. Now this was to be so no more. The Pharaoh, however, misrepresents and exaggerates, speaking as if their forced labours had been a mere nothing, and mere want of occupation had led them to raise the cry - "Let us go and sacrifice." It would have been far nearer the truth to say, that the severity and continuousness of their labours had made the notion of festival time, during which they would cease from their toils, generally popular.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But requireתָּשִׂ֣ימוּ (tā·śî·mū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set of them עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם (‘ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the same quota מַתְכֹּ֨נֶת (maṯ·kō·neṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 4971: Measurement, tally, proportion of bricks הַלְּבֵנִ֜ים (hal·lə·ḇê·nîm) Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 3843: Brick, tile as הֵם֩ (hêm) Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They before; תְּמ֤וֹל (tə·mō·wl) Adverb Strong's 8543: Ago, a, time since, yesterday, day before yesterday do not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no reduce it. תִגְרְע֖וּ (ṯiḡ·rə·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 1639: To scrape off, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold For כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction they הֵ֔ם (hêm) Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They are lazy; נִרְפִּ֣ים (nir·pîm) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7503: Sink, relax that is why עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against they הֵ֤ם (hêm) Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They are crying out, צֹֽעֲקִים֙ (ṣō·‘ă·qîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 6817: To shriek, to proclaim ‘Let us go נֵלְכָ֖ה (nê·lə·ḵāh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk and sacrifice נִזְבְּחָ֥ה (niz·bə·ḥāh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural Strong's 2076: To slaughter for sacrifice to our God.’ לֵאלֹהֵֽינוּ׃ (lê·lō·hê·nū) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative Links Exodus 5:8 NIVExodus 5:8 NLT Exodus 5:8 ESV Exodus 5:8 NASB Exodus 5:8 KJV Exodus 5:8 BibleApps.com Exodus 5:8 Biblia Paralela Exodus 5:8 Chinese Bible Exodus 5:8 French Bible Exodus 5:8 Catholic Bible OT Law: Exodus 5:8 The number of the bricks which they (Exo. 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