Devine Scripture

Exodus 14:11

What does Exodus 14:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Exodus 14:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Exodus 14:11 means

In their terror, the Israelites turned their fear into bitter accusation against Moses. They sarcastically suggested that Moses brought them out of Egypt only to die in the wilderness, questioning his motives and God's plan. This outburst reveals their regret and lack of faith, despite witnessing God's powerful plagues against Egypt. Their question, "wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us," highlights their short-sightedness and failure to trust God's leadership in the face of immediate danger.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to bring us forth out of Egypt?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to bring us forth out of Egypt?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they said to Moses, Was there no resting-place for the dead in Egypt, that you have taken us away to come to our death in the waste land? why have you taken us out of Egypt?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And they say unto Moses, `Because there are no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in a wilderness? what is this thou hast done to us--to bring us out from Egypt?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they said to Moses: Perhaps there were no graves in Egypt, therefore thou hast brought us to die in the wilderness: why wouldst thou do this, to lead us out of Egypt?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And they said to Moses, Is it because there were no graves in Egypt, thou hast taken us away to die in the wilderness? why hast thou done this to us, that thou hast led us out of Egypt?

Context

This verse records the Israelites' first act of blaming Moses, directly following their outcry of fear in verse 10. It precedes their explicit desire to return to Egyptian bondage in verse 12, articulating their deep despair and lack of faith after witnessing God's prior mighty works. This accusation underscores the dire situation and the people's spiritual immaturity.

v.10And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians were marching after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto Jehovah.

v.11This passage

v.12Is not this the word that we spake unto thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it were better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Numbers 11:1

    And the people were as murmurers, speaking evil in the ears of Jehovah: and when Jehovah heard it, his anger was kindled; and the fire of Jehovah burnt among them, and devoured in the uttermost part of the camp.

  • Exodus 15:23

    And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.

  • Psalms 106:7

    Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; They remembered not the multitude of thy lovingkindnesses, But were rebellious at the sea, even at the Red Sea.

  • Numbers 11:15

    And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favor in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

  • Exodus 16:2

    And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron in the wilderness:

  • Numbers 14:1

    And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.

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