Exodus 3:21
What does Exodus 3:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Exodus 3:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Exodus 3:21 means
God promised to grant the Israelites "favor in the sight of the Egyptians." This divine influence would soften the Egyptians' hearts towards their former slaves, ensuring that when they departed, they would "not go empty." This was a providential provision, ensuring that the Israelites would leave with resources, not as pauperized escapees. It highlighted God's meticulous care for His people's well-being and His ability to turn the hearts of their oppressors.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And I will give this people grace in the eyes of the Egyptians, so that when you go out you will go out with your hands full.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And I have given the grace of this people in the eyes of the Egyptians, and it hath come to pass, when ye go, ye go not empty;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And I will give favour to this people, in the sight of the Egyptians: and when you go forth, you shall not depart empty:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And I will give this people favour in the eyes of the Egyptians, and it shall come to pass, when ye go out, that ye shall not go out empty;
Context
This verse immediately follows God's promise of striking Egypt, detailing a specific aspect of the departure: the Israelites will leave with favor and goods. This acts as an assurance of provision and prosperity, setting up the practical means of their departure and further demonstrating God's comprehensive plan for the exodus.
v.20And I will put forth my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.
v.21This passage
v.22But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall despoil the Egyptians.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 105:37
And he brought them forth with silver and gold; And there was not one feeble person among his tribes.
- Exodus 12:36
and Jehovah gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. And they despoiled the Egyptians.
- Acts 7:10
and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
- Nehemiah 1:11
O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who delight to fear thy name; and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. Now I was cupbearer to the king.
- Genesis 39:21
But Jehovah was with Joseph, and showed kindness unto him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
- Exodus 11:3
And Jehovah gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people.
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