Exodus 4:23

What does Exodus 4:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Exodus 4:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and I have said unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me; and thou hast refused to let him go: behold, I will slay thy son, thy first-born.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and I have said unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me; and thou hast refused to let him go: behold, I will slay thy son, thy first-born.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And I said to you, Let my son go, so that he may give me worship; and you did not let him go: so now I will put the first of your sons to death.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and I say unto thee, Send away My son, and he doth serve Me; and--thou dost refuse to send him away--lo, I am slaying thy son, thy first-born.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I have said to thee: Let my son go, that he may serve me, and thou wouldst not let him go: behold I will kill thy son, thy firstborn.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And I say to thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me. And if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will kill thy son, thy firstborn.

Context

v.22And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith Jehovah, Israel is my son, my first-born:

v.23This passage

v.24And it came to pass on the way at the lodging-place, that Jehovah met him, and sought to kill him.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 78:51

    And smote all the first-born in Egypt, The chief of their strength in the tents of Ham.

  • Exodus 7:16

    And thou shalt say unto him, Jehovah, the God of the Hebrews, hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou hast not hearkened.

  • Exodus 12:29

    And it came to pass at midnight, that Jehovah smote all the first-born in the land of Egypt, from the first-born of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the first-born of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the first-born of cattle.

  • Exodus 5:1

    And afterward Moses and Aaron came, and said unto Pharaoh, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.

  • Psalms 105:36

    He smote also all the first-born in their land, The chief of all their strength.

  • Exodus 11:5

    and all the first-born in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first-born of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the first-born of the maid-servant that is behind the mill; and all the first-born of cattle.

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