Exodus 14:12
“Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.”
Exodus 14:12 in 7 translations
- KJVKing James Version
- Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.
- DRADouay–Rheims
- Is not this the word that we spoke to thee in Egypt, saying: Depart from us that we may serve the Egyptians? for it was much better to serve them, than to die in the wilderness.
- ASVAmerican Standard Version
- Is 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.
- DARBYDarby
- Is not this what we told thee in Egypt, when we said, Let us alone, and we will serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.
- WEBThe World English Bible
- Isn't this the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, 'Leave 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.
- YLTYoung's Literal Translation
- Is not this the word which we spake unto thee in Egypt, saying, Cease from us, and we serve the Egyptians; for better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in a wilderness?'
- BPVBiblePics Version
- Isn't this what we told you in Egypt? We said, 'Leave us alone so we can serve the Egyptians.' It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.
Context: Exodus 14
10And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.
11And 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?
12Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.
13And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
14The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
About Exodus 14: Pharaoh's Regret
The Pharaoh regrets letting the Israelites go and pursues them with his army. The Israelites are trapped at the Red Sea, but God parts the sea for them to cross on dry land. The Egyptians are drowned when the sea closes back up.
Commentary
Exodus 14 is a pivotal chapter in the book of Exodus, as it marks the moment when the Israelites are finally freed from their bondage in Egypt. The chapter begins with God instructing Moses to tell the Israelites to turn and camp by the sea, and to be ready to leave in the morning. Moses then goes to Pharaoh and tells him that the Lord has commanded the Israelites to leave Egypt. Pharaoh, however, refuses to let them go and instead sends his army after them.