Exodus 14:5

ESV When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, the mind of Pharaoh and his servants was changed toward the people, and they said, "What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?"

NIV When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, "What have we done? We have let the Israelites go and have lost their services!"

NASB When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his servants had a change of heart toward the people, and they said, 'What is this that we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?'

CSB When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about the people and said: "What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us."

NLT When word reached the king of Egypt that the Israelites had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds. 'What have we done, letting all those Israelite slaves get away?' they asked.

KJV And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?

NKJV Now it was told the king of Egypt that the people had fled, and the heart of Pharaoh and his servants was turned against the people; and they said, “Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?”

What does Exodus 14:5 mean?

The "king of Egypt" is used here as another title for the pharaoh (Genesis 40:1, 5; 41:46; Exodus 1:8; 5:1–2). He had released the nation of Israel (Exodus 1:11–14) in the wake of a devastating plague (Exodus 12:29–32). In prior incidents, Pharaoh agreed to free the slaves only to change his mind (Exodus 8:15, 31–32; 9:34–35). He does this once again. Hearing that Israel seems lost (Exodus 14:2–3), he feels the courage to chase them down. Pharoah is also suffering the consequences of defying God. After constantly ignoring the Lord's call to obedience (Exodus 5:2; 7:12, 14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 34), he is now being used as a living illustration of judgment (Exodus 10:1–2; Proverbs 29:1).

Egypt's king will be obstinate and unreasonable in his pursuit (Exodus 14:8). His troops will encounter Israel at their seaside encampment (Exodus 14:6–9). A foolish attempt to follow Israel into the sea will destroy the entire army (Exodus 14:21–28).

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