Verse
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Exodus 5:14
ESV And the foremen of the people of Israel, whom Pharaoh 's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten and were asked, "Why have you not done all your task of making bricks today and yesterday, as in the past?"
NIV And Pharaoh’s slave drivers beat the Israelite overseers they had appointed, demanding, "Why haven’t you met your quota of bricks yesterday or today, as before?"
NASB Moreover, the foremen of the sons of Israel, whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, were beaten and asked, 'Why have you not completed your required task of making bricks either yesterday or today, as before?'
CSB Then the Israelite foremen, whom Pharaoh’s slave drivers had set over the people, were beaten and asked, "Why haven’t you finished making your prescribed number of bricks yesterday or today, as you did before?"
NLT Then they whipped the Israelite foremen they had put in charge of the work crews. 'Why haven’t you met your quotas either yesterday or today?' they demanded.
KJV And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore?
NKJV Also the officers of the children of Israel, whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, were beaten and were asked, “Why have you not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and today, as before?”

What does Exodus 5:14 mean?

This is one of the expected outcomes of Pharaoh's unfair order (Exodus 5:6–8). He fully intends that the Hebrew slaves be given an impossible task. They cannot find enough random straw to make up for what Egypt no longer provides. This is meant to humiliate, and to remind them that Egypt is their master. It also creates an excuse for punishment. The "foremen" noted here are Jewish men assigned as supervisors or crew leaders among their own people. They have some authority, but they are slaves themselves.

When the impossible is not made possible, these foremen are physically beaten. The "taskmasters" of Egypt are the slave drivers given power over the Hebrews (Exodus 1:11); presumably, these are the men delivering the beatings. The question being asked is sarcastic; everyone knows why the Israelites are struggling to produce. The abused men will appeal to Pharaoh (Exodus 5:15–16), only to realize that this is a deliberately hopeless situation (Exodus 5:17–19).

This leads to another of Pharaoh's intended consequences: resentment against Moses (Exodus 5:20–21). Pharaoh is irritated at Moses' requests (Exodus 5:1–5). He hopes to intimidate the Israelites so they will not listen to men like Moses (Exodus 5:9).
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