Exodus 5:18

ESV Go now and work. No straw will be given you, but you must still deliver the same number of bricks."

NIV Now get to work. You will not be given any straw, yet you must produce your full quota of bricks."

NASB So go now and work; for you will be given no straw, but you must deliver the quota of bricks.'

CSB Now get to work. No straw will be given to you, but you must produce the same quantity of bricks."

NLT Now get back to work! No straw will be given to you, but you must still produce the full quota of bricks.'

KJV Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks.

NKJV Therefore go now and work; for no straw shall be given you, yet you shall deliver the quota of bricks.”

What does Exodus 5:18 mean?

Abused, enslaved supervisors (Exodus 1:11, 13–14) have come to Pharaoh protesting their recent beatings (Exodus 5:14–16). They cannot meet their expected production of bricks because they are not being given enough raw materials. However, they now learn that this is no accident (Exodus 5:6–9). They are being punished and abused in retaliation for Moses (Exodus 5:1–3) asking Pharaoh to give them freedom to worship (Exodus 5:17). It's obvious that the problem is not the Israelites' fault, but they will be punished anyway. This sends a message that Egypt will not tolerate talk of freedom.

The people realize this is a serious problem (Exodus 5:19). They are subject to punishment, with no chance to avoid it. As Pharaoh planned, the people blame this on Moses and Aaron (Exodus 5:20–21). Just as the Pharaoh hoped, his slaves turn against the men seeking their freedom. Now, the slaves will work in Pharaoh's interests by condemning Moses and Aaron.

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