Exodus 5:9

ESV Let heavier work be laid on the men that they may labor at it and pay no regard to lying words."

NIV Make the work harder for the people so that they keep working and pay no attention to lies."

NASB Let the labor be heavier on the men, and have them work at it so that they will pay no attention to false words.'

CSB Impose heavier work on the men. Then they will be occupied with it and not pay attention to deceptive words."

NLT Load them down with more work. Make them sweat! That will teach them to listen to lies!'

KJV Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.

NKJV Let more work be laid on the men, that they may labor in it, and let them not regard false words.”

What does Exodus 5:9 mean?

Israelites were already being forced into harsh and unfair labor (Exodus 1:13–14). When Moses brings God's demand that these slaves be allowed to leave for worship, Pharaoh is irritated (Exodus 5:1–5). In spite, he summons the slave masters and Israeli foremen. He tells them the slaves will no longer be given a major component of bricks: they are to find it themselves. This is to be done without any reduction in productivity (Exodus 5:6–8).

Pharaoh knows full well that his demand is impossible. This will make the slaves work even harder, and their lack of production will provide excuses for physical abuse (Exodus 5:14). His purpose is to remind the Hebrews that they are slaves in his kingdom. It is also a punishment for listening to people like Moses, who would dare advocate for the people. By punishing the people for Moses' request, Pharaoh hopes to make the Israelites too afraid of retaliation to attempt such a thing again.

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