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◄ Exodus 3:7►

New International Version
The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.

New Living Translation
Then the LORD told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering.

English Standard Version
Then the LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings,

Berean Standard Bible
The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings.

King James Bible
And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people whichare in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

New King James Version
And the LORD said: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people whoare in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows.

New American Standard Bible
And the LORD said, “I have certainly seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their outcry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings.

NASB 1995
The LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings.

NASB 1977
And the LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Yahweh said, “I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and I have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sufferings.

Amplified Bible
The LORD said, “I have in fact seen the affliction (suffering, desolation) of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters (oppressors); for I know their painand suffering.

Christian Standard Bible
Then the LORD said, “I have observed the misery of my people in Egypt, and have heard them crying out because of their oppressors. I know about their sufferings,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the LORD said, “I have observed the misery of My people in Egypt, and have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I know about their sufferings.

American Standard Version
And Jehovah said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people that are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

Contemporary English Version
The LORD said: I have seen how my people are suffering as slaves in Egypt, and I have heard them beg for my help because of the way they are being mistreated. I feel sorry for them,

English Revised Version
And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The LORD said, "I have seen the misery of my people in Egypt, and I have heard them crying out because of the slave drivers. I know how much they're suffering.

Good News Translation
Then the LORD said, "I have seen how cruelly my people are being treated in Egypt; I have heard them cry out to be rescued from their slave drivers. I know all about their sufferings,

International Standard Version
The LORD said, "I have certainly seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and I have heard their cry caused by their slave masters. I really do understand their pain,

NET Bible
The LORD said, "I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt. I have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows.

New Heart English Bible
The LORD said, "I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their task-masters; for I know their sorrows;

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings.

World English Bible
Yahweh said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And YHWH says, “I have certainly seen the affliction of My people who [are] in Egypt, and I have heard their cry because of its exactors, for I have known its pains;

Young's Literal Translation
And Jehovah saith, 'I have certainly seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and their cry I have heard, because of its exactors, for I have known its pains;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehovah will say, Seeing, I saw the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and I heard their cry from the face of their pressers; and I knew their pains.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Lord said to him: I have seen the affliction of my people in Egypt, and I have heard their cry because of the rigour of them that are over the works:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the Lord said to him: “I have seen the affliction of my people in Egypt, and I have heard their outcry because of the harshness of those who are over the works.

New American Bible
But the LORD said: I have witnessed the affliction of my people in Egypt and have heard their cry against their taskmasters, so I know well what they are suffering.

New Revised Standard Version
Then the LORD said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings,

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and I have heard their cry because of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And LORD JEHOVAH said: “Looking, I have seen the oppression of my people who are in Egypt and I have heard their groans from before their oppressors, because I know their suffering;

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And the LORD said: 'I have surely seen the affliction of My people that are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their pains;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the Lord said to Moses, I have surely seen the affliction of my people that is in Egypt, and I have heard their crycaused by their task-masters; for I know their affliction.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Moses at the Burning Bush
…6Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.7The LORD said,“I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt.I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors,and I am aware of their sufferings.8I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Psalm 34:15
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry.

Psalm 106:44
Nevertheless He heard their cry; He took note of their distress.

Nehemiah 9:9
You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt; You heard their cry at the Red Sea.

Acts 7:34
I have indeed seen the oppression of My people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’

James 5:4
Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts.

Genesis 18:20-21
Then the LORD said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Because their sin is so grievous, / I will go down to see if their actions fully justify the outcry that has reached Me. If not, I will find out.”

2 Kings 13:4
Then Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him because He saw the oppression that the king of Aram had inflicted on Israel.

Isaiah 63:9
In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Psalm 9:12
For the Avenger of bloodshed remembers; He does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.

Psalm 12:5
“For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.”

Psalm 18:6
In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears.

Psalm 22:24
For He has not despised or detested the torment of the afflicted. He has not hidden His face from him, but has attended to his cry for help.

Psalm 102:19-20
For He looked down from the heights of His sanctuary; the LORD gazed out from heaven to earth / to hear a prisoner’s groaning, to release those condemned to death,

Psalm 116:1-2
I love the LORD, for He has heard my voice—my appeal for mercy. / Because He has inclined His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.

Isaiah 19:20
It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of Hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, He will send them a savior and defender to rescue them.

Treasury of Scripture

And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

I have.

Exodus 2:23-25
And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage…

Exodus 22:23
If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;

Genesis 29:32
And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.

by reason.

Exodus 1:11
Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.

I know.

Genesis 18:21
I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

Psalm 142:3
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.

Jump to Previous

Account Affliction Assuredly Aware Concerned Cruel Cry Crying Drivers Ears Egypt Exactors Grief Heard Heed Indeed Masters Misery Pains Reason Slave Sorrows Suffering Sufferings Surely Taskmasters Task-Masters

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Exodus 3

1.Moses keeps Jethro's flock.
2.God appears to him in a burning bush.
9.He sends him to deliver Israel.
13.The name of God.
15.His message to Israel, and Pharaoh, whose opposition is foretold.
20.He is assured of Israel's deliverance.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

The LORD said
This phrase indicates direct divine communication, emphasizing the authority and certainty of the message. In the context of Exodus, God is speaking to Moses from the burning bush, a theophany that signifies His presence and holiness. This encounter marks a pivotal moment in biblical history, as God reveals His plan for the deliverance of Israel.

I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt
God's awareness of Israel's suffering highlights His omniscience and compassion. The term "affliction" refers to the harsh conditions and forced labor imposed by the Egyptians. This phrase underscores God's covenant relationship with Israel, as He refers to them as "My people," recalling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The historical context involves the Israelites' enslavement, which began after Joseph's death and the rise of a new Pharaoh who did not know Joseph (Exodus 1:8).

I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors
This phrase emphasizes God's attentiveness to the prayers and cries of His people. The "oppressors" are the Egyptians, who subjected the Israelites to brutal slavery. The act of crying out signifies desperation and a plea for divine intervention. This connects to other biblical instances where God responds to the cries of His people, such as in Judges during the cycles of sin and deliverance.

and I am aware of their sufferings
God's awareness of suffering is not passive; it implies a readiness to act. The term "sufferings" encompasses the physical, emotional, and spiritual distress experienced by the Israelites. This awareness is a precursor to God's redemptive action, foreshadowing the deliverance through Moses, a type of Christ who leads His people out of bondage. Theologically, this reflects God's nature as compassionate and just, aligning with His future acts of salvation through Jesus Christ, who also sees and responds to human suffering.

Persons / Places / Events

1.The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who reveals Himself to Moses and expresses His concern for His people.

2.Moses
The chosen leader of Israel, who encounters God at the burning bush and receives his divine commission.

3.The Israelites
God's chosen people, who are suffering under the harsh oppression of Egyptian slavery.

4.Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved, representing a place of bondage and suffering.

5.Oppressors
The Egyptians, particularly Pharaoh, who impose harsh labor and suffering on the Israelites.

Teaching Points

God's Awareness and Compassion
God is not distant or indifferent to the suffering of His people. He sees, hears, and knows their afflictions.

Divine Timing and Deliverance
God's awareness of suffering is coupled with His perfect timing for deliverance. Trust in His timing, even when it seems delayed.

The Role of Prayer
The cries of the Israelites reached God, emphasizing the importance of persistent prayer in times of distress.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
God's response to the Israelites' suffering is rooted in His covenant promises. He is faithful to fulfill His word.

Empathy and Action
As believers, we are called to be aware of and respond to the suffering around us, reflecting God's compassion and action.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Exodus 3:7?

2.How does Exodus 3:7 reveal God's awareness of His people's suffering?

3.What does God's response in Exodus 3:7 teach about His character?

4.How can we apply God's attentiveness in Exodus 3:7 to our prayer life?

5.Which New Testament passages echo God's compassion seen in Exodus 3:7?

6.How should Exodus 3:7 influence our response to others' suffering today?

7.How does Exodus 3:7 demonstrate God's awareness of human suffering?

8.Why does God choose to intervene in Exodus 3:7?

9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Exodus 3:7?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 3?

11.What defines Liberation Theology's core principles and goals?

12.What defines Black Liberation Theology?

13.Why is there no evidence for the miraculous events claimed in Exodus?

14.How can we be sure of God's promises?

What Does Exodus 3:7 Mean

The LORD said

- The verse opens by reminding us that the rescue of Israel is God-initiated. He breaks the silence; Moses is not conjuring up a plan on his own (cf.Exodus 3:4).

- Throughout Scripture, when God speaks, things change—Genesis 1:3 “Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light,” andIsaiah 55:11 tells us His word never returns void.

- Because the Lord is the unchanging “I AM” (Exodus 3:14), His spoken promise carries the same authority and reliability today.

I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt

- “Indeed” doubles down on certainty. God’s awareness is not casual; it is deliberate and focused (Psalm 33:13-15).

- Calling Israel “My people” displays covenant love first stated inGenesis 17:7 and reaffirmed inExodus 2:24 when He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

- He “has seen” every whip stroke and every tear, just as He saw Hagar’s distress inGenesis 16:13. No hardship is hidden from His eyes (Psalm 34:15).

- Egypt, once a place of provision (Genesis 46:3-4), has become a furnace of oppression (Exodus 1:13-14). God is fully aware of the change in circumstances.

I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors

- Hearing implies relational attentiveness; God is not distant.Exodus 2:23-24 notes that their groaning “went up to God,” and here He confirms He has heard.

-Psalm 34:17 promises, “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears.” The pattern is consistent: God’s ear is tuned to His people’s pain (Psalm 18:6).

- “Because of their oppressors” identifies the cause; God never mistakes the source of suffering. He knows who is guilty and who is afflicted (Nahum 1:3).

I am aware of their sufferings

- The statement gathers sight and sound into personal knowledge. He is not merely informed; He is emotionally invested (Isaiah 63:9).

- The word “aware” conveys intimate understanding, echoed inHebrews 4:15 where Christ, our High Priest, is “able to sympathize with our weaknesses.”

- This awareness leads to action. In the very next verse He declares, “So I have come down to rescue them” (Exodus 3:8). Divine compassion always moves toward deliverance.

summary

Exodus 3:7 assures us that the covenant-keeping LORD sees every injustice, hears every cry, and knows every pain His people endure. His comprehensive awareness is the foundation for the rescue that follows, proving that the God who speaks is the God who saves.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(7)The Lord said.--Heb.,Jehovah said.The "God" ofExodus 3:6 is "Jehovah" here, and again "God" inExodus 3:11. (See the Note onExodus 3:4.)

I have surely seen.--Heb.,seeing I have seen.It is not so much certainty as continued looking that is implied. (Comp.Exodus 2:25.)

Taskmasters.--A different word from that similarly translated inExodus 1:11, and one that implies cruel usage. It is sometimes rendered "oppressors" (Zechariah 9:8). . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 7. -I have surely seen. Literally "Seeing I have seen" - an expression implying continuance. On the force of the anthropomorphic terms "seeing, hearing, knowing," as used of God, see the comment on Exodus 2:24-25.Taskmasters. Not the general superintendents ofExodus 1:11, but subordinate officials, who stood over the labourers and applied the rod to their backs. (See above,Exodus 2:11.)

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

The LORD
יְהוָ֔ה(Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

said,
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר(way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say

“I have indeed seen
רָאֹ֥ה(rā·’ōh)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 7200:To see

the misery
עֳנִ֥י(‘o·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6040:Affliction, poverty

of My people
עַמִּ֖י(‘am·mî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

in Egypt.
בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם(bə·miṣ·rā·yim)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714:Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

I have heard
שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙(šā·ma‘·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligently

them crying out
צַעֲקָתָ֤ם(ṣa·‘ă·qā·ṯām)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6818:A cry, outcry

because of
מִפְּנֵ֣י(mip·pə·nê)
Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The face

their oppressors,
נֹֽגְשָׂ֔יו(nō·ḡə·śāw)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5065:To drive, to tax, harass, tyrannize

and
כִּ֥י(kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction

I am aware
יָדַ֖עְתִּי(yā·ḏa‘·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3045:To know

of their sufferings.
מַכְאֹבָֽיו׃(maḵ·’ō·ḇāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4341:Anguish, affliction

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OT Law: Exodus 3:7 Yahweh said I have surely seen (Exo. Ex)