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Exodus 14:12

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Exodus 14:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Is not this the word that we spake unto thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it were better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Is not this the word that we spake unto thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it were better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.
Exodus 14:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Exodus 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9And the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses [and] chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baal-zephon.
10And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians were marching after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto Jehovah.
11And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to bring us forth out of Egypt?
12Is not this the word that we spake unto thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it were better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.
13And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of Jehovah, which he will work for you to-day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to-day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
14Jehovah will fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
15And Jehovah said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.
← Exodus 14:11Exodus 14:13 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, etc.] The thing they suggested to him, and talked with him about while they were in the land of Egypt, before they came out of it, particularly after their service and bondage were made more severe and cruel upon Moses and Aaron’s demanding their dismission, (see <020521>Exodus 5:21 6:9): saying, let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? peaceably and quietly, as we have been used to do, since there is no likelihood of being freed, and since we are more evilly treated than before: for it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness: of such mean spirits were they, and had so poor a notion…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Let us alone - This is a gross exaggeration, yet not without a semblance of truth: for although the Israelites welcomed the message of Moses at first, they gave way completely at the first serious trial. See the reference in the margin. The whole passage foreshadows the conduct of the people in the wilderness. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Is not this: Exo 5:21, Exo 3:9 Let us alone: Hos 4:17; Mar 1:24, Mar 5:7, Mar 5:17, Mar 5:18 For it had: Jon 4:3, Jon 4:8 Exodus 14:13”
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Related study paths

Read Exodus 14 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification