Exodus 3:21

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Exodus 3:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty.
Exodus 3:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Exodus 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
21And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, etc.] That is, give the Israelites favour in their sight, a little before their departure, who should be ready to do anything for them, or bestow anything upon them; or however lend them what they would desire, being glad to be at peace with them, or get rid of them, for whose sakes they would perceive all those sore calamities came upon them, they were distressed with: and it shall come to pass, that when ye go, ye shall not go empty; destitute of what was necessary for them, but even with great substance, as was foretold by Abraham they should, and which prophecy was now about to be fulfilled, (<011514>Genesis 15:14).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Exo 11:3, Exo 12:36; Gen 39:21; Neh 1:11; Psa 106:46; Pro 16:7; Act 7:10 Exodus 3:22”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“Not only would God compel Pharaoh to let Israel go; He would not let His people go out empty, but, according to the promise in Gen 15:14, with great substance. "I will give this people favour in the eyes of the Egyptians;" that is to say, the Egyptians should be so favourably disposed towards them, that when they solicited of their neighbours clothes and ornaments of gold and silver, their request should be granted. "So shall ye spoil the Egyptians." What is here foretold as a promise, the Israelites are directed to do in Exo 11:2-3; and according to Exo 12:35-36, it was really carried out. Immediately before their departure from Egypt, the Israelites asked (ישׁאלוּ) the Egyptians for gold…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification