Exodus 1:14
And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in mortar, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.
Exodus 1:14 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Exodus describes the harsh treatment and enslavement of the Israelites by the Egyptians. The word "bondage" refers to the state of being a slave or subjected to physical or mental hardship. The Israelites were forced to endure strenuous and grueling labor, such as working with mortar and brick, and performing various tasks in the fields. The phrase "all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour" emphasizes the severity and cruelty of their enslavement. The Israelites faced harsh conditions, relentless work, and oppressive treatment at the hands of their Egyptian masters. This verse serves as a reminder of the suffering and hardships that the Israelites endured during their time in Egypt, highlighting the importance of their eventual liberation and journey to freedom with the help of God and Moses.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse from Exodus 1:14 highlights the harsh and oppressive nature of the Israelites' slavery in Egypt. The mention of "hard bondage" and the various forms of labor they were subjected to, such as working with mortar, brick, and in the field, speaks to the intense suffering and toil they endured. The word "rigour" signifies the severity and cruelty with which they were treated by their Egyptian taskmasters. This verse underscores the dehumanizing effects of slavery and the overwhelming burden placed upon the Israelites. It sets the stage for God's eventual deliverance of His people from bondage, emphasizing His compassion and justice in the face of oppression.
Exodus 1:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
and they made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field, all their service, wherein they made them serve with rigor.
World English Bible
and they made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and in brick, and in all kinds of service in the field, all their service, in which they ruthlessly made them serve.
Douay-Rheims
And they made their life bitter with hard works in clay and brick, and with all manner of service, wherewith they were overcharged in the works of the earth.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thus they made them weary of their liues by sore labour in clay and in bricke, and in al worke in the fielde, with all maner of bondage, which they layde vpon them most cruelly.