translation_id: net-engnet

book_id: EXO

label: NET translator note

text: The expression כְּשַּׂלְּחוֹ כָּלָה ( kÿsallÿkho kalah ) is difficult. It seems to say, “as/when he releases [you] altogether.” The LXX has “and when he sends you forth with everything.” Tg. Onq. and modern translators make kala adverbial, “completely” or “altogether.” B. S. Childs follows an emendation to read, “as one sends away a bride” ( Exodus [OTL], 130). W. C. Kaiser prefers the view of Yaron that would render it “in the manner of one’s sending away a kallah [a slave purchased to be one’s daughter-in-law]” (“Exodus,” EBC 2:370). The last two readings call for revising the vocalization and introducing a rare word into the narrative. The simplest approach is to follow a meaning “when he releases [you] altogether,” i.e., with all your people and your livestock.


text: The words are emphatic: גָּרֵשׁ יְגָרֵשׁ ( garesh yÿgaresh ). The Piel verb means “to drive out, expel.” With the infinitive absolute it says that Pharaoh “will drive you out vigorously.” He will be glad to be rid of you – it will be a total expulsion.


text: Heb “Speak now in the ears of the people.” The expression is emphatic; it seeks to ensure that the Israelites hear the instruction.


text: The verb translated “request” is וְיִשְׁאֲלוּ ( vÿyish ’ alu ), the Qal jussive: “let them ask.” This is the point introduced in Exod 3:22 . The meaning of the verb might be stronger than simply “ask”; it might have something of the idea of “implore” (see also its use in the naming of Samuel, who was “asked” from Yahweh [ 1 Sam 1:20 ]).


text: “each man is to request from his neighbor and each woman from her neighbor.” sn Here neighbor refers to Egyptian neighbors, who are glad to see them go ( 12:33 ) and so willingly give their jewelry and vessels.


text: Heb “in the eyes of.”


text: Heb “in the eyes of the servants of Pharaoh and in the eyes of the people.” In the translation the word “Egyptian” has been supplied to clarify that the Egyptians and not the Israelites are meant here. sn The presence of this clause about Moses, which is parenthetical in nature, further indicates why the Egyptians gave rather willingly to the Israelites. They were impressed by Moses’ miracles and his power with Pharaoh. Moses was great in stature – powerful and influential.


text: Heb “about the middle of the night.”


text: Heb “which like it there has never been.”


text: Heb “and like it it will not add.”


text: ,” JNSL 11 [1983]: 75).


text: Heb “against man or beast.”


text: The verb פָּלָה ( palah ) in Hiphil means “to set apart, make separate, make distinct.” See also Exod 8:22 (18 HT); 9:4; 33:16 .


text: Heb “that are at your feet.”


text: Heb “and he”; the referent (Moses) has been specified in the translation for clarity.