And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage:

DEUTERONOMY 26:6KJV
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Deuteronomy 26:6 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 26:6 mean?

Deuteronomy 26:6 describes how the Egyptians treated the Israelites harshly, making their lives difficult through cruel treatment, oppression, and forcing them into hard labor. The verse is a summary of the suffering the Israelites endured while they were slaves in Egypt.

In this verse, Moses is instructing the Israelites on what to say when they bring the firstfruits of the land to God, retelling their history as part of a worship ritual. The statement recalls the time when their ancestors were in Egypt, focusing on the severity of their bondage and the injustice they faced, which sets the stage for remembering God's deliverance.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 26:6

  • "Evil entreated" comes from רָעַע (ra‘a‘), which means to do evil or harm. This word emphasizes that the Egyptians’ actions were not just difficult but morally wrong and intentionally harmful.
  • "Afflicted" is עָנָה (‘anah), often used for humiliation or oppression. This word highlights the suffering and degradation the Israelites experienced, not just physical labor but also emotional and social hardship.
  • "Hard" is קָשֶׁה (qasheh), meaning severe or harsh. This word underlines the intensity of the labor and the fact that it was more than just ordinary work—it was grueling and relentless.
  • "Bondage" is עֲבֹדָה (‘avodah), meaning forced labor or servitude. This term points to the Israelites’ status as slaves, with no freedom or rights, working under compulsion.

Why Deuteronomy 26:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Israelites’ suffering in Egypt was not just about hard work but included deliberate cruelty and oppression, which helps explain why their deliverance was so significant.
  • By summarizing the Israelites’ experience in Egypt, the verse sets up the reason for gratitude and worship in the surrounding passage, connecting their past suffering to their present blessings.
  • The language used shows that their hardship was both physical and moral, reminding readers that injustice and oppression are central themes in the story of Israel’s redemption.

Where else these words appear

“Egyptians” Hebrew H4713 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 12:12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.
  • Genesis 39:5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.
  • Deuteronomy 23:7 Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.

“hard” Hebrew H7186 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 42:7 And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food.
  • Deuteronomy 31:27 For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death?
  • 2 Chronicles 10:13 And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men,

“entreated” Hebrew H7489 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 19:7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:22 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
  • Isaiah 1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

“afflicted” Hebrew H6031 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 15:13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
  • Judges 16:6 And Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength lieth, and wherewith thou mightest be bound to afflict thee.
  • Psalms 107:17 Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.