And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve the LORD; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you.

EXODUS 10:24KJV
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Exodus 10:24 (KJV)

What does Exodus 10:24 mean?

Exodus 10:24 describes Pharaoh telling Moses that the Israelites may go and serve the LORD, but only if they leave their flocks and herds behind, though their children may go with them. Pharaoh is offering a partial permission, still holding back something important as a condition.

In this verse, Pharaoh is speaking directly to Moses after the plague of darkness. Pharaoh is trying to negotiate by allowing the people and their children to leave, but he insists that their animals must stay in Egypt. This shows Pharaoh’s reluctance to give the Israelites full freedom, as their livestock were essential for their sacrifices and livelihood.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 10:24

  • The word for “serve” is עָבַד (ʿāvad), which means to work or serve, and in this context, it refers to worshiping or serving the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH). Pharaoh recognizes that the Israelites want to serve their God, but he tries to limit how they can do it.
  • The word for “flocks” is צֹאן (tso’n), and for “herds” is בָּקָר (baqar). By asking for these to be “stayed” (יָצַג, yatsag — meaning to be left or kept back), Pharaoh is withholding what the Israelites need for worship and daily life.
  • The phrase “let your little ones also go with you” uses טַף (taf), meaning children or little ones, showing Pharaoh’s attempt to appear more lenient while still keeping control over the Israelites’ resources.

Why Exodus 10:24 matters

  • This verse highlights Pharaoh’s ongoing resistance and unwillingness to fully obey God’s command, even after several plagues.
  • The condition about leaving the livestock shows that Pharaoh wants to keep leverage over the Israelites, knowing their animals are vital for sacrifice and survival.
  • Understanding this negotiation helps explain why Moses later insists that not a single animal can be left behind, emphasizing the completeness of the Israelites’ departure and their commitment to worshiping God as instructed.

Where else these words appear

“stayed” Hebrew H3322 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 30:38 And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink.
  • Judges 6:37 Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:1 So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.

“ones” Hebrew H2945 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 34:29 And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house.
  • Numbers 31:9 And the children of Israel took all the women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods.
  • Joshua 1:14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them;