Exodus 10:25 (KJV)

What does Exodus 10:25 mean?

Exodus 10:25 records Moses telling Pharaoh that the Israelites must be allowed to take their sacrifices and burnt offerings with them in order to worship the LORD their God. Moses insists that leaving Egypt without these animals is not an option, because they are essential for proper worship.

In this verse, Moses is responding to Pharaoh during the negotiations for Israel’s release from slavery. Pharaoh had suggested that the Israelites could go worship but leave their livestock behind. Moses makes it clear that sacrifices (animals offered to God) and burnt offerings (animals completely burned as an offering) are necessary for their worship, and they cannot leave without them.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 10:25

• "Sacrifices" — זֶבַח (zevach): This word refers to animals offered as a sacrifice, often for fellowship or thanksgiving. Moses uses it to stress that worship involves more than just leaving Egypt; it requires the means to make offerings.
• "Burnt offerings" — עֹלָה (olah): This term means a sacrifice that is wholly burned on the altar. By mentioning both types, Moses highlights that all forms of worship, both shared and total offerings, are needed.
• "Sacrifice" — עָשָׂה (asah): This verb means "to do" or "to make," but here it is used for "to sacrifice." It shows that the act of offering is something that must be done, not just intended.
• "LORD" — יְהוָה (YHWH, often pronounced Yahweh): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing that the worship Moses describes is directed to their specific, covenant God.

Why Exodus 10:25 matters

• Exodus 10:25 clarifies that Moses is not negotiating for a partial freedom or a symbolic act of worship—he insists on the full ability to worship as God requires, including the necessary offerings.
• The verse shows Moses’ boldness in standing up to Pharaoh and his commitment to obeying God’s instructions exactly, not compromising on what true worship involves.
• This moment highlights the ongoing tension between Pharaoh’s attempts to control or limit Israel’s worship and Moses’ insistence on complete obedience to God’s command.