Exodus 12:36 (KJV)

What does Exodus 12:36 mean?

Exodus 12:36 says that the LORD caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the Israelites, so the Egyptians gave the Israelites whatever they asked for, and in this way, the Israelites took valuable goods from the Egyptians. The verse describes how the Israelites left Egypt with wealth given to them by the Egyptians, not by force, but because God influenced the Egyptians’ attitude.

In this part of Exodus, the Israelites are about to leave Egypt after years of slavery. God is acting on their behalf, so the Egyptians, who had been their oppressors, now willingly hand over silver, gold, and clothing. This transfer of goods is described as the Israelites “spoiling” or “plundering” the Egyptians, showing a dramatic reversal of fortune just before the Exodus.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 12:36

• The word for “favour” is חֵן (ḥēn), which means grace or favor. Here, it highlights that the Egyptians’ generosity was not normal, but a result of God’s intervention.
• The verb “lent” is שָׁאַל (sha’al), which often means “to ask” or “to request.” The sense is not that the Israelites borrowed with intent to return, but that they asked and received what they needed.
• The word “spoiled” is נָצַל (natsal), which means to snatch away or rescue. In this context, it refers to taking goods from the Egyptians, emphasizing that the Israelites left Egypt with much more than they came with.

Why Exodus 12:36 matters

• This verse clarifies that the Israelites did not steal from the Egyptians; instead, the Egyptians willingly gave them goods because of God’s influence.
• The verse fulfills God’s earlier promise to Abraham that his descendants would leave their place of slavery with great possessions (Genesis 15:14).
• Exodus 12:36 sets up the Israelites’ departure as a moment of justice and restoration, as they leave Egypt not empty-handed, but with compensation for their years of forced labor.