And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

EXODUS 4:31KJV
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Exodus 4:31 (KJV)

What does Exodus 4:31 mean?

Exodus 4:31 describes how the Israelites responded with belief and worship when they heard that the LORD had noticed their suffering and was acting on their behalf. The people were moved to trust God and show reverence because they learned He was aware of their hardship and was coming to help them.

In this verse, Moses and Aaron have just delivered God’s message to the Israelites, telling them that the LORD (the God of their ancestors) has seen their misery in Egypt. The people’s reaction—believing, bowing their heads, and worshipping—shows their hope and relief that God is involved in their situation. This moment marks a turning point where the Israelites begin to trust that God will rescue them.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 4:31

  • "Believed" (אָמַן, ’aman): This word means to trust or have confidence in. Here, it shows that the people accepted Moses and Aaron’s message as true and put their trust in God’s promise.
  • "Visited" (פָּקַד, paqad): In Hebrew, this word often means to pay attention to or intervene for someone. The sense is not just a casual visit but God actively noticing and taking action for the Israelites.
  • "Affliction" (עֳנִי, ‘oni): This word refers to suffering, oppression, or misery. It highlights the harsh conditions the Israelites were enduring in Egypt.
  • "Worshipped" (שָׁחָה, shachah): This word means to bow down or prostrate oneself, showing deep respect and reverence. The people’s physical response underlines their humility and gratitude toward God.

Why Exodus 4:31 matters

  • Exodus 4:31 clears up the idea that the Israelites were always doubtful or resistant; at this point, they responded with faith and hope when given a message of deliverance.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s involvement is personal and compassionate—He "looked upon their affliction," showing He is not distant from human suffering.
  • This moment sets the stage for the events that follow, as the Israelites’ belief and worship become the foundation for their journey out of Egypt and their relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“heads” Hebrew H6915 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 24:26 And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD.
  • Exodus 34:8 And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.
  • 1 Kings 1:31 Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.

“affliction” Hebrew H6040 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 16:11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
  • Nehemiah 9:9 And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea;
  • Psalms 107:10 Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;

“believed” Hebrew H539 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • 2 Kings 17:14 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.
  • Psalms 106:24 Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word: