וַיֵּ֨צְא֜וּ נֹגְשֵׂ֤י הָעָם֙ וְשֹׁ֣טְרָ֔יו וַיֹּאמְר֥וּ אֶל־הָעָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֑ר כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר פַּרְעֹ֔ה אֵינֶ֛נִּי נֹתֵ֥ן לָכֶ֖ם תֶּֽבֶן׃
Exodus 5:10 is a vivid example of hierarchical communication in ancient Hebrew narrative. The verse reports the Pharaoh’s command using a chain of reported speech introduced by כֹּה אָמַר, a classic declarative formula of royal or prophetic utterance. Additionally, the direct speech contains the emphatic negative אֵינֶנִּי נֹתֵן—a grammatically intensive construction which emphasizes the king’s absolute refusal to provide straw to the Israelites.
This article examines the narrative structure, the use of indirect speech markers, and the function of the compound negative clause to enforce dominance through syntax.
Literal Translation
“Then the taskmasters of the people and their officers went out and said to the people, saying, ‘Thus says Pharaoh: I am not giving you straw.’”
Word-by-Word Morphology
- וַיֵּ֨צְאוּ (vayyētsəʾū) –
Root: י־צ־א;
Form: wayyiqtol 3mp;
Translation: “And they went out” - נֹגְשֵׂי הָעָם (nōgəshê hāʿām) –
Root: נ־ג־שׂ;
Form: participle plural construct + definite noun;
Translation: “the taskmasters of the people” - וְשֹׁטְרָיו (wəšōṭərāv) –
Root: שׁ־ט־ר;
Form: noun plural with 3ms suffix;
Translation: “and his officers” - וַיֹּאמְרוּ (vayyōʾmərū) –
Root: א־מ־ר;
Form: wayyiqtol 3mp;
Translation: “and they said” - אֶל־הָעָם (ʾel-hāʿām) –
Root: א־ל;
Form: preposition + noun with article;
Translation: “to the people” - לֵאמֹר (lēʾmōr) –
Root: א־מ־ר;
Form: infinitive construct with לְ;
Translation: “saying”;
Notes: Introduces direct quotation or reported speech. - כֹּה אָמַר פַרְעֹה (koh ʾāmar Parʿōh) –
Root: כֹּה, א־מ־ר;
Form: adverb + perfect 3ms;
Translation: “Thus said Pharaoh” - אֵינֶנִּי (ʾēnennī) –
Root: א־י־ן;
Form: particle of negation + 1cs pronominal suffix;
Translation: “I am not”;
Notes: Compound negation construction—used for present-tense negation of participles. - נֹתֵן (nōtēn) –
Root: נ־ת־ן;
Form: Qal participle masculine singular;
Translation: “giving” - לָכֶם (lākhem) –
Root: ל־כ־ם;
Form: preposition + 2mp suffix;
Translation: “to you” - תֶּבֶן (teven) –
Root: – ;
Form: masculine singular noun;
Translation: “straw”
כֹּה אָמַר + Direct Speech: A Royal Formula
The phrase כֹּה אָמַר (“thus said”) is frequently used in royal proclamations and prophetic declarations. It introduces direct speech with authoritative tone. In this verse, Pharaoh adopts the same authoritative formula used elsewhere by prophets (cf. כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה)—but instead of offering justice, he delivers oppression. The syntax mirrors the divine mode but is subverted by tyrannical intent.
אֵינֶנִּי נֹתֵן: Present-Tense Refusal
Unlike the more common לֹא + verb, the construction אֵינֶנִּי + participle conveys a firm, present-tense negation. It stresses not just what Pharaoh will not do—but what he actively refuses to be doing:
- אֵינֶנִּי נֹתֵן – “I am not giving” (right now and going forward)
- אֵין מַיִם – “There is no water” (Genesis 26:32)
This makes the speech more dramatic, as Pharaoh positions himself as an immovable source of refusal.
Authority in Layers: Syntax of Subjugation
The narrative structure flows through three tiers of command:
| Speaker | Grammatical Structure | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Taskmasters and officers | וַיֹּאמְרוּ… לֵאמֹר | Deliver the command |
| Pharaoh (quoted) | כֹּה אָמַר | Royal proclamation |
| Pharaoh’s own voice | אֵינֶנִּי נֹתֵן | Immediate present refusal |
This layering creates a linguistic pyramid of power, reinforcing Pharaoh’s dominion and the helplessness of those beneath him.
The Refusal That Echoes
Pharaoh’s statement is simple: “I am not giving you straw.” But the grammar is weighted with imperial rhetoric. The participial negation אֵינֶנִּי נֹתֵן halts any plea for mercy. The formulaic כֹּה אָמַר reminds us that even tyranny wears the robes of order.
In Exodus 5:10, grammar becomes government. Refusal becomes law. And the voice of the oppressor echoes with chilling finality through the syntax itself.
