And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text highlights not just God's favor towards the Israelites, but Moses' immense personal standing, emphasizing he was seen as "very great" by everyone, from Pharaoh's top officials to common Egyptians. This wasn't about Moses' ego, but about God using his established authority and the awe he commanded to ensure the Israelites' departure and their acquisition of riches without immediate Egyptian retaliation.
And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Moses announces one final, devastating plague upon Egypt—the death of every firstborn—God also orchestrates a unique act of divine favor. He causes the Egyptians to regard the Israelites with favor, leading them to lend precious items to the Israelites, and elevates Moses himself to a position of immense respect and influence among all Egyptians, from Pharaoh's servants to the common people. This sets the stage for Pharaoh's eventual, complete expulsion of the Israelites from Egypt, driven out by the Egyptians themselves.
Why did the Egyptians suddenly start to treat the Israelites so well? It wasn't luck or a change of heart on their part.
The text explicitly states, "And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians." This is a crucial point. God actively intervened to change the hearts and minds of the Egyptians.
Divine Favor:
The text highlights Moses' stature. What made him so significant, and how did this impact the situation?
The verse continues, "Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people." This wasn't about Moses' personal ego; it was a reflection of God's power working through him.
Moses' Esteem:
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
chen · Hebrew Noun
Grace or acceptance granted by others. Biblically, it often refers to God causing His people to be viewed with benevolence by those around them, even in hostile environments.
This verse highlights the incredible shift in perception: the enslaved Israelites, and particularly Moses, were suddenly viewed with favor and awe by their oppressors, a direct result of God's powerful intervention through the plagues.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
The Ten Plagues of Egypt
A series of devastating supernatural events inflicted upon Egypt by God to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery.
c. 1446 BC
Moses' Increased Authority
Through the plagues, Moses demonstrated extraordinary power, gaining significant influence and respect (or fear) among Egyptians and Pharaoh's court.
c. 1446 BC
Favor in Egyptian Eyes
As the plagues continued and the prospect of departure loomed, the Egyptians grew favorable towards the Israelites, even lending them valuable items.
c. 1446 BC
Pharaoh's Hardened Heart
Despite the devastation, Pharaoh repeatedly refused to let the Israelites go, with God also intervening to strengthen his resolve to display His power.
c. 1446 BC
Announcement of the Final Plague
God informs Moses of the impending tenth and final plague – the death of all firstborn in Egypt – and instructs the Israelites on the Passover.
This passage shows Jacob's understanding that God's favor is crucial for his sons' survival and acceptance in Egypt, mirroring how the Israelites' favor with the Egyptians in Exodus was a divine act.
Psalm 105:25This psalm explicitly states that the Lord turned the hearts of the Egyptians to hate His people, providing a theological counterpoint to Exodus 11:3, showing God's sovereign hand in both turning hearts *against* and *towards* Israel.
1 Samuel 2:7-8This passage speaks of God's power to bring down and to exalt, to make poor and to make rich, which underlies the divine authority that allowed God to manipulate the favor and standing of the Egyptians and Moses.
John 12:37-40This passage in John, which quotes Isaiah, explains Pharaoh's hardened heart as a divine allowance for judgment, paralleling the deeper theological reasons why the Egyptians and Pharaoh would not listen, despite Moses's great standing.
calvinExodus 11:1-10: "And the LORD said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether."
And the Lord said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.
Dixerat autem Jehova ad Mosen, Adhuc plagam unam adducam super P…
gillExodus 11:3: "And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants, and in the sight of the people."
And the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians,.... So that they freely and willingly lent them the things they asked of them; which seems to be said by way of anticipation, for this was not done until the following plague was inflicted, see Exodus 12:35 , moreover, the…
The text highlights not just God's favor towards the Israelites, but Moses' immense personal standing, emphasizing he was seen as "very great" by everyone, from Pharaoh's top officials to common Egyptians. This wasn't about Moses' ego, but about God using his established authority and the awe he commanded to ensure the Israelites' departure and their acquisition of riches without immediate Egyptian retaliation.
As Moses announces one final, devastating plague upon Egypt—the death of every firstborn—God also orchestrates a unique act of divine favor. He causes the Egyptians to regard the Israelites with favor, leading them to lend precious items to the Israelites, and elevates Moses himself to a position of immense respect and influence among all Egyptians, from Pharaoh's servants to the common people. This sets the stage for Pharaoh's eventual, complete expulsion of the Israelites from Egypt, driven out by the Egyptians themselves.
As Moses announces one final, devastating plague upon Egypt—the death of every firstborn—God also orchestrates a unique act of divine favor. He causes the Egyptians to regard the Israelites with favor, leading them to lend precious items to the Israelites, and elevates Moses himself to a position of immense respect and influence among all Egyptians, from Pharaoh's servants to the common people. This sets the stage for Pharaoh's eventual, complete expulsion of the Israelites from Egypt, driven out by the Egyptians themselves.
"And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people." — The text highlights not just God's favor towards the Israelites, but Moses' immense personal standing, emphasizing he was seen as "very great" by everyone, from Pharaoh's top officials to common Egyp…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026