Exodus 3:21-22
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While it seems straightforward, this verse promises more than just a grudging departure. God declares He will grant Israel "favor," suggesting the Egyptians won't just let them go, but will want to give them valuable things, essentially making the exodus a divinely orchestrated enrichment, not just an escape.
And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty, but each woman shall ask of her neighbor, and any woman who lives in her house, for silver and gold jewelry, and for clothing. You shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
God has just commissioned Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, even foretelling Pharaoh's resistance and the plagues that will follow. Now, God assures Moses that this difficult process will ultimately result in the Egyptians favoring the Israelites, so much so that they will willingly give them valuable possessions as they depart. This promise is a divine provision, ensuring Israel leaves not just in freedom but also with resources for their journey.
Imagine a situation where those who have oppressed you suddenly become willing to give you gifts. This isn't wishful thinking; it's God's promise to Israel.
God declares through Moses, 'I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians.' This isn't just a passive act; God actively works to change hearts and circumstances.
A Divine Shift
Before this, the Egyptians had oppressed Israel for generations. But God promises to shift their perspective. This favor wasn't earned by Israel; it was divinely orchestrated. It meant that the oppressors would willingly give the Israelites what they needed, even what they desired.
More Than Just Permission
This favor went beyond simply allowing them to leave. It set the stage for the Egyptians to actively contribute to Israel's departure, making it clear that this was God's doing, not just a consequence of Egypt's fear or weariness.
What does it mean to 'not go empty'? It's a powerful image of transition, moving from lack to abundance, not by their own might, but by divine provision.
The promise, '...when you go, you shall not go empty,' is profound. It signifies that Israel's departure wouldn't be a desperate flight but a divinely orchestrated provision.
Compensation and Provision
Commentaries suggest this 'spoiling of the Egyptians' was not theft but a form of compensation for centuries of forced labor and oppression. God, who owns all things, directed the transfer of wealth.
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A Symbol of Freedom
Leaving 'not empty' symbolized their transition from enslaved people to a people equipped for their journey and future. It was a tangible sign of God's deliverance, demonstrating that He provides for His people even from those who wronged them.
Understand the original words
chen · Hebrew Noun
In a biblical context, this refers to kindness, grace, or goodwill shown by one party to another, often implying an unmerited positive disposition that leads to beneficial action. It describes the divine influence on the hearts of others to act favorably toward God's people.
reqam · Hebrew Adjective/Adverb
To be without substance, resources, or purpose; in this context, it implies departing without the compensation or provisions expected after generations of forced labor.
sha'al · Hebrew Verb
The act of requesting, demanding, or asking for something. In a biblical context, it can denote petitioning God or, as here, the legal request for restitution or wages due.
natsal · Hebrew Verb
To spoil, despoil, or take booty; it refers to the act of stripping an enemy of their wealth, often as a judgment or as restitution for past oppression, demonstrating God's sovereign justice over the oppressor's resources.
c. 1550 BC
New Kingdom Period Begins
Following the expulsion of the Hyksos, Egypt entered the New Kingdom period, characterized by strong centralized rule and imperial expansion. This era saw a general Egyptian dominance over the Levant and a well-established presence of foreign labor, including Semitic peoples.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
The Exodus
According to a traditional chronology, the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt occurs during this period. This event marks the fulfillment of God's promise to deliver His people from bondage.
c. 1446 BC
Egyptians Give Valuables to Israelites
As the Israelites depart, God grants them favor in the eyes of the Egyptians, causing them to bestow gifts of silver, gold, and clothing. This enrichment compensates for centuries of forced labor and oppression.
c. 1446 BC
Israelites Depart Egypt
The Israelites leave Egypt, laden with riches, marking the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land after 430 years of sojourning and servitude.
This passage directly foreshadows the promise in Exodus 3:21, stating that Abraham's descendants would leave Egypt 'with many possessions,' which God fulfills by having the Egyptians give them wealth.
Exodus 12:35-36These verses describe the actual event of the Israelites leaving Egypt and taking silver, gold, and clothing from the Egyptians, directly fulfilling the promise made to Moses in Exodus 3:21.
Deuteronomy 8:17-18This passage serves as a reminder to the Israelites not to forget the Lord their God when they become prosperous, acknowledging that it was He who 'gave them power to get wealth' during the exodus from Egypt.
2 Corinthians 8:9While from a New Testament perspective, this verse speaks of Christ becoming poor so that we might become rich, mirroring the concept of God granting wealth to His people who were in a state of spiritual poverty or oppression.
gillExodus 3:21: "And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty:"
And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians,.... That is, give the Israelites favour in their sight, a little before their departure, who should be ready to do anything for them, or bestow anything upon them; or however lend them what they would desire, being glad to be at peace with them, or get rid of them, for whose sakes th…
calvinExodus 3:18-22: "And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God."
- And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The Lord God of the Hebrews hat…
While it seems straightforward, this verse promises more than just a grudging departure. God declares He will grant Israel "favor," suggesting the Egyptians won't just let them go, but will want to give them valuable things, essentially making the exodus a divinely orchestrated enrichment, not just an escape.
God has just commissioned Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, even foretelling Pharaoh's resistance and the plagues that will follow. Now, God assures Moses that this difficult process will ultimately result in the Egyptians favoring the Israelites, so much so that they will willingly give them valuable possessions as they depart. This promise is a divine provision, ensuring Israel leaves not just in freedom but also with resources for their journey.
God has just commissioned Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, even foretelling Pharaoh's resistance and the plagues that will follow. Now, God assures Moses that this difficult process will ultimately result in the Egyptians favoring the Israelites, so much so that they will willingly give them valuable possessions as they depart. This promise is a divine provision, ensuring Israel leaves not just in freedom but also with resources for their journey.
"And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty, but each woman shall ask of her neighbor, and any woman who lives in her house, for silver and gold jewelry, and for clothing. You sh…" — While it seems straightforward, this verse promises more than just a grudging departure. God declares He will grant Israel "favor," suggesting the Egyptians won't just let them go, but will want to…
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Last reviewed October 2026
