What Does Exodus 12:35 Mean in the King James?
And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The Hebrew verb holds the asking inside the departure, making release a transfer of what is requested.
THE MEANING
This passage opens your sense of release beyond mere escape: here, the people leave with silver, gold, and clothing. The Hebrew verb also means “ask,” and the next verse says the Egyptians give them what they ask for.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
The verse undoes the belief that leaving oppression means leaving empty-handed: here, the departure includes a transfer of goods.
THE ROOT
וַיִּשְׁאֲלוּ
wayyišʾălû
GROWS FROM
שׁאל
to ask or request; to seek something from another
The English “borrowed” names how the exchange reads in English; the Hebrew verb also keeps the asking in view. The next verse says the Egyptians give what is requested, so the root reveals the transfer as the answer to that request.
ALSO GROWS
sha'al: to ask or request
שָׁאַל
This verb is the root’s basic action, placing the request at the center of the exchange.
she'elah: a request or question
שְׁאֵלָה
This noun makes the root’s asking explicit: the goods move in response to something sought.
Sha'ul: Saul; the asked-for one
שָׁאוּל
The name comes from the same root, carrying the sense of one who is asked for or requested.
THE PATTERN
Release becomes tangible when what is requested moves from another’s hands into the hands of those departing.
But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.THE THREAD
But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.The same Hebrew verb שָׁאַל (sha’al; to ask or request) appears in both verses. Exodus 3:22 places the request in the word already given; Exodus 12:35 shows that request taking shape as the people leave with the goods.
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