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Exodus 1:7 - Israel's miraculous population explosion?

Exodus 1:7 - שמות 1:7

Hebrew Text

וּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל פָּרוּ וַיִּשְׁרְצוּ וַיִּרְבּוּ וַיַּעַצְמוּ בִּמְאֹד מְאֹד וַתִּמָּלֵא הָאָרֶץ אֹתָם׃

English Translation

And the children of Yisra᾽el were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them.

Transliteration

Uvnei Yisrael paru vayishretzu vayirbu vaya'atzmu bim'od m'od vatimala ha'aretz otam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל פָּר֧וּ וַֽיִּשְׁרְצ֛וּ וַיִּרְבּ֥וּ וַיַּֽעַצְמ֖וּ בִּמְאֹ֣ד מְאֹ֑ד וַתִּמָּלֵ֥א הָאָ֖רֶץ אֹתָֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וּבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל פָּר֧וּ וַֽיִּשְׁרְצ֛וּ וַיִּרְבּ֥וּ וַיַּֽעַצְמ֖וּ בִּמְאֹ֣ד מְאֹ֑ד וַתִּמָּלֵ֥א הָאָ֖רֶץ אֹתָֽם׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Prolific Growth of Bnei Yisrael

The verse describes the extraordinary proliferation of Bnei Yisrael in Mitzrayim (Exodus 1:7), using five expressions of growth: paru (were fruitful), vayishretzu (increased abundantly), vayirbu (multiplied), vaya'atzmu (grew exceedingly mighty), and bim'od m'od (very, very much). Rashi explains that these terms emphasize both quantitative and qualitative growth—not only did their numbers increase, but they became physically strong and robust.

Midrashic Interpretations

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:7) elaborates that Bnei Yisrael bore six children at once, reflecting miraculous fertility. Additionally, the phrase vayishretzu (increased abundantly) is compared to fish (sheretz), symbolizing that just as fish multiply without the evil eye affecting them, so too did Bnei Yisrael thrive under divine protection despite Egyptian oppression.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:39) notes that this rapid growth was part of Hashem's plan to fulfill the covenant with Avraham (Genesis 15:5), ensuring that his descendants would become as numerous as the stars. The phrase vaya'atzmu (grew exceedingly mighty) indicates not just physical strength but also spiritual resilience, preparing them for eventual redemption.

Symbolism of "The Land Was Filled with Them"

The Sforno explains that vateimal ha'aretz otam (the land was filled with them) refers to their dispersion throughout Egypt, making their presence undeniable. This fulfilled Pharaoh's later fear (Exodus 1:9) that they would overpower Egypt—demonstrating how their divinely ordained growth defied natural limitations.

  • Quantitative Growth: Multiple terms emphasize the exponential increase in population.
  • Qualitative Strength: Vaya'atzmu highlights their physical and spiritual fortitude.
  • Divine Protection: The fish analogy underscores their supernatural resilience.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 11b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the Israelites' rapid multiplication in Egypt, illustrating how they fulfilled God's promise to Abraham about his descendants becoming numerous.
📖 Megillah 14a
Referenced in the context of discussing the fulfillment of divine promises and the miraculous growth of the Israelite population in Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 1:7 mean when it says the Israelites 'were fruitful and multiplied'?
A: This verse describes how the Jewish people grew rapidly in Egypt, fulfilling G-d's promise to Avraham (Abraham) that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5). Rashi explains that the multiple terms for growth ('fruitful,' 'increased abundantly,' 'multiplied') show they had many children who themselves had many children.
Q: Why is it important that the land was 'filled' with Israelites in Exodus 1:7?
A: The Torah emphasizes this to show how G-d's blessing of fertility was fulfilled, but also to set the stage for Pharaoh's later oppression. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:7) notes that the Egyptians became uncomfortable with the Israelites' rapid growth, which led to their enslavement.
Q: How does Exodus 1:7 connect to the Jewish people today?
A: This verse reminds us of Jewish resilience and growth despite hardships. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that remembering our ancestors' suffering in Egypt (as hinted here before the slavery begins) helps us appreciate freedom and trust in G-d's plan for our people.
Q: What can we learn from the repetitive language in Exodus 1:7 ('fruitful,' 'multiplied,' etc.)?
A: The Talmud (Chagigah 3b) teaches that Torah often uses multiple similar words to convey different aspects of growth: physical numbers, economic prosperity, and spiritual strength. Here it shows the Israelites thrived in every way before the slavery began.
Q: Why does the Torah mention the Israelites' growth right before the story of slavery?
A: Rashi explains this sequence teaches that the Egyptians turned against the Jews specifically because of their success—a recurring theme in Jewish history. The verse highlights G-d's blessing, making the coming oppression even more unjust according to Jewish tradition.