Definition: And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, [was] with rigour.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 1:14. It's a really important passage about the Israelites' initial experience in Egypt. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God’s Command: God told Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into a land where they could live freely. Difficult Times: The Israelites were placed under a very difficult and harsh system – slavery with heavy labor, grueling work, and limited freedom. It felt like their lives were constantly being strained. Extreme Hardship: They were forced to work incredibly hard in the fields. This wasn't just any work; it was incredibly demanding. What the Verse Means - A Bit More Detailed: “And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, [was] with rigour.” “Hard bondage” : This means they were enslaved. They couldn’t leave easily or freely. “Morter, and in brick” : This refers to the type of construction used – mortar was a very coarse and difficult substance. It was hard to work with. “All manner of service in the field” : This means they were forced to do everything possible in the fields - planting, harvesting, tending animals, etc. It was exhausting work. “Was with rigour” : This is the key part. “Rigour” means hard, severe, or demanding. The verse emphasizes that this labor was incredibly tough and required a lot of effort and strength. Overall Meaning & Significance: The verse describes the initial period when the Israelites were living in captivity. It highlights the immense hardship they faced – being forced to work relentlessly and with great difficulty. It’s a stark reminder that God’s plan for them wasn't easy, but it was ultimately about setting them free. In short, this verse paints a picture of a very challenging time for the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of their faith and obedience in the face of adversity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Exodus 1? Discuss the significance of this verse within the larger story of the Exodus?