^{5 Ref} Pharaoh said, "Behold, the people of the land are now many, and you make them rest from their burdens."

^{6 Ref} The same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying,

^{7 Ref} "You shall no longer give the people straw to make brick, as before. Let them go and gather straw for themselves.

^{8 Ref} The number of the bricks, which they made before, you require from them. You shall not diminish anything of it, for they are idle; therefore they cry, saying, 'Let us go and sacrifice to our God.'

^{9 Ref} Let heavier work be laid on the men, that they may labor therein; and don't let them pay any attention to lying words."