Bible Dictionary
Borrow
To borrow means to receive something for temporary use with an obligation to return it. In Exodus, however, the Israelites “borrowed” from the Egyptians in the sense of requesting or receiving valuables before leaving Egypt.
Definition
To borrow ordinarily means to receive something for temporary use with an obligation to return it. In the account of Israel’s departure from Egypt, however, the Hebrew word means to ask for or request valuables rather than to borrow them temporarily.
Biblical Usage
The Israelites asked the Egyptians for silver, gold, and clothing in accordance with divine command before leaving Egypt. The Egyptians gave them what they requested and urged them to depart, so the transaction was understood as final.
Historical Background
The supplied material distinguishes the Hebrew word used in Exodus from another word properly translated “borrow” in Deuteronomy and Psalms.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The Israelites “borrowed” from the Egyptians (Ex. 12:35, R.V., “asked”) in accordance with a divine command (3:22; 11:2). But the word (sha’al) so rendered here means simply and always to “request” or “demand.” The Hebrew had another word which is properly translated “borrow” in Deut. 28:12; Ps. 37:21. It was well known that the parting was final. The Egyptians were so anxious to get the Israelites away out of their land that “they let them have what they asked” (Ex. 12:36, R.V.), or literally “made them to ask,” urged them to take whatever they desired and depart. (See LOAN.)