13 The clause is a rhetorical question. Pharaoh is not asking them why they do this, but rather is accusing them of doing it. He suspects their request is an attempt to get people time away from their labor. In Pharaoh’s opinion, Moses and Aaron were “removing the restraint” (פָּרַע, para’) of the people in an effort to give them rest. Ironically, under the Law the people would be expected to cease their labor when they went to appear before God. He would give them the rest that Pharaoh refused to give. It should be noted also that it was not Israel who doubted that Yahweh had sent Moses, as Moses had feared—but rather Pharaoh.

In other versions

But the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you take the people away from their work? Get back to your burdens.”

But the king of Egypt said, “Moses and Aaron, why are you taking the people away from their labor? Get back to your work!”

The king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why are you causing the people to neglect their work? Get to your labor!”

Pharaoh replied, “Moses and Aaron, why are you distracting the people from their tasks? Get back to work!

And the king of Egypt said, “Why, Moses and Aaron, do you take the people from their work? Go to your forced labor!”

And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.

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