The text piles one verb on another, using five verbs altogether (literally, were fruitful,
swarmed,
multiplied,
became strong,
and filled
). Nowhere else are all five verbs found in one place.1 In addition to the verbs, the text adds the superlative exceedingly
(literally, very,
a Hebrew construction that occurs only twelve times in the Old Testament).
The verbs also give a particular nuance to this growth. For example, the verb to swarm
is often used of small creatures that group together in large numbers, such as fish and insects (Genesis 1:20–21; Genesis 7:21; Genesis 8:17; Exodus 8:3; Leviticus 11:29).2 Grew exceedingly strong
indicates that Israel could now pose a threat to the Egyptian way of life (see Genesis 26:16; Exodus 1:9–10). All of these details paint a picture of immense and rapid growth. This growth had already begun when they arrived (Genesis 47:27) and has now come into full bloom.
7 But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.