Sentence:  Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to <WSD>afflict</WSD> them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they <WSD>afflicted</WSD> them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  To cause (someone) pain, suffering or distress.