Exodus 1:16
Exodus 1:16 in Multiple Translations
“When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them on the birthstools. If the child is a son, kill him; but if it is a daughter, let her live.”
And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.
and he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the birth-stool; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him; but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.
When you are looking after the Hebrew women in childbirth, if it is a son you are to put him to death; but if it is a daughter, she may go on living.
He told them, “When you assist the Hebrew women during childbirth, if you see it's a boy, kill him; but if it's a girl, let her live.”
And sayde, When ye doe the office of a midwife to the women of the Ebrewes, and see them on their stooles, if it be a sonne, then yee shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then let her liue.
and saith, 'When ye cause the Hebrew women to bear, and have looked on the children; if it [is] a son — then ye have put him to death; and if it [is] a daughter — then she hath lived.'
and he said, “When you perform the duty of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them on the birth stool, if it is a son, then you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.”
And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it shall be a son, then ye shall kill him; but if it shall be a daughter, then she shall live.
Commanding them: When you shall do the office of midwives to the Hebrew women, and the time of delivery is come: if it be a man child, kill it: if a woman, keep it alive.
“When you help the Hebrew women when they are giving birth [MTY], if the baby that is born is a boy, you must kill it. If the baby is a girl, you ◄may let it live/do not have to kill them►.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 1:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 1:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
בְּ/יַלֶּדְ/כֶן֙
אֶת
הָֽ/עִבְרִיּ֔וֹת
וּ/רְאִיתֶ֖ן
עַל
הָ/אָבְנָ֑יִם
אִם
בֵּ֥ן
הוּא֙
וַ/הֲמִתֶּ֣ן
אֹת֔/וֹ
וְ/אִם
בַּ֥ת
הִ֖יא
וָ/חָֽיָה
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/יַלֶּדְ/כֶן֙
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָֽ/עִבְרִיּ֔וֹת
ʻIbrîy
H5680
Hebrew
Art | Ngfpa
וּ/רְאִיתֶ֖ן
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-2fp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הָ/אָבְנָ֑יִם
ʼôben
H70
wheel
Art | N-md
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
בֵּ֥ן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
הוּא֙
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וַ/הֲמִתֶּ֣ן
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Hiphil-2fp
אֹת֔/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
בַּ֥ת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
הִ֖יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וָ/חָֽיָה
châyay
H2425
to live
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 1:16
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
בְּ/יַלֶּדְ/כֶן֙
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָֽ/עִבְרִיּ֔וֹת
ʻIbrîy
H5680
"Hebrew"
Art | Ngfpa
Ibriy refers to a Hebrew person, a descendant of Eber, and is first mentioned in Genesis 14:13. It describes the Israelites and their ancestors, including Abraham and his family.
Definition: Someone descended from Heber (H2268)(?), first mentioned at Gen.14.13 Also named: Hebraios (Ἑβραῖος "Hebrew" G1445) § Hebrew = "one from beyond" n pr 1) a designation of the patriarchs and the Israelites adj 2) a designation of the patriarchs and the Israelites
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Hebrew(-ess, woman). See also: Genesis 14:13; Exodus 9:1; Jeremiah 34:9.
וּ/רְאִיתֶ֖ן
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-2fp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/אָבְנָ֑יִם
ʼôben
H70
"wheel"
Art | N-md
The Hebrew word for a wheel or a stool, like a potter's wheel used to shape clay or a midwife's stool for childbirth. It appears in the Bible as a symbol of creation and new life. In the book of Jeremiah, a potter's wheel is used to illustrate God's power.
Definition: 1) wheel, disc 1a) potter's wheel 1b) bearing-stool, midwife's stool
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: wheel, stool. See also: Exodus 1:16; Jeremiah 18:3.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
בֵּ֥ן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
הוּא֙
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וַ/הֲמִתֶּ֣ן
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Hiphil-2fp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
אֹת֔/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
בַּ֥ת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
הִ֖יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וָ/חָֽיָה
châyay
H2425
"to live"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
This verb means to have life, to be alive, and to stay alive. It is used in the Bible to talk about living a long and healthy life, and is translated as 'to live' or 'to save life'.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiph) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: live, save life. See also: Genesis 3:22; Deuteronomy 19:4; Ezekiel 47:9.
Study Notes — Exodus 1:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 1:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 1:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 1:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 1:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 1:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 1:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 1:16
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 1:16
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 1:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 1:16
- Sermons on Exodus 1:16
Context — Oppression by a New King
14and made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar, and with all kinds of work in the fields. Every service they imposed was harsh.
15Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah,
16“When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them on the birthstools. If the child is a son, kill him; but if it is a daughter, let her live.”
17The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live. 18So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 1:22 | Then Pharaoh commanded all his people: “Every son born to the Hebrews you must throw into the Nile, but every daughter you may allow to live.” |
| 2 | Matthew 21:38 | But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and take his inheritance.’ |
| 3 | Revelation 12:4 | His tail swept a third of the stars from the sky, tossing them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, ready to devour her child as soon as she gave birth. |
Exodus 1:16 Summary
This verse is talking about a very sad and scary time in the Bible when the king of Egypt wanted to hurt the Hebrew people. He told the midwives to kill all the baby boys when they were born, but let the girls live. This was a very evil thing to do, and it shows how much the king hated the Hebrews. But even in the midst of all this evil, we see that God is still in control, as seen in Exodus 1:17 and Romans 8:28, where the midwives' fear of God and refusal to obey the king's command ultimately led to the preservation of the Hebrew people. We can learn from this verse that every human life is precious and valuable to God, and that He is always working to protect and deliver His people, as seen in Psalm 139:13-16 and Jeremiah 1:5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the king of Egypt want the Hebrew boys killed?
The king of Egypt wanted the Hebrew boys killed because he was afraid of the growing Hebrew population and saw them as a potential threat to his power, as seen in Exodus 1:9-10, where it is written that the Egyptians feared the Hebrews would join their enemies and fight against them, similar to the fears expressed in Genesis 15:13 and Acts 7:17-18.
What is the significance of the birthstools in this verse?
The birthstools in Exodus 1:16 refer to the seats or stools that the Hebrew midwives used to assist the women in childbirth, and the king's instruction to observe the babies on these stools was a way of ensuring that the midwives carried out his evil command, which is reminiscent of the way God instructed the Israelites to remember their deliverance from slavery in Exodus 13:3-10.
How does this verse relate to the value of human life?
This verse highlights the contrast between the value that God places on human life, as seen in verses like Psalm 139:13-16 and Jeremiah 1:5, and the disregard for human life shown by the king of Egypt, who saw the Hebrew babies as a threat to his power rather than as precious creations of God, a theme also explored in Genesis 9:6 and Luke 12:7.
What can we learn from the king's command to kill the Hebrew boys?
The king's command to kill the Hebrew boys serves as a reminder of the dangers of racism, prejudice, and the devaluation of human life, and it also highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and protection, as seen in Exodus 1:17 and Romans 8:28, where the midwives' fear of God and refusal to obey the king's command ultimately led to the preservation of the Hebrew people.
Reflection Questions
- How does this verse make you think about the value and sanctity of human life, and how can you apply this to your own life and interactions with others?
- In what ways do you see the king of Egypt's actions in this verse as a reflection of the spiritual battle between good and evil, and how can you pray against similar forces of darkness in your own life?
- How does the king's command to kill the Hebrew boys relate to the broader theme of God's protection and deliverance of His people, as seen in Exodus 1:1-22 and other parts of the Bible, such as Genesis 37:23-36 and Acts 7:9-10?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of obedience to God, even when it is difficult or goes against the commands of those in authority, as seen in Acts 5:29 and Daniel 3:16-18?
- How can you use this verse as a reminder to pray for and support those who are persecuted or marginalized, such as the Hebrews in this passage, and how can you be a voice for justice and righteousness in your own community?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 1:16
And he said, when ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women,.... Deliver them of their children: and see [them] upon the stools; seats for women in labour to sit upon, and so contrived, that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 1:16
And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 1:16
The stools; a seat used by women when ready to be delivered, conveniently framed for the midwife’ s better discharge of her office. Ye shall kill him, which it was not difficult for them to do without much observation. If it be a daughter, then she shall live; either, 1. Because he feared not them, but the males only; and some add, that he was advised by one of their magicians, that a male child should be born of the Israelites, who should be a dreadful scourge to the Egyptians. Or, 2. They reserved them for their lust, or for service, or for the increase of their people, and the raising of a fairer breed by them.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 1:16
Exodus 1:16 And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see [them] upon the stools; if it [be] a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it [be] a daughter, then she shall live.Ver. 16. Then ye shall kill him.] No greater argument of an ill cause than a bloody persecution. George Tankerfield, the martyr, was in King Edward’ s days a very Papist, till the time Queen Mary came in; and then, perceiving the great cruelty used on the Pope’ s side, was brought into a misdoubt of their doing, and began, as he said, in his heart to abhor them. So did Julius Palmer, a martyr in Queen Mary’ s days, who had been a stiff Papist all King Edward VI’ s days, and was therefore expelled out of Magdalen College, whereof he had been Fellow; till beholding the martyrdom of the three bishops burnt in Oxford, he said to his friends, "Oh, raging cruelty! Oh, tyranny tragical, and more than barbarous!" and so became a zealous Protestant. Act. and Mon., fol. 1535.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 1:16
(16) Upon the stools.—Literally, upon the two stones. It has been suggested that a seat corresponding to the modern hursee elwilâdeh is meant. This is a “chair of a peculiar form,” upon which in modern Egypt the woman is seated during parturition. (See Lane, Modern Egyptians, vol. iii. p. 142.) But it does not appear that this seat is composed of “two stones;” nor is there any distinct evidence of its employment at the time of child-birth in Ancient Egypt. The emendation of Hirsch—banim for âbnaim, is very tempting. This will give the sense, “When ye look upon the children.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 1:16
Verse 16. Upon the stools] על האבנים al haobnayim. This is a difficult word, and occurs nowhere else in the Hebrew Bible but in Jeremiah 18:3, where we translate it the potter's wheels. As אכי signifies a stone, the obnayim has been supposed to signify a stone trough, in which they received and washed the infant as soon as born. Jarchi, in his book of Hebrew roots, gives a very different interpretation of it; he derives it from בן ben, a son, or בנים banim, children; his words must not be literally translated, but this is the sense: "When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and ye see that the birth is broken forth, if it be a son, then ye shall kill him." Jonathan ben Uzziel gives us a curious reason for the command given by Pharaoh to the Egyptian women: "Pharaoh slept, and saw in his sleep a balance, and behold the whole land of Egypt stood in one scale, and a lamb in the other; and the scale in which the lamb was outweighed that in which was the land of Egypt. Immediately he sent and called all the chief magicians, and told them his dream. And Janes and Jimbres, (see 2 Timothy 3:8). who were chief of the magicians, opened their mouths and said to Pharaoh, 'A child is shortly to be born in the congregation of the Israelites, whose hand shall destroy the whole land of Egypt.' Therefore Pharaoh spake to the midwives, &c."
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 1:16
16. upon the two stones] This is the lit. rend. of the Heb.: the same word is used of the two circular stones, fixed horizontally on a vertical axle, to form the potter’s ‘wheel’ (see ill. in EB. iii. 3820). The allusion is in all probability to the two stones upon which the Hebrew women, in accordance with a custom attested for other nations, either knelt or sat at the time of their delivery: Ploss, Das Weib in der Natur u. Völkerkunde, 1887, ii. 174 f., 177 f., Schapiro, Revue des Études Juives, xl. (1900), p. 45 f. Spiegelberg (Aeg. Randglossen zum AT., 1904, p. 19 ff.) cites from old Egyptian and Coptic texts the expressions, to sit on the brick, and (once) on the two bricks, in the same connexion.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 1:16
Upon the stools - Literally, “two stones.” The word denotes a special seat, such as is represented on monuments of the 18th Dynasty, and is still used by Egyptian midwives.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 1:16
15, 16. A second and far more cruel edict now went forth. Herodotus shows (vol.
Sermons on Exodus 1:16
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(Exodus) Exodus 1:9-16 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt as described in the book of Exodus. The speaker highlights the accuracy of the biblical acco |
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God Is Dependent on Broken Men for His Work on Earth by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes that God relies on broken individuals to fulfill His purposes on Earth, using the life of Moses as a prime example. He illustrates how Moses' early life in Ph |
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(Faith Community Chapel) Remain Steadfast by Terrill Yoder | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of building our lives on the teachings of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that it is not enough to simply hear the words of Jesus |
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The Existing Anarchy by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan addresses the theme of existing anarchy as seen through the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing the contrast between the Kingdom of God and the false ideals, rules, |
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A Peculiar People by J.C. Philpot | In this sermon on Inheritance, the preacher delves into the concept of kleronomia, which refers to the portion or heritage one receives by lot or special gift. While it can pertain |
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Angels by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the origin of sin and the role of the devil in tempting humanity. The devil's pride led to his expulsion from heaven, and he saw an opportuni |
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Falling Stars - a Message for Preachers by Erlo Stegen | This sermon reflects on the encounter of the two disciples with the Lord Jesus on the road to Emmaus, drawing parallels between the approaching darkness in the world and the need f |