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Exodus 1:17

Exodus 1:17 in Multiple Translations

The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live.

But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.

But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men-children alive.

But the women had the fear of God, and did not do as the king of Egypt said, but let the male children go on living.

But because the midwives revered God, they didn't do what the king of Egypt had ordered. They let the boys live as well.

Notwithstanding ye midwiues feared God, and did not as the King of Egypt commanded them, but preserued aliue the men children.

And the midwives fear God, and have not done as the king of Egypt hath spoken unto them, and keep the lads alive;

But the midwives feared God, and didn’t do what the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the baby boys alive.

But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male-children alive.

But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded, but saved the men children.

But the midwives feared/revered God. So they did not do what the king told them to do. They allowed the baby boys to live.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 1:17

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 1:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/תִּירֶ֤אןָ הַֽ/מְיַלְּדֹת֙ אֶת הָ֣/אֱלֹהִ֔ים וְ/לֹ֣א עָשׂ֔וּ כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר דִּבֶּ֥ר אֲלֵי/הֶ֖ן מֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרָ֑יִם וַ/תְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ אֶת הַ/יְלָדִֽים
וַ/תִּירֶ֤אןָ yârêʼ H3372 to fear Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
הַֽ/מְיַלְּדֹת֙ yâlad H3205 to beget Art | V-Piel
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הָ֣/אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp
וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
עָשׂ֔וּ ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-3cp
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel
דִּבֶּ֥ר dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אֲלֵי/הֶ֖ן ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
מֶ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms
מִצְרָ֑יִם Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt N-proper
וַ/תְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ châyâh H2421 to live Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/יְלָדִֽים yeled H3206 youth Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 1:17

וַ/תִּירֶ֤אןָ yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
הַֽ/מְיַלְּדֹת֙ yâlad H3205 "to beget" Art | V-Piel
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.
הָ֣/אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
עָשׂ֔וּ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
דִּבֶּ֥ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֲלֵי/הֶ֖ן ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מֶ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
מִצְרָ֑יִם Mitsrayim H4714 "Egypt" N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
וַ/תְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ châyâh H2421 "to live" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fp
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
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) (Hiphil) 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 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
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.
הַ/יְלָדִֽים yeled H3206 "youth" Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a young person, like a child or teenager, such as the youth who helped David in 1 Samuel 20:1. It can also mean offspring or descendants, like the children of Israel in Exodus 12:37.
Definition: 1) child, son, boy, offspring, youth 1a) child, son, boy 1b) child, children 1c) descendants 1d) youth 1e) apostate Israelites (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one). See also: Genesis 4:23; 1 Kings 12:10; Isaiah 2:6.

Study Notes — Exodus 1:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Acts 5:29 But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.
2 Exodus 1:21 And because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own.
3 Matthew 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
4 Luke 12:5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!
5 Ecclesiastes 12:13 When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.
6 Daniel 6:13 Then they told the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, shows no regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed. He still makes his petition three times a day.”
7 Acts 4:18–20 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
8 Proverbs 16:6 By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.
9 Daniel 3:16–18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.”
10 Ecclesiastes 8:12 Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives long, yet I also know that it will go well with those who fear God, who are reverent in His presence.

Exodus 1:17 Summary

The midwives in Exodus 1:17 showed great bravery and faith by disobeying the king's orders to kill the baby boys. They feared God more than the king, which gave them the courage to do what was right. This verse teaches us that we should prioritize our relationship with God and make choices that please Him, even if it's hard (as seen in Matthew 22:37-38 and Psalm 119:10). By trusting and obeying God, we can demonstrate our love for Him and live a life that honors Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

What motivated the midwives to disobey the king's orders in Exodus 1:17?

The midwives feared God, which motivated them to disobey the king's orders, as seen in Exodus 1:17, and this fear of God is a theme throughout the Bible, such as in Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 111:10.

How did the midwives' actions in Exodus 1:17 demonstrate their faith?

The midwives' actions demonstrated their faith by choosing to obey God rather than the king, which is a principle seen in Acts 5:29, where the apostles said, 'We must obey God rather than human beings.'

What can we learn from the midwives' bravery in Exodus 1:17?

We can learn that standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity, is a key aspect of following God, as seen in Daniel 3:16-18, where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship the king's idol.

How does Exodus 1:17 relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty?

Exodus 1:17 shows how God can use ordinary people to accomplish His plans, despite the opposition of powerful leaders, which is a theme seen throughout the Bible, such as in Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can demonstrate my fear of God in my daily life, like the midwives in Exodus 1:17?
  2. How can I balance my obedience to authority with my obedience to God, as seen in Acts 5:29 and Exodus 1:17?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God and stand up for what is right, even if it's difficult?
  4. How can I learn to prioritize my relationship with God, like the midwives did, and make choices that please Him?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 1:17

But the midwives feared God,.... And therefore durst not take away the life of an human creature, which was contrary to the express law of God, Genesis 9:6: and did not as the king of Egypt commanded

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 1:17

But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 1:17

1635 They feared God more than the king, and therefore chose to obey God rather than the king, their commands being contrary each to other.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 1:17

Exodus 1:17 But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.Ver. 17. And did not as the king, &c.] Wherein they did no more, though out of a better principle, than nature itself dictateth. Antigona saith thus in Sophocles, Magis obtemperandum est Diis apud quos diutius manendum erit, quam hominibus quibuscum admodum brevi tempore vivendum est. "We must rather obey God than men."

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 1:17

(17) The midwives feared God.—The midwives, whether Hebrews or Egyptians, believed in a God who would punish wrong-doing, and therefore resolved not to obey the Pharaoh.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 1:17

Verse 17. The midwives feared God] Because they knew that God had forbidden murder of every kind; for though the law was not yet given, Exodus 20:13, being Hebrews they must have known that God had from the beginning declared, Whosoever sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed, Genesis 9:6. Therefore they saved the male children of all to whose assistance they were called. See Clarke on Exodus 1:19.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 1:17

17. The midwives feared God; and would not be parties to such inhumanity.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 1:17

17-19. But the midwives feared — Feared the (one only) God rather than Pharaoh, and would not execute his murderous mandate.

Sermons on Exodus 1:17

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 1:17-22 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the birth of Moses and how God raised him up to deliver the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage. The preacher emphasizes that the book o
Oswald J. Smith The Calling of God by Oswald J. Smith In this sermon, the speaker tells a parable about a master who returns to his estate and rewards his servants based on their faithfulness and diligence. The master is pleased with
J. Edwin Orr (First Baptist Church) #4 - the Welsh Revival of 1904-05 by J. Edwin Orr In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the impact of a revival on the community and the role of the police during this time. The speaker shares that before the revival, t
Paul Washer Obedience - the Pathway to Blessing by Paul Washer In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and living by the Word of God. He highlights the need for individuals and families to recognize their own shortcomi
Paul Washer Family Series Part 1 (Adolescence and Obedience) by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living in obedience to God and following His word. He highlights the tendency for people to prioritize trivial matters ove
Major Ian Thomas Major Ian Thomas - Part 2 by Major Ian Thomas In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He highlights how the early church was transformed by their rediscovery of a
Major Ian Thomas Saving Life of Christ - Part 2 by Major Ian Thomas In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of faith fading into mere form and how the church has lost touch with the true essence of Christianity. He emphasizes that history

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