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.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 1:17
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Exodus 1:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 1:17
Study Notes — Exodus 1:17
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 1:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 1:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 1:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 1:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 1:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 1:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 1:17
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 1:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 1:17
- Sermons on Exodus 1:17
Context — Oppression by a New King
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?” 19The midwives answered Pharaoh, “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before a midwife arrives.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (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
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my fear of God in my daily life, like the midwives in Exodus 1:17?
- How can I balance my obedience to authority with my obedience to God, as seen in Acts 5:29 and Exodus 1:17?
- 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?
- 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 1:17
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 1:17
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 1:17
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 1:17
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 1:17
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 1:17
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 1:17
Sermons on Exodus 1:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(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 |
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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 |
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(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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |





