Exodus 14:15
Exodus 14:15 in Multiple Translations
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to go forward.
¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:
And Jehovah said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.
And the Lord said to Moses, Why are you crying out to me? give the children of Israel the order to go forward.
The Lord told Moses, “Why are you crying out to me for help? Tell the Israelites to move forward.
And the Lord sayd vnto Moses, Wherefore cryest thou vnto me? speake vnto the children of Israel that they go forward:
And Jehovah saith unto Moses, 'What? thou criest unto Me — speak unto the sons of Israel, and they journey;
The LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Speak to the children of Israel, that they go forward.
And the LORD said to Moses, Why criest thou to me? Speak to the children of Israel, that they go forward:
And the Lord said to Moses: Why criest thou to me? Speak to the children of Israel to go forward.
Yahweh said to Moses/me, “Tell the people to stop crying out for me to help them, and tell them to go forward. Lift up your stick and stretch it out toward the sea. The water will divide, so that all you Israeli people can go in the middle of the sea, walking on dry ground.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 14:15
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 14:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
יְהוָה֙
אֶל
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
מַה
תִּצְעַ֖ק
אֵלָ֑/י
דַּבֵּ֥ר
אֶל
בְּנֵי
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
וְ/יִסָּֽעוּ
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
תִּצְעַ֖ק
tsâʻaq
H6817
to cry
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אֵלָ֑/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
דַּבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וְ/יִסָּֽעוּ
nâçaʻ
H5265
to set out
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 14:15
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
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.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תִּצְעַ֖ק
tsâʻaq
H6817
"to cry"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To cry or cry out is the meaning of this verb, often used to express distress or need, as seen in the Psalms where people cry out to God for help.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, cry for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cry, cry out (for help) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in distress or need) 1a3) to make outcry, clamour 1b) (Niphal) to be summoned 1c) (Piel) to cry aloud (in grief) 1d) (Hiphil) to call together
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, call together, cry (out), gather (selves) (together). See also: Genesis 4:10; 1 Samuel 13:4; Psalms 34:18.
אֵלָ֑/י
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.
דַּבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וְ/יִסָּֽעוּ
nâçaʻ
H5265
"to set out"
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3mp
In the Bible, this word means to set out or start a journey, like the Israelites departing from Egypt, or to remove something, as in pulling up tent pins.
Definition: 1) to pull out, pull up, set out, journey, remove, set forward, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pull out or up 1a2) to set out, depart 1a3) to journey, march 1a4) to set forth (of wind) 1b) (Niphal) to be pulled up, be removed, be plucked up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to set out, lead out, cause to spring up 1c2) to remove, quarry
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: cause to blow, bring, get, (make to) go (away, forth, forward, onward, out), (take) journey, march, remove, set aside (forward), [idiom] still, be on his (go their) way. See also: Genesis 11:2; Numbers 33:9; Psalms 78:26.
Study Notes — Exodus 14:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 14:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 14:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 14:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 14:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 14:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 14:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 14:15
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 14:15
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 14:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 14:15
- Sermons on Exodus 14:15
Context — Parting the Red Sea
13But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again.
14The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
15Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to go forward.
16And as for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. 17And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. Then I will gain honor by means of Pharaoh and all his army and chariots and horsemen.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 7:10 | But the LORD said to Joshua, “Stand up! Why have you fallen on your face? |
| 2 | Ezra 10:4–5 | Get up, for this matter is your responsibility, and we will support you. Be strong and take action!” So Ezra got up and made the leading priests, Levites, and all Israel take an oath to do what had been said. And they took the oath. |
| 3 | Nehemiah 9:9 | You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt; You heard their cry at the Red Sea. |
| 4 | Exodus 17:4 | Then Moses cried out to the LORD, “What should I do with these people? A little more and they will stone me!” |
Exodus 14:15 Summary
In Exodus 14:15, God tells Moses to stop praying and to tell the Israelites to move forward in faith. This means that God wants us to trust in His power and provision, even when things seem impossible, and to take action in faith. As it says in Joshua 1:9, we can be strong and courageous because God is with us, and as it says in Philippians 4:13, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. By trusting in God and taking action in faith, we can see His power and provision in our lives, just like the Israelites did when they crossed the Red Sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God tell Moses to stop crying out to Him in Exodus 14:15?
God told Moses to stop crying out to Him because He wanted Moses to trust in His power and provision, as seen in Exodus 14:13-14, where God promised to fight for the Israelites and accomplish their salvation.
What does it mean for the Israelites to 'go forward' in Exodus 14:15?
For the Israelites to 'go forward' means to move forward in faith, trusting in God's guidance and provision, even when the situation seems uncertain or impossible, as seen in Joshua 1:9, where God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous and to trust in His presence.
Is God rebuking Moses in Exodus 14:15?
While God's command to Moses may seem like a rebuke, it is actually an encouragement to trust in God's power and to take action in faith, as seen in Isaiah 41:10, where God promises to strengthen and help those who trust in Him.
How can we apply Exodus 14:15 to our own lives?
We can apply Exodus 14:15 to our own lives by trusting in God's power and provision, even when we face challenges or uncertainties, and by taking action in faith, as seen in Philippians 4:13, where Paul says that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and provision, and take action in faith?
- How can I balance crying out to God in prayer with taking action in faith, as seen in Exodus 14:15?
- What are some promises or commands from God that I can cling to when facing uncertainty or challenges, like the Israelites in Exodus 14?
- How can I encourage others to trust in God's power and provision, as Moses encouraged the Israelites in Exodus 14:13-14?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 14:15
And the Lord said unto Moses, wherefore criest thou unto me?.... The Targum of Jonathan is, "why standest thou and prayest before me?'' and no doubt this crying is to be understood of prayer, of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 14:15
And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: The Lord said ... When, in answer to his prayers, he received the divine command
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 14:15
Wherefore criest thou unto me, by fervent, though secret prayer? for which he doth not reprove him, but only bids him turn his prayer into action. Compare ,13.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 14:15
Exodus 14:15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:Ver. 15. Wherefore criest thou unto me?] so., With inward groanings, without any audible voice. Moses egit vocis silentio, ut corde clamaret. And God was readier to answer than he to ask. Speak unto the children of Israel,] q.d., There is something more to be done than to pray. Ora et labora. We must not only crave God’ s help, but be forward in the course whereby to make way for God’ s help. That they go forward.] Though upon a manifest danger. This is an act of strong faith, pure obedience. August.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 14:15
(15-18) Wherefore criest thou unto me?—Like the people (Exodus 14:10), Moses had cried to Jehovah, though he tells us of his cry only thus indirectly. God made answer that it was not a time to cry, but to act: “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward,” &c. The Israelites were to strike their tents at once, and prepare for a forward movement. Moses was to descend to the edge of the sea, with his rod in his hand, and to stretch it out over the sea, and then await the consequences, which would be a “division” of the waters—the sea-bed would for a certain space become dry, and Israel would be able to cross to the other side (Exodus 14:16); the Egyptians would follow, and then destruction would come upon them, and God would “get himself honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host” (Exodus 14:17-18). The exact mode of the destruction was not announced.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 14:15
Verse 15. Wherefore criest thou unto me?] We hear not one word of Moses' praying, and yet here the Lord asks him why he cries unto him? From which we may learn that the heart of Moses was deeply engaged with God, though it is probable he did not articulate one word; but the language of sighs, tears, and desires is equally intelligible to God with that of words. This consideration should be a strong encouragement to every feeble, discouraged mind: Thou canst not pray, but thou canst weep; if even tears are denied thee, (for there may be deep and genuine repentance, where the distress is so great as to stop up those channels of relief,) then thou canst sigh; and God, whose Spirit has thus convinced thee of sin, righteousness, and judgment, knows thy unutterable groanings, and reads the inexpressible wish of thy burdened soul, a wish of which himself is the author, and which he has breathed into thy heart with the purpose to satisfy it.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 14:15
15–18. (in the main P). The Israelites are commanded to advance through the sea, by a path to be opened for them through it: the Egyptians will enter in after them, to their destruction.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 14:15
Wherefore criest thou unto me? - Moses does not speak of his intercession, and we only know of it from this answer to his prayer.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 14:15
15. Wherefore (or what) criest thou unto me — No prayer is recorded, but this is the reply to the inward struggle — to the “groanings that cannot be uttered” — in which the soul of Moses then travailed with Israel’s birth.
Sermons on Exodus 14:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Prayer of Unbelief by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prayer of unbelief and how it can hinder our relationship with God. He starts by describing a scene where people are crying out and weepin |
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K-501 the Holocaust as Judgment (2 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the changing role of children in society and the impact of World War I. They emphasize the destructive nature of war and the failure of atte |
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Isaac Dug Again Wells by Vance Havner | Vance Havner emphasizes the importance of taking personal responsibility in re-opening the spiritual wells that have been filled by the Philistines, rather than waiting for divine |
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When Prayer Is Not the Duty by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes that while prayer is essential, it should not replace our active duty in serving others. He illustrates that there are moments when action is required instea |
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Faith for the Impossible by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of faith in overcoming seemingly impossible situations, using the story of Moses leading the Israelites through the Red Sea as a powerful |
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Exodus 14:15 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of genuine prayer over rote memorization, illustrating that true communication with God should come from the heart rather than mere repetition |
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The Burden of Sin Deplored by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches about the burden of sin, highlighting how both the worldly-minded and the formalist can be insensible to the evil of sin, despite outward expressions of repen |